Tamera Lynn Kraft

Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 5 Stars

BEYOND THIS MOMENT is a compelling story that tells the cost of deception and how God can cause the truth to bring redemption and forgiveness.

Doctor Molly Whitcomb has secured a teaching job in Timber Ridge, Colorado. But she is really escaping a mistake she's made that will follow her to the growing frontier town. Molly is pregnant and has never been married. She desperately wants to put the past behind her and decides a small deception, saying she's a widow, will help her do it. But she has second thoughts as her feelings grow for the straight-shooting, honest Sheriff James McPherson.

James grows more fond of Molly with each day that passes. But his integrity is challenged when he finds that Molly has been keeping her pregnancy a secret. He suspects she's hiding more than the child. But, he's keeping a secret of his own, one that threatens to tear apart their budding relationship.

This love story takes place against the backdrop of a town dealing with their prejudices against immigrants and freed black slaves and their self-righteous views on right and wrong.

I highly recommend this novel.

ADB

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin

Rating: 5 Stars

This is the first book by this author that I have read. It was a great story about a man seeking answers from the past and along the way teaches us readers some awesome lessons! I am ready to read more from this author.

ADB

Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury

Rating: 5 Stars

This is another great one by the wonderful author, Karen Kingsbury! This book is about Cory, who has lost his mom and is living with his foster mom, Megan. Cory tells Megan that his real dad is the famous football player on the 49ers team and needs to get a letter to him to let him know. This story is wonderful and will bring tears to your eyes! Read it!

ADB

A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

Rating: 4 Stars

The first of her new series called The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs introduces readers to Guinevere Arlington, a single young woman living in Idaho in the year 1915. This time period is set just after women were given the right to vote. Bethlehem Springs is a small town that is looking to vote for a new major --- the current one leaves little to be desired for. And someone has put it into Gwen’s head that she should run for major! What would people think having a woman as major? All kinds of great things to keep you interested in this cute new series!

Deb Scott (siren416@gmail.com)

Veritas Conflict by Shaunti Feldhahn

Rating: 5 Stars

Very good, edge-of-your seat thriller! The scenes of spiritual warfare remind me of Frank Peretti. Excellent book. I couldn't put it down.

Deb Scott (siren416@gmail.com)

Kiss by Ted Dekker

Rating: 4 Stars

Interesting book. I liked the fact that the main character was cognizant of the effect her "gift" had on others. I felt that at the end, though, all the loose ends were tied up just a bit too conveniently. They just told you how it was resolved rather than have it as part of the story. I would have liked to see that part of the story fleshed out a bit more.

Betty

A Murder Among Friends by Ramona Richards

Rating: 4 Stars

This is a suspense/romance and book #1 in her Jackson's Retreat series. I got this book from the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense book club. Steeple Hill is a part of Harlequin, so you will instantly know that any of their books are on the light side as opposed to a mystery written by an author like Agatha Christie or Mary Higgins Clark.

After being a member of this book club for several months, I discovered that the four books sent each month are books in a series and never the first one in that series. You must purchase the beginning books separately. I borrow most of my reading material from the public library system but none of the libraries carry these books.

J. Bailey

Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 4 Stars

When I was younger, I read historical fiction all of the time. As I grew older, I moved to contemporary fiction. BEYOND THIS MOMENT is the first trip I've made into historical fiction in awhile, and I'm glad I went "back in time" for it! It took me a couple of chapters to get hooked, but once I got into the story, I couldn't put it down. (I stayed up late to finish it and was exhausted the next day, but it was worth it!) Tamera Alexander's characters are some of the most "real" that I've read in awhile. It is not easy for them, and I appreciate the truth of that. Molly has made mistakes (and I won't give them away), and she faces the consequences of those mistakes, but I felt for her and rooted for her all the way through the book. And James... oh, James! He made my heart skip a beat more than once! You'll definitely want to read it more than once.

Carla Hanson

The Cure by Athol Dickson

Rating: 5 Stars

I loved this book. I loved the way the language and characters drove the story. This is a beautifully written story that makes you really think about your own cure and if you would take it!

Peggy B

A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

Rating: 5 Stars

Once again Robin Lee Hatcher has written a wonderful book. It is set during 1915 and deals with a period when women were first gaining political rights. The reader cannot help but cheer for Gwen and Morgan. The main bad guy in the book is lurking in the background just enough to keep you turning the pages. I can't wait until the next in the series.

