Mell J. (AGreatYarn@gmail.com)

Circle of Honor by Carol Umberger

Rating: 5 Stars

This is the first in a four-book series. At present, I am waiting on my copy of book 3 to get here in the mail. I have read the first two and find them completely captivating. They are set in medieval Scotland, so if you enjoy that time or place, you will LOVE these books. They are called The Scottish Crown Series.

Alice

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Rating: 5 Stars

I just thought i'd read a classic. I'm only halfway through but it's pretty good...

Brenda Broadway (Broadway1b@aol.com)

The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis

Rating: 5 Stars

Everything I have read by Beverly Lewis has been fascinating, uplifting, and a quiet break.

Brenda Broadway (Broadway1b@aol.com)

Christ the Lord by Anne Rice

Rating: 4 Stars

This is much better than her vampire series, which I just couldn't seem to finish reading. This came across as grounded in some Christian truths. An interesting read.

Brenda Broadway (Broadway1b@aol.com)

Zipporah, Wife Of Moses by Marek Halter

Rating: 5 Stars

Absolutely believable! The book is biblically based, yet with just enough of today's thought patterns of how living then could have been. This makes it more exciting not only to read this book, but to also reread the BIBLE, to see where and how it talks about Zipporah, and Moses, and their lives.

Brenda Broadway (Broadway1b@aol.com)

John's Story: The Last Eyewitness by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Rating: 4 Stars

I hated for this book to end! Yet, it ended appropriately, with the actual Book of John.

Rachael

In The Presence Of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham with Dean Merrill

Rating: 5 Stars

This book showed me how ungrateful I could be. While the Burnham's and others were just trying to survive everyday with their captors, we are over here in America complaining about luxuries that we don't really need. It really showed me things that I personally need to work on!

Lisa M. Hendey (lisahendey@gmail.com)

Elizabeth: A Holy Land Pilgrimage by Cheryl Dickow

Rating: 5 Stars

Beth Gantry, Liz, Elizabeth… the main character of ELIZABETH: A HOLY LAND PILGIMAGE is many things to many people. What seems unclear is how she will be able to reconcile her roles as wife, mother and teacher with the woman she feels she has always wanted to become.

In the opening pages of this engrossing story, we meet Elizabeth and depart with her on the journey of a lifetime: her solo trip to Israel. She has dreamed of this pilgrimage for many years, but in the end, it appears to be her discontent with her life that drives her to finally embark on her voyage. Beth has given her life to serving others and has come to feel only disappointment and resentment in return for her loving efforts. Her relationship with her husband Luke is strained to the point of near divorce. She feels a growing gulf between herself and her teenage children, the oldest of whom has flown the coop for college. Even her spiritual life seems dry and distant.

Beth looks at her journey to Israel as an opportunity to regain the life she feels she has missed out on in all of her efforts to care for others. Her desire is not to have the typical tourist experience of the Holy Land. Rather, she arranges for apartment housing in hopes of truly experiencing the traditions of the Jewish people.

Elizabeth’s logistical efforts are rewarded immediately when she meets the friendly neighbors at her Jerusalem accommodations. She finds herself invited to dine and worship with her new Jewish neighbors.

Just as the reader joins Elizabeth in settling in to her wonderful scenario, unexpected tragedy strikes. The ensuing events draw her even more closely into the Jewish rituals and traditions she has longed to experience. Ultimately, through her wonderful relationship with the Goldfarb family, she meets Sipporah and Rachel, her guides. Their tutelage is both historical and spiritual. A fire is lit within her as she reconnects with God with a new intensity.

Interspersed throughout the accounts of Elizabeth’s trip, we find Luke experiencing his own journey of sorts. As he steps in for the role his wife has played within the family, he begins to understand her perspective and his part in the damage that has occurred in their relationship. Like Beth, he finds himself longing for a deeper connection with God. But has his marriage suffered too greatly to be repaired?

