 Reviewer: Beverly Wallin Redemption’s Whisper is a well-written Christian romance. Hayley runs away from her job in Toronto. She suffers from the trauma of a broken relationship. Trevor returns home from an interview in Toronto for a dream job, building motorcycles. They’re drawn to each other, but he disappears at the Saskatoon airport. When Trevor gets his dream job, he still wonders if he should take it. Something seems fishy about it, and he’s torn. He finds out his adoptive parents have left their farm to him and they need his help. He has also fallen for Hayley, and she wants to stay in Saskatoon. Another problem, everyone is trying to make him a Christian. Trevor is angry at God and can’t understand how Christians can allow bad things to happen to them, and yet still praise Him. There were some minor grammatical errors but nothing to distract the normal reader. The ending was fairly predictable, but interesting all the same. Hard to put down, riveting from beginning to end. I really liked passages like: "Wonder flitted through her mind, but pleasure overrode it. Hayley sat at the round oak table, sipped her coffee, and marveled at the stark beauty of Lydia’s garden outside the bay window. Nothing bloomed yet, of course, as temperatures still dropped well below freezing most nights. But the cedar gazebo and benches, metal fire pit, and bare but stately trees and shrubs created a still life picture which promised more loveliness to come.” In the end, redemption was indeed whispered. Who would like this? - anyone who enjoys romances, who has struggled with past abuse, or has questions about God’s love and why he lets bad things happen to good people.  Reviewer: Kelly Potts
“Redemption's Whisper” is Kathleen Friesen’s third novel and aptly named. The novel is ripe with the main characters quest for redemption and grace. Trevor and Hayley are easily identifiable because all of us have made bad choices, questioned God’s plan, and sought forgiveness. I like how this book touches on both the need for asking God’s forgiveness but also forgiving yourself for your past blunders. Hayley and Trevor are blessed with a strong devoted support group who, at the drop of a hat, will stop what they are doing and pray as a group to God. You can’t help but cheer on the whole team as each person finds healing in God’s grace. 2/27/2017 Women of Strength
2/26/2017 A Note Yet Unsung Author: Tamera Alexander Genre: Historical Romance A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the maestro at the newly-formed Nashville Philharmonic. But women are "far too fragile and frail" for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah's hopes are swiftly dashed because the conductor--determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music--bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Acklen Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah's new employer, agrees with him. Nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville's new orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse--and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head--he must finish composing his symphony before the grand opening of the city's new opera hall. But far more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music--his father, who is dying. As Tate's ailment worsens, he believes Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how do you win back a woman's trust when you've robbed her of her dream?
2/21/2017 Behind the Scenes
 Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano is a face-paced and delightful romance that is sure to be a favourite for those who like historical romances. The author has created a rather precocious character in Permilia Griswold who was somewhat of a chatter-box and too curious for her own good. When she overhears a murder plot about Asher Rutherford (her complete opposite) she sets out to protect him and the results are quite funny. This is by no means a serious read, but one that is good at producing a chuckle or two. While the book did not have God or faith as a central theme (more as an after thought) it was still a good read. The secondary characters are as delightful as the main ones. The sisters Henrietta and Mabel leave one wondering about their sanity, but are so funny they are endearing. I love how the author used mystery and humour to keep me guessing until the end. Overall, this was a charming book, full of humour, a little romance and a mystery to keep the reader involved to the end. 2/19/2017 Kit Kat & Lucy
bat right out of the air. These stray cats arrive a year apart and each ask to move into the farmhouse--and ultimately DuPont's heart. From the hysterical process of getting two strange cats to like each other to the exciting years of watching those cats thrive--and inspire DuPont in the process--this book is the heartwarming story of how one woman's world would never be the same.
