Author: remaininhislove

About

The boy was 8-years-old when he died. Decades later he came to play with us. 

Almost every kid grows up playing with ghost runners, imaginary people who run the bases for you when you don’t have enough kids to play. Twelve-year-old Chandler Dean is no exception, but nothing could surprise Chandler more than a real ghost joining the game. 

Chandler must uncover the mystery of the ghost runner all the while dealing with middle school adolescence, including his best friend moving away and awkward interactions with a new crush. Chandler’s search for answers uncovers both past and present tragedies. Is Chandler strong enough to endure why the ghost runner has come?

Review

The Ghost Runner is a short novella that you can have read in one reading…and not just because it’s short! It’s engaging, interesting, and a wee bit mysterious. Though the main character in this novella is 13 years old, I would argue that the story is probably geared more towards older readers. 

What I liked:

– Though I’m not one for children’s books, I actually really liked that Chandler was young and that you got to see everything through his eyes. 

– I really liked the idea of a ghost runner because I had never heard it before and the added bonus of Nicholas really had me invested in the story to see what had happened. 

– Spiritually, I would have to say that this book deals with the issue of death and how God works all things out for the good to those that love him and those that are called according to his purpose. There is tragedy and then there is hope.

What I didn’t like:

– The ending was a surprise to me. I didn’t see that one coming. 

– Chandler’s voice in the narrative sometimes was informational and sometimes came across as older than he was.

Overall, a very good novella that is both creative and intriguing.

Romantic Scale: N/A (though there is a huge case of puppy love)

**I received this book from the author. My opinion was not affected in any way.**

I really enjoy YA novels and the Christian arena is starting to open their doors to more. I’ve showed a couple of covers of YA novels that are coming out this year, but here is one I hadn’t expected:

The isolated town of Beldon, Wisconsin, is shocked when a high school freshman’s body is found in Lake Algonquin. Just like everyone in the community, sixteen-year-old Daniel Byers believes that Emily Jackson’s death was accidental. But at her funeral, when he has a terrifying vision of her, his world begins to rip apart at the seams.

Convinced that Emily’s appearance was more than just a mere hallucination, Daniel begins to look carefully into her death, even as he increasingly loses the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality.

What’s real? What’s not? Where does reality end and madness begin?

As Daniel struggles to find the truth, his world begins to crumble around him as he slips further and further into his own private blurred reality.

Full of mind-bending twists and turns, Blur launches a new trilogy of young adult thrillers from Steven James, a master of suspense.

Anyone else planning on reading this?

About

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become. 

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home? 

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God? 

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?

Review

For some reason I cannot fathom, I really like time travel romance novels. Admittedly, they make things really complicated (I’m always worried about how it’s going to end!), but if they’re done well, than my day has just been made. There aren’t a lot of christian time travel romance novels (Michelle Griep, Tamara Leigh, and  Lisa Bergren’s series are the few authors I can think of), so when I saw this one was coming out, I had to snatch it up. And I’m so glad I did!

What I liked about this book:

Time travel to the roman era. I mean those people were all kinds of crazy and yet the time period is so rich. I thought Ms. Gentry did a fabulous job of making the roman times feel “real.” Her research felt authentic, and the people came across as genuine. At the end of the novel, Ms. Gentry explains that several of the people and things that happened in the novel really happened in real life, so that brings a really great touch to the story. Furthermore, I loved the examples of the early church and how people had to struggle to believe in God in a time where such belief was almost an automatic death sentence. Their doubts and fears become so understandable, and yet their continued faith in God makes them all the stronger.

Dr. Lisbeth Hastings. I now know, if I ever have the option to go back in time, I need to be a doctor. I also liked how her faith in God develops gradually as she walks these early Christians live out their faith.

Cyprian. I loved who he is (was) as a person and how he related to Lisbeth. 

The romance. It completely fit the era and I was very pleased with where it went.

Magdalena. She comes out of nowhere and I love the surprise here. 

There’s a sequel! The ending is so unfair, so I’m super glad there’s going to be another!

What I didn’t like:

There were a couple of times Lisbeth did seem to demand 21st century treatment and I wanted to say, come on girl, think where you are, let’s not be silly.

Overall, a very good time travel novel that will pull you in and have you totally invested.

Romance scale: 8

** I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

About

Review

I really enjoyed going back to the boardinghouse in Baker City, Oregon. The series is almost like a TV show, because the novels, though focused on two people, always have these lovely side stories with the secondary characters that you just don’t want to miss. Book Two makes Jeffery and Beth the main attraction. 

Beth is an interesting heroine. She’s got this mysterious past on two fronts: her ex-beau and her parentage. Watching the two pasts unravel slowly was really nicely done. I found myself turning the pages and trying to figure out what had happened with Beth. However, Beth is not one of the best heroines. She’s a bit flighty, because I wasn’t sure what she wanted in life. She was a bit self-absorbed because she thought everything and everyone was talking about her. And to be perfectly honest, this is not a romance, this is a book about Beth deciding whether or not she wanted a romance. That said, she’s not the most annoying heroine I’ve ever read, and if you just remember that she’s overdramatic, than she won’t bother you as the reader.

