Posted in Mystery/Suspense

Steven James’ Opening Moves

Posted on by remaininhislove

About

In The Bowers Files novels, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers has stopped some of the most vicious serial killers ever imagined. Now, in the fifth exciting installment, author Steven James takes readers back to Bowers’s terrifying beginning.
Milwaukee, 1997. In a city reeling from the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, a series of gruesome kidnappings and mutilations draw authorities into a case like nothing they’ve ever seen. Cops think a Dahmer copycat is on the loose.
But Patrick Bowers, working as a homicide detective, suspects this is more than an ode to the infamous cannibal. When he discovers that the shocking acts reference some of the most notorious and macabre killers in our nation’s history, the investigation spirals into a nightmare of manipulation, brutality, and terror.
Wielding groundbreaking investigative techniques, Bowers must now face off with a killer who will stop at nothing to get his message out to the world. Chilling, gritty, and packed with twists and turns, Opening Moves is Steven James’s most heart-pounding novel yet.

Review

This is the best Patrick Bowers novel so far! But then again, I think Mr. James tops himself with each novel he writes. You would think that since this is a prequel it wouldn’t be too exciting since you already know the big picture. Wrong. While there are a few ‘aha’ moments, I was getting surprised on every corner. If you like crime novels, this is the one. So this novel was not geared toward the Christian market, but, aside from the murders, it’s a clean novel that brings up an interesting issue: when do you become accountable for your actions? And it certainly made me want to pray for the protection of my family and to thank God I was born to some good parents.

Warning: I’m not sure if this novel contains more violent crimes than the others, but these are certainly very grisly. I think they’re more horrifying than his other novels, because he tosses in some real serial killers, and there’s nothing scarier than reality. Furthermore, please be wise and do not read this book well into the evening when everyone else in your household is in bed and you have to turn off all the lights in the house and then suddenly remember your bedroom is in the basement. Not wise. Such a good book. Highly Recommended!

Want to find out more about Steven James? Stay tuned for my interview this month!

Posted in Personal

Monday Musings…What Makes a Book Good

Posted on by remaininhislove

I’ve decided to try a new thing called Monday Musings and today’s topic is what makes a book good? I’m not talking about what makes a book great, because there is a difference!

1) It meets your expectations. I’m not saying the book must be predictable, but if you sit down for a romance, it shouldn’t turn into a horror story. Case in point, I bought a novel, by an author whose name I shall not disclose, assuming it was a romance novel…with a happy ending. It was a romance novel, but when I got to that ending I wanted to throw the book across the room. I felt like I got Punk’d (old tv show). Don’t Punk your readers! I don’t recommend that novel. It didn’t make me happy.

2) I turn the pages. Folks I read a lot of books. A lot of books. When I was younger, if I started a book, I finished it. Now that I’m older and there are more demands on my time, I give the book three chapters unless it just had outstanding reviews. If I’m not pulled in, it’s not a good book. If I’m pulled in from start to finish, then even if I’m not crazy about it, I give it props. Case in point, I read a book for a contest that was just wild. I mean, the characters were some of the strangest people I had ever come across in a novel, but everytime I put it down, I was like, what happens next? So I finished it. The book was over the top, but I would call it a good book or at least good writing. I wanted to turn the pages.

3) It’s not complicated. There’s nothing I hate more than a complicated book. If you read my reviews, I’ll often say, the book wasn’t complicated. What is complicated? Lots of facts or details that I simply don’t need as a reader. If I can skim the book and still get to the point, than that’s not good. I rarely skim. I feel like it’s cheating, so if I’m skimming, than there are too many details. Complication can also mean relationship issues. There are some relationships that just should not happen. Case in point, I once read a novel where, before the guy became a Christian, he had intimate relations with two sisters and then chose one in the end. That’s a negative. I could not relate. I didn’t like the guy, I didn’t understand the girl. Too many complications there (and Christianity does not erase issues!).

4) No stupid people. Annoying heros or heroines are just that annoying. Don’t get me wrong, every author should change up their characters and make them unique. Often that means that there is one hero/heroine who comes across as annoying. It’s okay to have the character be annoying on some levels (little ticks, pet peeves, etc.), but I have found that the most annoying heroines are those who are driven by a desire that tramples others in the novel and women who are strong before their time. It’s okay to be strong, but let’s be realistic here. In the old days, you didn’t turn down Godly men because you wanted to pave your own way. Just didn’t happen. Annoying heros are men who humiliate the heroine and suffer no consequences or cocky men who aren’t funny (if the guy is arrogant, he has to be funny).

5) Original. There has to be some originality. A good author can take a familiar story and make it unique, so I’m not talking about something I’ve never heard of. However, I shouldn’t read a book, and be like I’ve definitely read this already. That’s bad. Especially, if later on I can’t tell the difference between the books. Something about the novel must be original to make it stand out amongst the group. I like mail-order bride novels for some odd reason. There are a ton of them, so I really don’t read a lot of them (that sounds odd, but there are a lot of bad ones out there). Yet, there are some that stand out and it’s because they don’t have the typical heros and heroine or the typical plot. Don’t be typical, be original!