ELIZABETH: A HOLY LAND PILGIMMAGE is part travelogue, part history lesson, part Bible study. This book blends a wonderful story with empathetic characters. Author Cheryl Dickow’s research and attention to detail are apparent in this smartly written tale. Dickow’s strengths lie in both character development and in educating the reader without taking on an overly dogmatic tone. In reading this novel, I learned a tremendous amount about Jewish culture and its relevance to the roots of Christianity.

AP

Vienna Prelude by Bodie Thoene

Rating: 5 Stars

I recommend VIENNA PRELUDE by Bodie Thoene. It is a story about a young Jewish violinist and her family in 1930s Austria as the Nazis come to power.

Ane Mulligan

Through Every Storm by Sharlene MacLaren

Rating: 4 Stars

MacLaren's debut book is a page-turner. The plot is compelling, and her characters are deep, both fragile and strong --- especially the little boy, Timmy. MacLaren portrays the genius child with a depth of insight I found completely believable. He was still a child with childish ways, in spite of his brilliant mind.

Without giving away the end, both Maddie and Jeff find their way back to God in a manner I found natural and in harmony with the story. I applaud MacLaren for not overwriting this. This heartrending tale unfolds at just the right pace and carries the reader through to a very satisfying end.

Pat Sims (patsrugrats@earthlink.net)

Hugs, Hope, And Peanut Butter by Marsha Mott Jordan

Rating: 5 Stars

This book will make you laugh and cry. Overall, it gives you a good feeling all over. It includes drawings by kids with cancer and other illnesses. It is a feel-good book.

Janet Mitchell (dmitchelljdl@aol.com)

Hugs, Hope and Peanut Butter by Marsha Mott Jordan

Rating: 5 Stars

This is the greatest book. It's so funny, plus it helps sick kids and parents. Way to go, Marsha.

Crystal

In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols

Rating: 5 Stars

This a great story of love, healing and redemption. Nichols knits together a powerful, well-written story. She captures real thoughts and feelings very well. Enjoy it!!

J. K.

Intimidation by Wanda L. Dyson

Rating: 5 Stars

If you like suspense, this is the book for you!! Beware, though, it will keep you up late into the night, you won't want to stop reading!!

Ruth

Many Ways to Say I Love You by Fred Rogers

Rating: 4 Stars

This book of wisdom would make a great gift for new parents.

Patti

White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick

Rating: 4 Stars

Lori writes a compelling story about Arcie, an eleven-year-old girl who suddenly becomes an orphan and goes to live with her grandfather. As Arcie grows up, conflict with several family members leads to a crisis in her life. The author does an outstanding job of showing us the struggle that unbelievers sometimes face in understanding the message of the gospel. As you finish this book, you are encouraged by the powerful testimony that can be shown through a life changed by the power of God.

Ruth

The Handmaid and the Carpenter by Elizabeth Berg

Rating: 4 Stars

The author has made the young Mary and Joseph come to life as they await the birth of Jesus.

Ane Mulligan (ane@anemulligan.com)

Remember To Forget by Deborah Raney

Rating: 5 Stars

Raney's done it again! With artistic panache, she's penned a unique plot filled with rich characters that spring to cinematic life. Although I've never been in an abusive relationship, I easily identified with Maggie's fear of divulging her past. Each of Raney's characters is believable, created with thoroughness and a unique past that adds depth. I was gripped by the imagination from the first page and didn't set it down until I finished it. I've found all of Raney's books to be page-turners --- even her first book.

Deborah Raney is a born storyteller, one of the best. She keeps getting better and better, although this one will be hard to top. Novel Reviews gives REMEMBER TO FORGET its highest recommendation --- 5 stars and the prediction of it being a 2007 Best Book.

MLS

The Brushstroke Legacy by Lauraine Snelling

Rating: 5 Stars

Great, great, great book! You will not be disappointed.