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist

Rating: 5 Stars

I don't think there is anything Deeanne Gist can't write! Another great novel. Highly recommended.

Jo Huddleston (www.johuddleston.com)

Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 5 Stars

In a remarkable story of love, revelation and forgiveness, Alexander’s BEYOND THIS MOMENT takes you to the majestic Colorado Territory where you can sense the snowflakes brushing your face. You smile and sometimes shed a tear as her vivid characters come to grips with their secrets and trials. The Timber Ridge folks will remain in your life long after you turn the last page.

Betty

Humble Pie by Ron & Janet Benrey

Rating: 4 Stars

This is the third, and final, Pippa Hunnechurch mystery. Pippa goes against all of her friends' good advice and gets herself in a peck of trouble. It all comes out in the end and she solves the mystery.

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Rating: 4 Stars

I know it's not Christmas anymore but this is such a sweet story! I really enjoyed and would recommend it for any time of the year.

Claire

Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy

Rating: 5 Stars

I could not put this book down. If you enjoy a good mystery and spiritual warfare you will love this book. The suspense keeps you interested. A great book.

Claire

Lying On Sunday by Sharon Souza

Rating: 4 Stars

The topic of this book is something you would never want to imagine yourself going through, hearing of your husband dying in another women's bed. Sharon Souza takes you through this event through the eyes of the wife and how she desperately tries to keep it from her children. An inspiring story of one's strength and courage.

MEZ

For Pete's Sake by Linda Windsor

Rating: 5 Stars

Linda Windsor never disappoints! This was a spunky romance with a little suspense. God brings together a landscape artist with a heart for children, a widower and his son. Great book!

Sharon Pearson Boulian (Sharonboul@aol.com)

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexandra

Rating: 5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one day. It was an easy read that keeps readers interested all throughout the book. McKenna Ashford accepts an invitation from her cousin and upon arrival, finds her cousin very ill. Marshall Wyantt Caradom steps in again and agin to help her. She has trouble with her rebellious younger brother Robert and does not appreciate Wyatt's help. Wyatt understands Robert, and knows he needs more structure in his life. While all this is going on we see McKenna's background and her talents, we see Wyatt's past and his emotions. This is a powerful book of love, family, and lives restored. I highly recommend it.

Lynn Maniak

Doesn't She Look Natural by Angela Elwell Hunt

Rating: 5 Stars

Hunt provides a plot that keeps the readers' interest from beginning to end. The topic (funeral homes and those who provide funeral services) probably will enlighten some readers. The story is interspersed with relationships that develop and progress in positive ways. It was such a great read that I could hardly put it down, and I have the next two books in the series on my book list!

Amber from Canton, OH

She's in a Better Place by Angela Hunt

Rating: 5 Stars

Angela never disappoints with her Fairlawn series. I listened to this book on my way to and from work. There were times I was almost late because I didn't want to turn off my car. The characters are so relatable to me and my life. I was sad that this was the last installment of the series. I have become attached to the characters and storyline. Overall, a very awesome read for anyone.

Janet

A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston

Rating: 4 Stars

I loved this book. This is about the Amish faith and bringing to the Amish 2 teen girls and how they adapt! Amy did a great job! Can't wait for the next installment.

C Shepherd

The Last Addiction by Sharon Hersh

Rating: 5 Stars

The author knows her subject from personal experience. She is honest, compassionate, and at the same time, ruthless with the truth. We all suffer from addictions; most of us just don't have the courage to admit our addictions. What a challenging book.

cheryl Stillwell

The Kneeling Christian by An Unknown Christian

Rating: 4 Stars

This book definitely causes the reader to re-evaluate his/her prayer life.

It offers reasons for why prayers go unanswered, as well as guidelines for how to pray so that your prayers will be answered.

At times the language is awkward, but not so much as to hamper the message.

It offers testimonies from missionaries who have received abundant blessings for their ministries, parishioners, and missions that inspire Christians to re-evaluate their love walk and their faith. The advice offered is very practical and easy to implement.

bookreader777

Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins

Rating: 5 Stars

Rarely am I able to recommend a life-changing book to my library patrons. RIVEN is such a book. Jenkins follows the two families in his story with accuracy and with compassion. The last 100 pages are worth the price of the book. If you have ever doubted your place in the world, or your impact on people around you, read RIVEN. God works through time. We need to wait for years to see how circumstances and consequences lead people to His waiting arms. And prison need not be the end of the world!