6) Lastly, it feeds your needs. At the end of the day, you know what you like. My dad always says a good movie has to have a good romance, some action, some humor, and a little mystery. Everyone has their own criteria for what makes your heart sing. When the novels matches that criteria it is a good book.

Next week, I will talk about what makes a book great or the difference on my blog between recommended and highly recommended.

Anyone agree or disagree with my reasonings? Got any to add?

Posted in Interview

Interview of Heather Burch

Posted on by remaininhislove

Thank you for willing to be interviewed!

Well, thank you for asking me!!!

1. When writing YA fiction, are there certain things that you feel must be in a novel or shouldn’t be in a novel?
Great question! I actually just wrote a guest post for Go Teen Writers and that’s the very thing I discussed! Any great YA novel should have three elements.
A. An unforgettable character
B. An impossible situation
C. A relentless threat
If you have these three things, you’re on your way to writing a fabulous YA!

2. Halflings involves a number of spiritual beings. When writing Halflings, did you have to do any kind of research?
All the research came along years before I ever started the book. I’ve always been interested in angels … not to the point that I searched out websites or anything, but there are a lot of angel/human interactions in the Bible. I always paid close attention to how and why the angels acted the way they did. Then I took it and started spinning fiction into it. Quite fun, actually. 

3. What was your inspiration for this series?
A bunch of teenagers who started talking in my head and wouldn’t shut up until I told their story. When I started writing Halflings, I’d been working on a completely different style of book. You might say the story idea took me captive. So far, it hasn’t let go. Apparently, I have my own relentless threat at work.

4. As it stands, Nikki is not supposed to end up with either Mace or Raven, but I have great faith that something, somehow, someway will change that. Do you already know who she will end up with or will you be surprised as well?
I’ve always known who, but honestly when I’m writing her with the other character, I totally change my mind. I even told my husband, “When she’s with ——-, I really believe that’s her match, her soul mate. She should end up with him!” Even though I know differently. My husband told me that if I’m not convinced, the reader won’t be convinced. Every time she’s with one or the other, we should be wondering about who is right for her. We find out in Guardian if she actually can have one or the other.  Yes, there’s a BIG reveal in that book.

5. Please tell us something (anything!) about the upcoming Guardian.
Well, I can say this, it’s the funnest book I’ve ever written. Nikki has to dig deep to fulfill her destiny. She gets to take a trip to Europe with the Halflings, discovers her “girly” side when Winter, Vegan and Glimmer “adopt” her, and she struggles with fitting into a world of gorgeous half-angel beings making her wonder if she should return home. A painful realization opens old wounds and she finds herself hunting the very man who swore he’d protect her.
Guardian releases on October 9. But you can read the first two chapters free in the ebook short story A Halflings Rescue. It’s available at all e-retailers. It’s a fun short story and my awesome publisher included the first two chapters of Guardian with it.

Check out my review of Halfings:https://remaininhislove.com/2012/08/27/heather-burchs-halflings/

Posted in Historical

Mary Connealy’s Out of Control

Posted on by remaininhislove

About

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he’s got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn’t happy to find out Seth doesn’t remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she’s come to the Kincaid family’s ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn’t a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She’s not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth’s pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can’t sort things out. It’s enough to drive a man insane–but somehow it’s all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

Review

Having read the other two Kincaid novels, I was most excited to read this one. I think Seth is my favorite brother, perhaps because he is the most endearing. When reading a Connealy book, however, I have to prepare myself for some light-hearted fun. The men are strong, but the women are fierce. I will admit, at times it’s a little strange to me, how impressive these women are, but then I’m not from Texas ;)This novel starts off with a bang and pulls you in right away. There were moments when I had to suspend my disbelief at times, but overall, if you like Ms. Connealy then this book doesn’t disappoint. There weren’t too many characters that I got lost in the novel and the romance between Seth and Callie, though not deep, had time to develop. Honestly, I really liked the way she wrapped things up in this series and would look forward to a fourth one about you-know-who!

If you want to learn more about this novel check out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeSzqacHzQM&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=2&feature=plcp

*I received a compliementary copy of this novel to review, my opinion was not affected in any way*

Posted in Historical

Laura Frantz’s Love’s Reckoning

Posted on by remaininhislove

About
On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

Review

So I have been waiting for this book, oh, sense, I finished The Colonel’s Lady! And it was well worth the wait! This novel, if anything, showed how flexible and how great a writer Ms. Frantz is. It takes you out of that Kentucky mindset and places you in Pennsylvannia (this land was once untamed) and introduces you to two wonderful people: Eden and Silas. And some not so wonderful people. Who shall remain nameless. Eden is a character who fits her time. Somehow she is strong and admirable and sensitive and sweet. You can’t help but like her. And Silas, what a hero! I like that he’s so reluctant to know Eden at first, it makes the romance so much sweeter. I found the ending unique. I wasn’t expecting it. But it worked. Spiritually, Eden learns that life may not go as planned, but that has never stopped God. Such a great book that you won’t want to put down. Highly Recommended!