2/3/2017 The Mark of the King
 Reviewer: Mary Hosmar When Julianne Chevalier volunteers to be part of a group of convicts to be sent to Louisiana she is promised her freedom and a new life. Reality, however, does not resemble promises. In Mark of the King, Ms Green has taken a little know fact of American history and woven a historical tapestry. She skillfully uses facts intertwined in fiction to create an interesting and compelling story. Ms. Greene’s love of both history and a good tale is obvious in the details. Much research was done to make the tale as authentic as possible. While cruelty and brutality were often displayed in the story, life in a far-off, ill-supplied and mostly forgotten outpost, was often cruel and brutal. But grace shines through, both in the life of the convicts and the deeds of the colonists. Ms. Green does a wonderful job of bringing 1700’s New Orleans to life. She is also able to intersperse her Christian beliefs as a natural part of the story. One minor problem I did have with the book was the fact that so much happened to one person in such a relatively short period of time. But such is the way of many novels. In spite of that, this is one of the most enjoyable historical fiction novels I have read in a long while.  Reviewer: Carol A. Brown I loved this book! Green puts the color and the flesh on the bones of history. It is a love story and a history lesson. Well researched, The Mark of The King recounts the raw difficulty in the 1700’s of settling the French colony of New Orleans, the capital of the Louisiana Territory. The story depicts how France populated New Orleans by scooping up the “nere-do-wells” of Paris, forcing them to marry, and then shipping them to Louisiana. The Mark of The King follows the life of Julianne Chevalier, a compassionate young woman who studied midwifery in Paris while also raising her younger brother, after their mother died. Her reputation as a brilliant and capable midwife drove her teacher/mentor to jealousy and betrayal, false accusation and conviction for murder, which resulted in her being branded—the king’s mark of a convict. Author Green has taken the bones of history, fleshed them out in the context of a story of love and belonging, deceit and betrayal as she follows the dangerous, often tumultuous circumstances of Julianne’s life as she makes a home for herself, a French colonel, and a little French/Indian girl named Lily. Against the backdrop of politics and prejudices, the manipulating of native Indians by the army, and the one upsmanship of the French and the British, Green masterfully weaves classic themes. I found several throughout this fascinating story:
Technically Green’s writing is excellent. I received a pre-publication manuscript, in exchange for a fair review, and things can change, but I surmise any changes could have only made it even better! Her plot was consistent action with appropriate lulls to give the reader time to breathe and then another twist. Her characters had so much depth you could “see” them. Another plus is that most of the characters are historical figures. Most of the events are also historical events, such as the famine and the hurricane, which leveled the town, and the caskets that floated out of the levee during flood season. Green also included links for anyone interested in doing their own research. I would absolutely recommend the book! To lovers of romance, American history, and historical fiction especially. And to anyone who enjoys a good story. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Sabrina Wade What's so amazing about grace? If you haven't experienced it in your own life, after you read this book you will know. “Wow,” was my response until the last period was placed at the end of this book. I've experienced just about every emotion from cover to cover. Soul gripping novel, painting the life of men and women is search of something outside themselves…acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, trust, hope, something better. A mingling of struggles we all face daily; when wronged to what extent will we extend grace? A must read! Don't tarry. But, rent, borrow a copy today. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Jane Daly Rarely does a novel catch my attention as much as this one. As a west coast girl from birth, I was ignorant of how other cities and states were established. Ms. Green’s extensive research was an eye-opening glimpse into the people who settled in New Orleans. These brave souls battled Native Americans, the British, and each other, to create what is now a thriving city. Her characters lived through unimaginable trials and circumstances. The story of Julianne and Marc-Paul is woven into the rich history of Louisiana. The faith element is believable without being heavy-handed. Fair warning – don’t start reading this book unless you have time to finish it. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Laura J. Davis How is it possible that I have never read anything by Jocelyn Green? I'm not sure how this author's books slipped past me, but one thing is for sure, after reading The Mark of the King I will be anxiously waiting for the next book this author puts out. This is a beautifully written book, rich in history, with a cast of characters that bring to life a turbulent time when the French first settled New Orleans. Our main character, a young mid-wife by the name of Julianne Chevalier, has been wrongly accused of murder. But she has a choice, stay in prison for the rest of her days, or marry a complete stranger and then take a ship to New Orleans where she and her new husband will be expected to "grow" the fledgling colony. The author is such a good writer that her descriptions of the humiliations and abuse Julianne endured had me feeling like I was watching a movie. This book was very hard to put down. When her husband dies, Julianne is saved further humiliation by a God-fearing man named Marc-Paul Girard. But even his protection and love for her will not save her from one evil man in the colony who masquerades as Marc-Paul's friend while intent on tormenting Julianne and he has a secret that good destroy the colony. This book also has all the excitement that a full-length movie would have and a surprise or two that will leave the reader wanting more. I highly recommend it! This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Rebecca Maney
"You are a child of the King; it is His image you bear." Cruelly branded as a murderer for the accidental death of a client, French midwife Julianne Chevalier exchanges her life sentence for exile to the primitive settlement of New Orleans, Louisiana. Forced to wed a complete stranger in order to expedite "populating" the territory upon arrival, Julianne faces multiple obstacles, but manages to settle into her new circumstances with calm resignation. Captain Marc-Paul Girard curiously manages to provide Julianne and her new husband Simon with a safe perimeter, indicating that he had indeed known a soldier named Benjamin Chevalier, Julianne's younger brother, a soldier, the one person that she loves with all her heart. Marc-Paul Girard cannot imagine the kind, lovely midwife who sailed as a prisoner aboard his ship to be murderous. With an infinite amount of skill and compassion, she assumes dual roles; serving the colony as both midwife and physician upon the insistence of the local governor. Things turn ugly when Julianne's bitter past is publicly exposed and then again when unexpected tragedy strikes closer to home; driving Marc-Paul to a life changing decision. With impostors within and treachery without, Julianne and Marc-Paul cannot escape the challenges that will define them, ultimately sending them straight into the amazing arms of grace. "The Mark of the King"is nothing short of astonishing; the author beautifully weaving heart-ache, cruelty, misunderstanding, and history into a glorious, unforgettable tapestry of love. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. 2/2/2017 A Way Out of Hell
 Reviewer: Carol A. Brown
Abdulla, a former jihadist turned peacemaker, offers vulnerable young jihadists a way out of the hell of terrorism they have gotten themselves into. And the clock is ticking...and not just the one on the bomb! I loved this book! Can you say you love a book about violence when you love people and hate violence and terror? Well, yes, you can, because in this book peace wins. A Way Out of Hell is the sequel to Someone Has to Die. Baton keeps the pages flying with non-stop action & intrigue interwoven with delicate threads of loving-kindness. He expertly juxtaposes Christian ideals of non-violence and overcoming evil with good, with the blind hatred and violence of ISIS in the milieu of the cultural confrontation between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia. The story presents a model for turning a revolution into a reformation. Compelling. Gripping, and technically flawless. Baton’s characters are lovable, admirable, and honorable. They have such depth that you want to know these people and call them your friends. Of course, the bad guys are equally well depicted so you want them to fail in their mission to create national instability. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads YA and adult books, those who are interested in social and political issues, especially the challenges presented with how Muslims and Christians can live in community. The complexity of the issues, as well as the violence, in my estimation would be above children but could provoke serious thought for older teens. 2/1/2017 The Domino Effect
 Reviewer: Sabrina Wade
Having no knowledge about the workings of financial institutions, algorithms and such terms, David wrote this book in such an exquisite manner. Surprisingly, I absolutely enjoyed this book from start to finish. Every free moment I had, I found myself reaching for my kindle. Suspense through and through. Regardless if the reader is aware of such terminology, he/she would be leaning over the edge of his/her chair wanting to know what happens next. The title absolutely fits the meat of this book. A book about a woman who has a strong belief of a huge event which could negatively impact nations, yet did not coward in fear, but used that fear as a driving force to save the world. Readers will fit his or her feet in the main character's shoes and feel the emotion and surrealness as each chapter unfolds. More than anything, The Domino Effect has helped me to better understand the Biblical event of Easter. Grab your copy, find a comfortable spot and indulge in a book of faith, courage, unconditional love, and selflessness. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. |
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