Alice

The Whitney Chronicles by Judy Baer

Rating: 4 Stars

I've had this on my reading list for quite a while and finally got around to reading it. It was really good and made me laugh several times!

Bishop Joseph Mattera

A Touch of Peace by Tanya Merced

Rating: 4 Stars

I just read through the book and it is a very moving collection of poetry that encapsulates human emotion in the context of worship and searching for God.

Tom Ward, author

A Touch of Peace by Tanya Merced

Rating: 5 Stars

Are you searching for Peace? Are you going through some difficulties and you don’t know where to find the answers to your problems? Are you hurting, lonely or is life simply kicking you in the butt and you need to find the strength to make it through? You will find the answers you search for in A TOUCH OF PEACE by Tanya Merced. Tanya has written an incredible book of poetry, however this is not your typical poetry. It is a book that was birthed by some incredible circumstances in the author’s life. As you read each poem and read each prayer, you will feel the author’s pain, her incredible faith, and the peace that she has found. A TOUCH OF PEACE is one book of poetry that should be in everyone’s library. You owe it to yourself to read this incredible book.

Ane Mulligan

Hot Tropics and Cold Feet by Diann Hunt

Rating: 5 Stars

Diann Hunt keeps getting better and better. I chuckled through HOT FLASHES AND COLD CREAM, RV THERE YET? held side-splitting moments, but HOT TROPICS AND COLD FEET has topped them both! I howled with laughter.

When Maggie, Lily, Jill and Louise hit the beach, things start happening. With antics like escaping a resident alligator, parasailing, and rescuing baby sea turtles, you'll laugh your way through this book. I had a hard time putting it down. Part of me wanted to keep turning pages, while the other part told me if I didn't stop soon, I'd turn the last one. I didn't want it to end, I was having too good of a time with the "girls." But, willpower lost the battle and I read it in two sittings. Well, I had to get SOME sleep.

Any woman with a group of close girlfriends will see herself in this bunch. What I didn't expect were the tears Hunt elicited from me, when Lily's new husband is moving her away from Charming, Indiana --- and Maggie. I've moved away from close girlfriends before, and it brought back sweet memories of long-standing friendships.

From health-nut Jill, wrinkle-free Louise, indecisive Lily to hot-flashing Maggie, these characters truly will leap off the page and into your hearts. Well, maybe leap is too strong a word. Jog? No, not Maggie --- too much like exercise. Well, anyway, you know what I mean. You'll love them.

HOT TROPICS AND COLD FEET receives Novel Reviews top recommendation - a 5 and goes into the line-up for my pick as book of the year for 2007. This one will be hard for anyone else to beat.

Lacy

Heart of the Amazon by Margaret Daley

Rating: 4 Stars

Great book, with lots of action and emotion. Definitely a recommended read!

Billie McHam (bmmcham@cox.net)

White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick

Rating: 4 Stars

As always, Lori Wick provides a stimulating and heart-warming story.

Joanne (jobyana@juno.com)

Marriable by Michael and Haley DiMarco

Rating: 4 Stars

It's pretty funny. I mostly got it because it has the best layout ever, in a book. It's got a lot of good advice... mixed in with a lot of random advice too! There are other better relationship books, but as far as a lighthearted look at what stumps us all, this is a good one.

Betsy

Trial by Fire by Terri Blackstock

Rating: 5 Stars

I really enjoyed the whole Newpointe 911 series.

Diana Lewis (pastordiana@sbcglobal.net)

Texas Belles by Kimberly Comeaux

Rating: 5 Stars

The wild west town of Springton, Texas is tamed by romance in four complete novels: ONE MORE CHANCE, COURTIN PATIENCE, SUSANNA'S SECRET, and THE SHERIFF AND THE OUTLAW.