Jeffery is another mysterious character because you’re not sure about him in book one, but in this novel you really get in his head. You learn his passions, what he’s hiding, and who he’s hiding from. I will say, that he is a very beta, low-key male. Sometimes I wanted to say stop whining and do something already! But that low-keyness is probably what makes him and Beth work. Jeffery also has some parental issues (like in the first book) that are worked out really nicely in this one. 

The secondary characters are all there! Plus there is an extra boarder or two who causes trouble and will bring a smile to your face. I particularly enjoyed Frances’ character. I love that though she has changed, she hasn’t changed. 

Spiritually, Beth has to learn to trust God and realize that she can’t control everything while Jeffery learns that God is very interested in everything that we do.

Overall, I think if you don’t go into this novel expecting a romance, it’s a great book about this boardinghouse and the things that go on there. The writing is strong, I didn’t find myself bored at all, and I’m very interested in what is going to happen in the third book in this series.

Romantic scale: 6

**I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don’t want to go. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

Background TBA

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong
 
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white. 
 
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten. The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth. Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough? Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the ‘Safe Lands” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal. If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die.

Background TBA

A terminal breast cancer diagnosis shatters Kendra Woods’ life and dreams. But through the hurt and the pain, she learns to view her life—however many days that includes—in a new way.

Kendra Woods has always known success. Raised in a prominent black family in well-to-do Clayton, Missouri, she had high aspirations for herself and, thus far, has met them. After graduating from law school she went to work at a prestigious law firm. Now she’s just made partner and in one month will marry the man of her dreams. And it’s only the beginning. Kendra envisions herself becoming a judge one day and she can’t wait to have kids. But a terminal diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer shatters her world—weeks before her wedding.

Kendra is devastated as the reality sets in that she could have no more than two years to live. Her fiance leaves, and as word travels around the firm, she’s no longer given big cases. Kendra is angry with God and feels her life has already ended.

Her path keeps crossing Lance’s, a troublemaker who briefly attended her high school. Kendra has trouble letting go of the person he was a decade ago and can’t believe an encounter in jail turned his life around and he’s now leading a church plant in Clayton. He’s becoming the unlikely source of hope she needs.

Kendra is in the midst of a storm—one that’s apparently here to stay. But the hidden blessings may be just the shelter she needs.

Exciting!

About

Experience God’s Presence in a Whole New Way

There’s just something about people who are close to God. Through the ups and downs of life, they remain secure, hopeful. If you want a more rewarding spiritual life, if you want the pleasure of knowing your Creator’s heart, this soul-lifting book is for you.

Learn from Dutch Sheets as he shares his life lessons for cultivating an intimate relationship with God. Each of the thirty short chapters reveals a simple practice or biblical mindset that will help draw you away from the noise of life and into the Lord’s peaceful presence.

With profound insights from the Bible and stories you won’t soon forget, The Pleasure of His Company is like a spiritual mentor, showing you simple ways to enjoy God more.

This powerful book can also be enjoyed as a daily devotional.

Review

I don’t usually read or review nonfiction. However, I have read several of Dutch Sheets’ books and I could not pass this one up. In case you are wondering if this is book is for you, here are some things to consider:

Have you ever asked yourself what does it mean to “delight yourself in the Lord’?

or

What does it mean to “seek ye first the kingdom of God”?

If you’ve ever asked yourself either of those questions, then this is the book for you, because Mr. Sheets explains what that means and what that looks beautifully.

If you’ve ever read any of his books before, than you know that he starts off each chapter with his trademark funny story before getting into the important things. This book will give you something to think about and will linger long in your mind after you finish it. I read this book as a daily devotional and while it didn’t really follow the structure that I usually look for in devotionals, since it is thirty chapters and there are generally around 30 days in a month, it makes for a nice month that focuses on knowing Jesus.

Overall, a very good book with life-changing principles if you apply them.

**I received this book from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

Today is my birthday! Another year older already!

Have you ever found an author, fell in love, read all their books, but then overtime noticed that their books no longer hold your interest? I have. So how can authors began to lose readers who loved them? This is how:

1. The author changes their time period. There are a few authors I have read who I really like when they write contemporary, but have a hard time with when they write historical. You would think that it wouldn’t matter considering I love both time periods equally, but I have noticed that sometimes their heroines will stay the same from contemporary times but fail to translate well in historical periods. That said, there are some awesome writers who can do this really well, but there are some who can’t.
2. Their novels don’t change. There is one author I just really liked. I read every single book she wrote, but then I began to notice patterns. The heroine always reacted the same, I knew the hero was going to do x right in the middle of the book. It was so predictable, I just stopped reading her.
3. The author has a tendency to place her main characters in some tense positions…all the time. There is this one author, who is fairly famous. And when she writes a good book, it’s amazing. But when she writes a not so good book, it’s usually really not so good (though she still gets five star reviews, so she’s not bad). What makes me hesitant to read her books? I never know what she’s going to put her main characters through and whether or not I want to handle it. She’s not a light read, and I’m not excited to read a book that will make me heavy.

   So, are there any authors that you have given up on (you don’t have to name names!)? If so, why?