Christian Book Reviews » Historical

Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent

Lori — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:07:16 +0000

Author: Jennifer Erin Valent

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (2010)

Category:Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

2010 Christy Award winner and winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s 2007 Operation First novel award winner, Jennifer Erin Valent, does it again in her latest book Catching Moondrops. Catching Moondrops continues the friendship between Jessilyn Lassiter and Gemma Teague. We were first introduced to Jessilyn and Gemma in Fireflies in December and Cottonwood Whispers, now in Catching Moondrops they are no longer young girls but women deciding how to live their life.

In the summer of 1938 Jessilyn turned nineteen years old and her love for Luke Talley has developed into something deeper. That summer Tal Pritchett, Calloway’s first black doctor, arrives and steals Gemma’s heart the first day they met. Unfortunately his arrival stirs up the underlying racial prejudice in Calloway. When Dr. Pritchett treats Jessilyn’s neighbor, a white woman, this act of kindness leads to burning crosses, threatening letters, and harassment resulting in the lynching of a young boy.

How does one handle facing evil head on? And where does one turn when your heart is filled with hate towards Klan members? If we chose to do what is right, but are filled with hate are we any better than the men who actually commit murder? These are all questions Jessilyn has to face and in the midst of it all and how does God exist in the midst of such evil? Is there even a chance for forgiveness?

Each of the characters in Catching Moondrops are rich and full of character. I enjoyed watching Jessilyn and Gemma grow up to become beautiful women. Jessilyn saw more than her share of evil in her life time, but God never leaves us even in the midst of our toughest questions. Catching Moondrops is a book that captures your heart while teaching you about the power found in forgiveness.

About:
It wasn’t until her mid-twenties when Jennifer decided to try her hand at writing for children, but the realities of breaking into the publishing industry made it necessary for her to try other forms of writing as well. She began submitting articles to Christian women’s magazines and eventually decided to try writing a novel. A few successful freelance opportunities and the encouragement of a patient industry contact kept her writing and submitting her fiction to publishers.

Her fourth novel, Fireflies In December – a departure from the romantic comedies she first penned – placed in the semifinals of the Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest in 2006. After some revisions, she re-submitted the novel to the 2007 Guild contest and won the prize of publication with Tyndale House Publishers. In January 2009 Fireflies in December released, followed by the sequel Cottonwood Whispers in September. And keep an eye out for the third book in the series, Catching Moondrops, releasing in the Fall of 2010.

Jennifer’s sincerest hope is to glorify the Lord by writing quality Christian fiction that will inspire, encourage, and uplift readers of all ages.

FTC Disclosure: Special thanks to Maggie Rowe of Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a review copy of Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent.

For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman

Lori — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:00:58 +0000

Author: Allison Pittman

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (2010)

Category:Fiction, Historical
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Escaping her legalistic upbringing, Camilla Deardon runs away from home to marry and start a family with Nathan, a young Mormon. But when the church elders give Nathan the honor of taking a second wife, Camilla questions this special revelation and remembers her childhood faith. Camilla’s faith in the one true God is rediscovered and begins to grow. She is forced out on her own, without her children but she is vowing to come back to them and rescue them.

For Time and Eternity brought out a lot of emotions for me personally. Let me begin by saying I greatly enjoyed For Time and Eternity and I want this book spread all over Utah. Despite being told as a fiction story, the beliefs of the Mormons in this book are true. The emotions for me was recalling my roommate in college. She was Mormon and would never talk to me. When I first arrived she had this large picture above her study desk that depicted on one half those who arrived in heaven in their heavenly gowns, the second half depicted all the gentiles (as they call them) dammed in hell. That picture freaked me out and as a college girl I realized how real spiritual warfare was.

For Time and Eternity is the first book in the Sister Wife Series, Camilla was swept away by smooth words and promises only to find herself in a prison she could not escape. I recommend this book for all women to read. Pittman well researched the Mormon faith and presented everything factually. I fear this book may be banned in Utah, but I sure hope this book finds it way there and into many of the homes.

For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman can be purchased here.

About:

Allison Pittman is a writer, writing trainer, mother, teacher, speaker, actress and comedian. Bring Allison to your group and get ready for laughter, information and interaction. You can read more on her site here.

FTC Disclosure:Special thanks Rebeca Seitz at Glass Road Public Relations, LLC for sending me a review copy of For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman.

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

Lori — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:00:46 +0000

Author: Tessa Afshar

Publisher: Moody Publishers (2010)

Category:Fiction, Historical
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

How is it possible a Canaanite harlot can become one of the leaders of Israel? Pearl in the Sand is the story of Rahab and how hiding several spies inside the walls of Jericho leads to her becoming known as one of the great women of faith in the bible. But this is a story of the struggle of how she was able to go from being a harlot to a woman of faith. Her walls of fear, rejection and unworthiness do not change overnight. The Lord leads a man named Salmone into her life that will lead to Rahab finding her true worth and the healing only God can provide.

If you are a woman who has ever struggled with past decisions or sins committed in your past, Pearl in the Sand will show you how God-who loves you so much-will fight for you. You are his priceless pearl, no matter what has happen or what you have done in your past.

I could not put this book down and it blessed me on so many levels. This is a great book for any woman. I found this book even more fascinating because Tessa Afshar has the background of the middle east, being born in Iran and living there for fourteen years of her life. She brings insight and fresh breath into the story of Rahab. I will definitely be looking for more books from Tessa Afshar.

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar can be purchased here.

About:

TESSA AFSHAR was born in a nominally Muslim family in Iran and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She survived English boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her mid-twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDIV from Yale University where she served as co-Chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last twelve years in full and part-time Christian work and currently serves as the leader of Women’s and Prayer ministries at a church in Connecticut.

FTC Disclosure: Special thanks to Jeane Wynn of Wynn-Wynn Media for sending me a review copy of Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar.

Christian Book Reviews » Historical

Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent

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For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman

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Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

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