The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck

by Bethany Turner

Description

Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that's obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she's made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she's chosen. She's still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she's not sure she can write anymore. She's beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a "scandalous" book. And the fact that she's falling in love with her pastor doesn't make things any easier.

With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.

Biography

Bethany Turner is the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former VP/operations manager of a commercial bank and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned thirty-five), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she's chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. For more, visit www.seebethanywrite.com and www.facebook.com/seebethanywrite.

My Perspective ~

Surprisingly witty and humorous, but open to some steam in the romance department. I thoroughly enjoyed this page turning adventure where a non-Christian suddenly discovers faith, and embraces it in every way. Told in the first person, Sarah truly reveals her deepest thoughts and desires, and lays them out in a truthful and amusing manner. I loved the fact that I could just relax with this book and relate to her life stories. Great story of love and new found faith.

Church Ladies' Quilts

(East Perry County)

by Ann Hazelwood

Description

For generations, ladies have gathered at churches to quilt, as they bring income to their treasury. In Church Ladies Quilts, the fifth and final novel in the East Perry County series, Kate Meyr's love for quilts convince her to join the quilters at Concordia Lutheran church in Borna. The ritual of their practices amuse Kate as she listens to the diverse personalities. It doesn't take long after Kate joins them that a mystery surfaces of a missing quilt. The Pastor, who is dearly admired by the ladies, tries to keep the story quiet for the church's reputation. In the meantime, Kate's friendship with Clark is turned upside down and anew relationship appears with a red Jeep. Kate's research on Josephine is enhanced by discovering who has been putting yellow roses on her grave.

Author Biography:

Ann Hazelwood is a former shop owner and native of St. Charles Missouri. She's always adored quilting and is a certified quilt appraiser. She's the author of the wildly successful Colebridge Community Series and considers writing one of her greatest passions. Other Books: Colebridge Community series - The Basement Quilt, The Potting Shed Quilt, The Funeral Parlor Quilt, The Jane Austen Quilt Club, The Ghostly Quilts on Main, Quilted Lilies, A Colebridge Quilted Christmas

My Perspective ~

Church Ladies' Quilts is a light and easy read, great for a weekend or possibly for the beach. Written in the first person point of view, at times I became bored with the main character. Her life revolves around food, family, friends and three different gentlemen. A well-to-do woman, everything comes easy for Kate, and I found her to be a bit irritating. Interesting relationships are well told, but my boredom came into play with the descriptions of every meal and the character's penchant with Merry Merlot. There is a lot of repetition throughout the book.  

Descriptive and well developed characters come into play, and there are numerous subplots throughout this story. Some additional editing would be helpful as I discovered numerous errors throughout my reading. The depth of story was somewhat shallow for me, but I enjoyed Kate's varied activities. A ghost or "spirit" and a stolen quilt added a bit of mystery. As a light read I did enjoy the book for the most part.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift, and there were no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

Plain Everyday Heroes

(3 Inspirational Novellas)

by

Laura V. Hilton,

Rachel J. Good,

Thomas Nye

Description

They come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Sometimes they're larger-than-life wonders who do grandiose things, but more often than not, they're ordinary people who do something that feels extraordinary to the person they help. They're just "Everyday Heroes."

Playing with Fire by Laura V. Hilton

After a devastating fire, Noah Behr's faith is buried in rubble, but time spent searching for God and the love of Arie Zimmerman might just bring the healing his heart and soul needs.

An Unlikely Hero by Rachel J. Good

When a stranger arrives and arouses Benuel Miller's suspicions, the blind shopkeeper doesn't let his guard down for a minute... until Mari enters the picture. Something sinister simmers under the surface, and Benuel risks his life and hope of love to discover the truth about the stranger.

Racing the Slow Girls by Thomas Nye

Daniel Shetler just wanted fun with his friends, but when Miriam Hostetler and her friends get in the way, a not-so-friendly rivalry begins. Things change when Miriam's little sister goes missing, he finds himself drawn to her and her family.

My Perspective ~

Playing with Fire by Laura V. Hilton

Ms. Hilton has a talent for bringing a couple close, through a kindling romance that develops into a blazing inferno of attraction. Her characters are believable and likable. This sweet romance contains a journey toward redemption to top it all off. I thoroughly enjoyed Playing With Fire!

An Unlikely Hero by Rachel J. Good

A complicated mystery links Benuel and Mari in a most unusual manner. A lot transpires in this brief tale, quite impracticable, but fast paced and exciting. Entertaining, if unbelievable.

Racing the Slow Girls by Thomas Nye

Mr. Nye has a talent for descriptive pictorial imaging. His writing is prose. The tale of Daniel and his friends, and the story of a little girl and her pony are sweet and detailed. I enjoyed this story of friendship and acceptance. 


Disclaimer: 
I received a gift copy of this book, and was not required to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.