Deena Peterson (thedeena63@hotmail.com)

Rescued by John Bevere & Mark Andrew Olsen

Rating: 5 Stars

RESCUED is a story within a story. On the surface, it is the tale of Pastor Alan Rockaway and his son Jeff, as they work to rebuild their tattered relationship, and the attemtped rescue of those injured in a submarine accident. But its greater story is the end of our lives and our eternal destination...to say more would be to ruin the power of this novel. I give five stars because of its urgent message to every believer as well as the non-believer...make sure you know who you are.

Deena Peterson (thedeena63@hotmail.com)

Castles in the Sand by Sally John

Rating: 5 Stars

Some chick-lit is light-hearted and fun, designed to make you laugh out loud and think about life. But some chick-lit tugs at your heart and makes you feel as though someone has read your journal, and God has a lesson to be learned amid the pages.

That is what I found in CASTLES IN THE SAND by Sally John. This is book 2 in The Beach House series, and it spoke volumes to my heart.

Kenzie is a wayward daughter. Drake and Susan are the up-and-coming ministry team parents who flinch at their daughter's unwed pregnancy. It's the prodigal story in reverse. She comes for forgiveness, and gets shut out.

Susan journeys to the beach house, where God meets her where she is in her walk, her marriage, her relationship with Kenzie, and her relationship with Him. This is a powerful testimony to prayer, to honesty, to consequences...to being real with God and with each other (see my other blog on Velveteen Christians).

This book hits home because I have a wayward daughter. She has left the God she once loved, and I struggle to love her the way she needs to be loved (never mind the way she WANTS to be loved). Any woman who has struggled with image, with expectation, with sin...will love this book. Be prepared...tissues alert! But I promise, you will love THE BEACH HOUSE...and you will love this family, find them precious, and see yourself somewhere in the midst.

Deena Peterson (thedeena63@hotmail.com)

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Rating: 5 Stars

Some books are a roller-coaster ride from start to finish. Some are a laugh a page, filled with humor and fun. And some are like a slow, leisurely walk in the rain, filled with scents and feelings and are haunted by something you just can't quite put your finger on.

That is the writing of Charles Martin.

WRAPPED IN RAIN is the story of Tucker, Mutt and Katie, as well as the woman who helped raise them all, Miss Ella Rain. It's also the story of the monster who tried to destroy them --- Rex Mason.

Bookpage calls Charles Martin "An author of 'God-haunted southern literature,' and I believe that's the best description ever given. I thoroughly enjoyed this slow journey through the eyes of Tucker Rain, as he not only remembered, but slowly healed the wounds that went so deep.

It's slow going. Sometimes, it's as slow as molasses. And in today's fast-paced world, it's needed. You feel the lyrical descriptions of the swamp, the woods, the crater. Your mind's eye gets a healthy workout.

You feel so deeply for Tucker and Mutt that you have to blink several times when you close the pages, to remember where you are and to come back from where they were.

Your arms ache to hold Katie and her little son, Jase, and your heart remembers every Miss Ella God saw fit to place in your life. Like memories that echo through time...that's how I would describe this book.

Again, this isn't the latest release from this author. My bookshelf is so backed up I may never see the light of day or read a new release before it's been out for a year or two. But I couldn't wait to share this one with you. I began my journey with Mr. Martin in THE DEAD DON'T DANCE, continued on with WHE CRICKETS CRY (another one you DON'T want to miss), and conclude with WRAPPED IN RAIN.

But believe me when I say my journey through this man's literary contributions will not stop until his pen runs dry. These are journeys well worth taking. I call it life-changing reading. The best kind.

Deena Peterson (thedeena63@hotmail.com)

The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck

Rating: 5 Stars

I love this book! I will read this one over and over again, and it ranks in my top ten favorites of all time (for those who know just how much I read, that's saying a lot!)

Becky Miller is everywoman --- a mom, a wife, a women's ministry leader...a believer who has big dreams for a big God. But her life just doesn't seem to resonate with meaning. Or does it?

