Book Review: Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

Back Cover: Stunning coming-of-age drama set during the Great Depression and Prohibition

When Eve Marryat's father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve's uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

Eve can't wait to leave St. Paul, a notorious haven for gangsters. At seventeen, she considers her family to be "good people," not lawbreakers like so many in her neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a "safe haven," Eve soon forms an unlikely friendship with a strange young man named Link, blissfully unaware that her uncle's lodge is anything but what it seems.

When the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. Does she dare risk everything by exposing the man whose love and generosity is keeping her family from ruin? And when things turn dangerous, can she trust Link in spite of appearances?

My Review: This story gives us a glimpse into what it would have been like growing up around gangsters, bootleggers, flappers, and bums during the Great Depression and Prohibition. Eve is an idealistic teen, believing that all bad things are kept in big cities, while the small town of her dreams will be perfect. Eve's self-righteous perceptions are challenged throughout the story, as life turns from black and white to shades of grey. She learns that bad people aren't all bad, and good people are not all good. As Eve matures, things become more complex for her and her family. Can she keep a terrible secret?

Tatlock's characters are varied and interesting. The only think I didn't really like about the book was the prologue and epilogue. In both we meet the older, grandmother Eve. The novel is reduced to her telling her grandson a story. I'm sure many would disagree with me, but I lost some enjoyment because of the time shift. Other than that, this is a really enjoyable book.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to fans of Ann Tatlock and readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Hunt for the Devil's Dragon by Marianne Hering and Wayne Thomas Batson

About the Book: If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it’s a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice—a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius’s plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene—the dragon isn’t its worst enemy.

My Review: I have really enjoyed The Imagination Station series thus far. Hunt for the Devil's Dragon is the eleventh book in the set, and in it Beth and Patrick meet up with two creatures they have only ever read about in books. This book's historical context is perplexing to me. The back cover says that the story is set in the 13th century  but the narrative is an adaptation of St. George the dragon slayer which took place a thousand years earlier. I tend to believe that the back cover blurb is incorrect. One thing that I have enjoyed about this series is the varied historical times that the cousins travel to. While this book may be one of the most exciting books in the series, I am left wondering how accurate it is. Were there really fire breathing dragons in that day? This story makes for a very exciting read, and I'm sure that young readers will love this adventure with Beth and Patrick.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to young readers of faith-based fiction and fans of Adventures in Odyssey.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Book Review: Jennifer by Dee Henderson

Back Cover: It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley.
The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, Texas, and meeting and falling in love with surgeon Tom Peterson is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce Tom to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested, and in a way she didn't expect. The results will soon transform her entire family.

My Review: I'm almost ashamed to admit that I have never read the O'Malley series. However, after reading Jennifer, I plan on remedying that situation. Jennifer is a novella that gives the reader Jennifer O'Malley's love story. I thoroughly enjoyed Henderson's characters, and the situations in this novella. At the end, I am left wanting to read The Negotiator and find out what happens to these characters who I have enjoyed for so many pages. As soon as I have some mad money, I bet you can guess what I'm going to do with it.
My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and fans of Dee Henderson.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: The Dance by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Back Cover: Love’s recovery starts with a single step . . .

After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife. Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs-a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff. Everything, that is, except what really matters: love.

After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough. She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she’s too old to enjoy it. Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons-something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember.

Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage. With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn’t anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him-starting with himself.

My Review: Marriage is hard work. The Dance is a great example of what happens when one partner doesn't put in the work needed to keep a marriage strong. Jim has no clue why Marilyn left him. He doesn't see it coming, and at first he views things as completely her fault. Through the help of new friends, and his children, Jim begins to see himself through his wife's eyes, but more importantly he learns the lessons that he needs to be the husband that God wants him to be. This book is full of good advice that can be applied to every marriage, no matter how good things are. Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley team up to give us a story that will leave a lasting impression. Just a note, I needed a box of tissues by the end. This book moved me to tears. Praise God for friends who would step up and show Jim what it meant to be a husband like Christ. I can't wait to read the next book that these men put out.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary Christian fiction, and fans of Dan Walsh.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.