Pam

Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin

Rating: 5 Stars

This is book 1 of the Refiner's Fire series. The other two books are also excellent (FIRE BY NIGHT and A LIGHT TO MY PATH). They are set during the Civil War and are from different perspectives (southern, northern and slave). Lynn Austin makes you laugh, cry, think, and praise God.

Dianne Saunders

This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury

Rating: 5 Stars

This book was so good. The story was joyful, yet tearful. I got a blessing from reading this book.

Billie

Double Minds by Terri Blackstock

Rating: 5 Stars

This is a page turner. You can hardly wait from chapter to chapter to see what will happen, and to me the ending was a surprise. Very heart warming and suspenseful.

Jayne

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Rating: 5 Stars

I am reading this book again and it is one of the best books I have ever read. Great story and great writing.

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

Looking for a Miracle by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Rating: 5 Stars

Wonderful second novel in the Brides of Lancaster series! Daniel was the sweetest!

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

A Merry Heart by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Rating: 4 Stars

Sweet, romantic story!

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

Plain and Fancy by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Rating: 3 Stars

Good story, but the main character's obsession with her weight was a little too much. She just sounded whiny. I would still recommend this book to read as part of the Brides of Lancaster series.

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

The Hope Chest by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Rating: 5 Stars

I knew I would love this one since it was a continuation of Daniel and Rebekah's story, featuring their youngest daughter. I can't decide if I enjoyed this one or LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE more. They were both wonderful!

Mara M. (tinybutmightyml@msn.com)

Butterfly Trees by Gayle Gaymer Martin

Rating: 5 Stars

I loved the instant spark between Ross and Alissa. They used that to build on friendship and love and waited on God's timing. The description of the journey of the butterflies is beautiful, as is the picture painted of the different types of butterflies. Alissa and Fern (her sister) were able to eventually talk out their problems and work together to rebuild their sisterly ties.

Mara M. (tinybutmightyml@msn.com)

Butterfly Trees by Gayle Gaymer Martin

Rating: 5 Stars

(This may be a repeat entry)
I loved the spark between Alissa and Ross. They used that to build on friendship and eventually love. As they were both in their 40s and never married they knew that they wanted to marry the mate that God had in mind.

They both dealt with some things in their lives that had to be rectified, then God was able to work on their hearts and fit them together.

I wish it had been a little longer. I did not want to say goodbye.

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

Cassidy by Lori Wick

Rating: 4 Stars

Another great novel from Lori Wick. I especially look forward to reading the second because one of my favorites in this novel was Pastor Rylan, and I believe he's at the center of the romance in the next book!

Amee (amee821@hotmail.com)

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

Rating: 5 Stars

I was blown away. I didn't want the book to end! Get your hands on a copy and read it. It will have you wanting more Gist right away!

Sarah

When Heaven Weeps by Ted Dekker

Rating: 4 Stars

This fast-paced novel, set in the 1960s, tells the story unconditional love. As you read about the love Janjic has for Helen, you are reminded of the strength of God's love for you. This book holds history, romance, suspense, and food for thought within its pages.

TP

Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult

Rating: 2 Stars

A woman sues her best friend and obstetrician for the fact that her child has OI. This book's ending was extremely depressing.

Patty

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Rating: 4 Stars

A sweet and easy read. The author is new to me and I look forward to reading more by her!

E.

Rewriting Your Emotional Script by Becky Harling

Rating: 5 Stars

A must read for women who want to deepen their understanding of their identity in Christ.

Angie F

Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander

Rating: 5 Stars

What a perfect blend of romance, longing, deception, regret, forgiveness and grace. Set in the beautiful Colorado Territory in 1876, this book captured my attention from the very beginning and didn't let go until the final scene. Filled with strong, believable characters immersed in a tangled web of half-truths and outright lies, Tamera masterfully weaves in threads of hope and the God of second chances. Highly recommended.

Debra (deble_2000@yahoo.com)

Two Rivers by T. Greenwood

Rating: 5 Stars

A novel of redemption. Harper Montgomery is a small-town widower and father. In 1980, 12 years after his involvement in the murder of a black man, he is still living under a cloud of guilt. Alternating between past and present, the circumstances are revealed bit by bit.

Barbara

The Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright

Rating: 5 Stars

Loved this book! I couldn't put it down. This is one that will stay on my bookshelf.