The Refuge by Regal Walker

Inspirational Historical Romance
THE REFUGE
Regan Walker
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD
Scotland 1072

Walker creates an enthralling story-line, opening with a vicious attack that will make you as upset as the main character. Written in the third person head-hopping omniscient point of view, you will laugh, cry, be shocked, nervous and annoyed. The author throws in many terms that would be used at that time in Scotland, but describes everything well enough so you dont get lost. With many characters and lots of travel happening, make sure to read the 'Author's Note' and 'Characters of Note' at the beginning as well as look over the map given to keep everything straight in your mind. Recommended for lovers of historical romance as well as those of travel and war. Discretion should be taken due to implied intimacy scenes as well as descriptive violent battles.

SUMMARY: Catríona of the Vale of Leven has arrived at the King of Scotland's court with her cousin to be the Queen's ladies. She spent the last year in Atholl with her uncle after seeing the brutal murders of her father and everyone at the Vale of Leven. Steiner of Talisand, who also has sought refuge in the King's court, had been injured and is now the King's scribe and is trying to build his body back up to be a warrior. Catríona reminds Steiner of the sister he left behind. He loves everything about her, the way she questions everything and has an opinion. Could she ever be matched to a lowly scribe? Will she have a choice once the King makes up his mind for a match for the Queen's ladies? (REGAN WALKER, Nov. 2016, 286 pp, $14.99)

Reviewed for RT Book Reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0996849586

The Angel if Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall

THE ANGEL OF FOREST HILL
Cindy Woodsmall
4 stars

Another great Old-Order Amish read by Cindy Woodsmall. If you are looking for a quick afternoon read, this is the one to choose. Written in the third person omniscient point of view, we encounter grief from tragedy, overcoming past hurts and hangups,  forgiveness, God's grace, love, friendship, and more. Makes you reflect on how you speak and act toward others and how hurtful and lasting your words can be. Recommended for all.

SUMMARY: Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to help Joel Dienner in a far away district with his children wile his wife is ill. After traveling all day, Rose enters to find tragedy, a dazed Joel, and a starving newborn. Joel and Rose marry in a whirlwind to give the kids a stable household. As time goes by, will they learn to love each other or will they let past events interfere?

(Waterbrook, October 2016, 208 pages, $14.99, PB, ISBN: 978-1601427052)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore

In Long Beach, CA, a Homicide Detective and a Private Investigator join together to solve recent murders that seem to be connected to a triple homicide that occurred 27 years prior. 

Abby Hart was supposed to die in the fire 27 years ago, with her parents and Luke Murphy's uncle, who was the cook at Abby's parents restaurant, The Triple Seven. This was a great first book in Janice Cantore's Cold Case Justice series. We are left with just enough questions o make the reader want to get the next book to see what happens. Christian approved. 4 out of 5 stars

31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane (Review)

"Do you know what you call those who use towels and never wash them, eat meals and never do the dishes, sit in rooms and never clean them and are entertained til they drop? If you just answered, "A house guest," you're wrong because I just described my kids." - Erma Bumbeck

Many of you will recognize the verse from Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My hhelp comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Arlene reminds us on Day 15 that when we have problems we need to turn to the Lord and not to google, as the verse does not say I lift up my eyes to my smartphone - where does my help come from? My help come from Google, the holder of all information.

This book has scripture verses each day for 31 days with advice on how to make your life a bit easier while raising your children and also how to incorporate God into your everyday lives. Arlene Pellicane has advice for single and married moms with children of all ages.

This is a well written book with proven advice that you can tell Arlene Pellicane has actually done herself to make life easier. She quotes other mothers as examples of what she is discussing each day. This book is well written and flows nicely from one day to the next. You can either read this book one day at a time like a devotional or you can keep reading like a regular book.

I highly recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars.

From the back of the book:

Mom, do you feel like you're running in ten different directions but getting nowhere? Are your kids driving you crazy? Does each day feel like a battle over screen time, homework, and eating anything besides chicken nuggets?

In 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom, Arlene Pellicane helps you get a grip and find your smile again. In her easy-to-read-and-apply guide, you will discover the keys to being a happy mom. Packed with encouragement, funny stories, and wisdom from experienced mothers, this book will change your home for the better...beginning with you.

As with Arlene's other extremely popular "31 Days" books, this one is divided into 31 daily readings, each beginning with a Scripture passage and ending with a doable action step and prayer.

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore (Review)

A wonderful 5 out of 5 star book.

Usually I stick to Christian fiction romance but decided to branch out a bit and see if anything came up when searching for Chriatian fantasy. I love science fiction fantasy and had read all the Harry Potter books before I became a Christian.

I came across Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittmore and figured on giving it a try.

This book gives an amazing look at what could be behind the veil, just out of our sight, of angels and demons and what they see the world as. Ms. Dittmore portrays an amazing story of how a high school student, Brielle Matthews, comes to the Lord and falls in love with an angels charge, Jake Shield, and how they overcome darkness together, despite everything that stands in their way.

Book rear cover information: 

Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive. 

Check out Angel Eyes

Once Upon an Ever After by Angela Blount (Review)

Another 5 out of 5 star book by Angela Blount.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is truly amazing, especially after reading the first book. This is a continuation of Once Upon a Road Trip. 

Our main character, Angie, previously went on a road trip by herself, met numerous people she was friends with in an online writing community. On her road trip she ends up in a long distance relationship, with ups and downs occurring. Vince is truly an amazing guy, but has a moment of weakness and tries to change the status of their relationship based on peer pressure. Angie and Vince overcome great odds; making a long distance relationship work especially at such a young age and marrying despite what everyone must think and then moving clear across the country, away from everything she knows to be with the guy she loves.

This book was an amazing love story based on God's principles. I would highly recommend this book to all my friends.

Thank you Angela for sharing your story with the world. I can not wait to see what she may have in store for us next. 

Check out Once Upon an Ever After

Once Upon a Road Trip by Angela Blount (Review)

WOW! Excellent coming of age novel. Can't wait to read the next one. This book gets 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. When I first received the request to review this book, I was hesitant as I do not usually read memoirs. I am extremely glad I took a chance and decided to review this book. First off, it is on the long side but by the end I was sad there wasn't more. 

Very descriptive characters without being told. Very clear settings and scenes. Love the journal entries throughout and the part quotes.

Angie plans to go on a road trip to find herself after she graduates from high school. She is 18 and is a part of an online writing club where she has gotten to know other writers. She plans to stay with some of these people on her road trip from Minnesota all through the east coast and Canada. She has a clear love of God and discusses it when asked but does not force it on people. She lives for God and sticks by his standards regardless of the situation. She has her ups and downs and is made stronger from it. She is true to herself and tries to get others to be true to who they really are. 

Along the way we meet people like Scott, Kal, Vincent, their friends, and others. I fell in love with Angie's journey and felt her emotions. I could not put this book down and stayed up late a bunch of nights to find out what happened next. Our author has an amazing talent for bringing everything to life on the page. I can't wait to see what is in store for Angie and Vince next. 

I will recommend this book to all my friends, young and old. This was truly an amazing read. Check it out. Once Upon a Road Trip