Sharon Hinck opens each chapter with a Walter Mitty-style daydream...Becky on the mission field, in a medical emergency ala ER, and many others. They all seem to point out the humdrum and mundane life she lives. What Becky doesn't realize until the end of the novel, and the reader discovers this right along with her, is that little is much when God is in it, and what we define as not much is not always what we think. Good friends, a struggling hubby, and various day-in and day-out crises are at times humorous, at times poignant, but always, ALWAYS realistic.

Becky feels like a new best friend, and she feels like ME. Any woman can identify with Christian fiction's new heroine --- and the best news? The sequel's on its way!! I can't wait. But there's still time to run out and buy your copy...

Get in touch with your inner Becky. You'll be glad you did (and check out Sharon Hinck's website...it's a hoot!)

Deena Peterson (thedeena63@hotmail.com)

Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt

Rating: 5 Stars

I found a new author!!! HAZARDOUS DUTY by Christy Barritt is a fun read! Gabby St. Clair is an almost forensic pathologist (CSI Tech), but just one semester short of a degree. So, what does she do? She becomes a crime scene cleaner-upper!! On this particular job, she uncovers evidence that could put her client away. Or could it? And who wants her dead? And what's up with Riley, the drop-dead gorgeous next door neighbor? And why doesn't she trust God?

I tell you, I just adored this book from cover to cover. This is one author who tops my "Gotta have it" book list from now on. I want to live in Gabby's building! I want to hang out with Sierra, even though she is a nutty animal rights activist. And someone needs to straighten Parker out...there's just something not right with that detective.

I've begged Christy to promise we'll hear more from Gabby and her friends in the future. Trust me, Christy Barritt is an author to watch...a combination suspense, mystery, romance, chick-lit Christian fiction gal that I absolutely LOVE!!!

Mary Taylor

Adelaide Piper by Beth Webb Hart

Rating: 3 Stars

I just can't seem to get into this book. It isn't making a lot of sense, yet but I'm gonna keep reading it anyway.

Adrienne

Pocketful of Pearls by Shelley Bates

Rating: 4 Stars

There's lots to chew on in this book about a girl's journey out of a strict cult-like religion and her sexual abuse at the hands of her pastor. The ends were all tied up a little too neatly at the end, but this was still a great read!

Adrienne

Friendship Cake by Lynne Hinton

Rating: 5 Stars

Five women bond while putting together a cookbook for their church, Hope Springs Community. All wrestle with love, loss, hopes and new beginnings, and they ultimately find the true recipe for friendship.

JAC

The Touch by Colleen McCullough

Rating: 3 Stars

I read just over 100 pages of THE TOUCH and it is dragging, but Mother said she couldn't lay it down, so I hope it picks up. She is good, so I will go on reading and give it a chance.

Deena Peterson (thedeena63@hotmail.com)

Deliver Us From Evelyn by Chris Well

Rating: 3 Stars

Have you ever read a book, struggled to get into it, but decided to keep reading because, after all, you paid for it and you're gonna finish it?! That was how I felt about DELIVER US FROM EVELYN by Chris Well. And I'm very glad I did!

At first, I got lost. There's a lot going on in the very beginning of this novel, and it had been a while since I read FORGIVING SOLOMON LONG, so I was overwhelmed by the local PD, the FBI, the mob rivals, and figuring out why everyone wanted Evelyn to go away. But once I focused and connected with Charlie Pasch, the local PD who is into comic books, I was hooked. This is gritty "Sopranos" style writing, without all of the ick factor. The characters are believable, the storyline is intriguing, and the dialogue is snappy.

The blog interrupts the story periodically, but that turns out to be another part of the mystery to be solved. You kind of have three storylines woven into one, which is difficult to do, but Chris Well does it smoothly and ties it all up at the end in a semi-neat package.

After all, he has to keep us hooked until the next installment, doesn't he?

Rosario

Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya

Rating: 5 Stars

I always love reading classics that go back to basics --- not a twisting plot, as is common now, but a straightforward story of a women in India struggling to survive in a changing world.