Christian Book Reviews » Fiction http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews Book Reviews With a Purpose Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:24:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/her-daughters-dream-by-francine-rivers/ http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/her-daughters-dream-by-francine-rivers/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:52 +0000 Lori http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/?p=3061 Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers

  • Author: Francine Rivers
  • Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (2010)
  • Category:Fiction
    Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


    • Her Daughter’s Dream is the second in an epic two-book saga by author Francine Rivers. This emotional story explores the untold sorrows that can rip a family apart and about the grace and forgiveness that is available. Her Daughter’s Dream is the second of two historical novels in the Marta’s Legacy series, the first book was Her Mother’s Hope.

    Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.

    College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.

    While Carolyn was trying to get back on her feet, May Flower Dawn forms a strong attachment to Hildie. All Marta can do is step back and witness the mistakes she made being repeated through her own daughter Carolyn. As May Flower Dawn grows into adulthood she makes her own mistakes, but with maturity and her growth in Christ she vows to not repeat the same mistakes that were made by her grandmother and her own mother. May Flower Dawn also works hard to see if there is any chance of bridging the gap between the two women.

    Covering the 1950′s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the the final chapter of emotional pain and healing in Marta’s family. Every woman will see themselves in at least one character throughout the book. I found myself stepping back and wondering what mistakes I am making with my own kids. But also thankful for the women in my family who have come before me and made me who I am today.

    I had to have my tissue box handy by page 94 and some times I had to step away from the book because I felt the characters so deeply. Francie Rivers is an author like no other. I think every mother, grandmother, and daughter should read this two-book saga by author Francine Rivers, you will appreciate your heritage and appreciate the sacrifices women made who came before you.

    Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers can be purchased here.

    About:

    Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market and her books were awarded or nominated for numerous awards and prizes. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books, and then re-released by Multnomah Publishers in the mid- 1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling titles and it has held a spot on the Christian bestseller list for nearly a decade.

    FTC Disclosure: Special thanks to Mavis Sanders of Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a review copy of Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers.

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    © Thank you so much for visiting me at Lori's Book Reviews. You can also find me on Facebook under Lori Kasbeer.


    ]]> http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/her-daughters-dream-by-francine-rivers/feed/ 0 Masquerade by Nancy Moser http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/masquerade-by-nancy-moser/ http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/masquerade-by-nancy-moser/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:09:48 +0000 Lori http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/?p=2977 Masquerade by Nancy Moser


  • Author: Nancy Moser
  • Publisher: Bethany House (August 1, 2010)
  • Category:Fiction, Romance
    Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars



    • It has been said, “you can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” This was true for Charlotte and Dora.

    The setting is 1885 in New York city. Charlotte Gleason, wealthy English heiress, and Dora Connors, her maid, are heading to America so Charlotte can marry a wealthy heir. At the last minute Charlotte and Dora decide to switch places upon their arrival in America. Dora was nervous but thrilled to “become” Charlotte and marry Conrad Tremaine. Unfortunately Charlotte, whose idea they switch, ends up in America robbed of all her possessions and alone on the streets of New York city. Both girls find it difficult to keep up this masquerade.

    Through twist and turns each woman learns tricks in survival. Dora lives on edge worried about fitting into the social elite and Charlotte wants to call this whole deal off and inform Mr. Tremaine what has happened. Through this whole process they find out more about themselves, about life, and about trusting God in all circumstances. Often God has to remove what is familiar to show us more about ourselves and what will make us truly happy.

    I have enjoyed Moser’s books in the past and this book was not a disappointment! It took me about fifty pages to become engaged, but once I did I could not put it down. It is a relatively predictable story line but I found there were unexpected twists and turns in Charlotte and Dora’s lives. Often times we think we have figured out God’s purpose for our lives, instead He leads us out of our comfort zone to find his purpose waiting for us there. Masquerade by Nancy Moser was an enjoyable read.

    Other books I have reviewed by Nancy Moser:

    Washington’s Lady
    Solemnly Swear

    About:

    Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane(Jane Austen) and Washington’s Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at www.nancymoser.com and www.sistercircles.com.

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    © Thank you so much for visiting me at Lori's Book Reviews. You can also find me on Facebook under Lori Kasbeer.


    ]]> http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/masquerade-by-nancy-moser/feed/ 2 The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/the-crimson-cipher-by-susan-page-davis/ http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/the-crimson-cipher-by-susan-page-davis/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:43:47 +0000 Lori http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/?p=3048

    This week, the

    Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

    is introducing

    The Crimson CipherSummerside Press (July 1, 2010)

    bySusan Page Davis

    ABOUT THE BOOK

    IT’S 1915, AND EMMA SHUSTER HAS FAR TOO MUCH ON HER MIND TO ENTERTAIN NOTIONS OF ROMANCE…

    A female Navy cryptographer seeks to save lives…and uncover her father’s killers.

    In 1915, German sympathizers escalated acts of sabotage in the United States to keep the nation from joining in the war. With enemies lurking at every turn, whom can Emma trust? Is romance the true motive behind her tow suitors advances? Or could one-or both of them-have traitorous intentions in mind?

    Following the mysterious murder of Emma Shuster’s father, Lt. John Patterson invites Emma to become a Navy cryptographer because of the expertise she gained in helping her father develop a cipher system.

    Emma races to discover the nefarious plans of her country’s foes and unmask their leader before others are killed. She finds new strength in her faith as she strives to outwit her adversary, known only as Kobold – German for goblin.

    And yet, her greatest challenge may be deciphering the cryptic messages her heart sends whenever she encounters a certain navy lieutenant… Can Emma and John find love in the midst of turmoil as America plunges toward war?

    If you would like to read the first chapter of The Crimson Cipher, go HERE.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    From Susan: I’ve always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah’s Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor’s degree in history. I don’t shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.

    Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I’m proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim’s and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.

    For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I’ve also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman’s World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine.

    My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We’re so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim’s family have even moved to Maine!

    Our children are all home-schooled. The two youngest are still learning at home. Jim recently retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, and we’ve moved from Maine to Kentucky.

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