P.S. Want to know more about this book? Stay tuned, yours truly has interviewed the lovely Ms. Laura Frantz!

Posted in Contemporary

Krista Phillips’ Sandwich with a Side of Romance

Posted on by remaininhislove

 

About

She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up
in a giant pickle.

Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old
Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out
of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day. It’s all
Reuben-the-Jerk’s fault, and she’s determined to make him right the
wrong.

He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant,
The Sandwich Emporium. Then crazy things start happening at the restaurant, and
Kyle’s foster parents apply to adopt him. To stop it all, Maddie must learn the
art of humbling herself and accepting the help God has arranged, risking her
heart to Reuben in the process.

And she’d rather eat a million
corned-beef on rye sandwiches than do that.

Review

I really enjoyed this book. It starts off fun and light-hearted, but don’t let that fool you, this book gets deep. Maddie is a great heroine, she’s just trying to take care of herself and love God. Reuben has all this pride, but still has a soft spot for helping strays. There were moments when I wanted to slap Reuben, but his character was so realistic, I was like, I know this guy. Let me tell you, this book will make you laugh out loud and then there will be some moments that your heart just goes out to Maddie. One thing I love is how self-assured Maddie is. Jesus loves her and you can take her or leave her. I also like that  Reuben’s family strongly believes in being Jesus to everyone they meet. It’s a challenge to me to remember that. Very good. Very original. Highly Recommended!

Posted in Contemporary

Ronie Kendig’s Trinity

Posted on by remaininhislove

About

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.

 

Review

So let me just start off by saying that I do not like books with animals as main characters. Frankly, you can’t name an animal that I like period. Not even fish (have you seen one ever committ suicide? It would change your opinion too). Thus, I ordered Ms. Kendig’s book reluctantly and wishing she had chosen another angle. But, everything changed when I started her novel. So Good! Heath and Darcy were such great characters! The plot wasn’t complicated to follow. It was humorous, romantic, a little mystery tossed in, a few surprises, and yes, I even liked Trinity. I have been debating whether or not this is my favorite book by Ms. Kendig. Spiritually, Darcy must come to know and trust the God of her mother and Heath has to realize that God’s plans are quite simply, not our own; that He is still God even when we are disappointed with the way life turns out. Highly Recommended!

PS The next day, after reading this novel, I decided to give dogs another chance. I went over my cousin’s house, who has a dog that is larger than my own 5 feet. Let’s just say, my opinion did NOT change. Still loved the book though and cannot wait for the next one!

Posted in Contemporary, Young Adult

Judy Christie’s Wreath

Posted on by remaininhislove

About

What do you do when you’re too young to be on your own but have no one to turn to? Sixteen-year-old Wreath Willis makes a list: Find a place to live. Buy cheap food. Finish high school. Get a job. Go to college. Now she’s finishing high school by day and squatting in a junkyard by night, flying below the authorities’ radar while she makes a few awkward friends and searches for an illusory “good life.” But when a teacher grows too suspicious, Wreath is afraid she’ll have to move on before she graduates. Could it be this was a good life?

Review

This novel was really unique to me. You have Wreath who is on the run and instead of going to a foster home for her last year of schooling she would rather live in a car in a junkyard (of course the fact that she is running from a scary guy might be a part of that reason as well). I thought there were moments in this book that were a little predictable, but there were moments in this book that were heart-wrenching as well. Wreath had a tough time and you couldn’t help but want to cheer her along as went. Throughout the novel you could see how God was there with her every step of the way because of all the people she met who cared about her. Though this novel introduced a love interest and had a few romantic like scenes, I would say this book was more about survival than some guy. An interesting book and certainly a learning experience. My heart goes out to those who find themselves in this situation and I can only pray that I act with the same grace that (most) people treated Wreath with. Recommended!

Posted in Historical, Young Adult

Cathy Gohlke’s Civil War Series

Posted on by remaininhislove

About

In William Henry is a Fine Name, they told Robert his best friend wasn’t human. Robert’s father assisted the Underground Railroad. His mother adamantly opposed abolition. His best friend was a black boy named William Henry. As a nation neared its boiling point, Robert found himself in his own painful conflict. The one thing he couldn’t do was nothing at all. William Henry is a coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old boy–and an entire country–that comes face to face with the evils of society, even within the walls of the church. In the safety of an uplifting friendship, he discovers the hope of a brighter day.
In I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires, the bonds linking family and the lines separating enemies have become very blurry for 17-year-old Robert. With his father away fighting for the Union, Robert must decide to act alone in order to help his ailing mother, extricate his injured Confederate Uncle, and bring relief to his cousin, Emily. When he unwittingly gets entangled in a Confederate escape plot, Robert must forge his anger and shame into a new determination to save his family. And, perhaps, he must also realize that the saving might not be entirely up to him. Honor and duty to God and country aren’t as clear-cut as he hoped them to be.

Review

I so enjoyed these two books! Of course it was during one of my favorite eras in history (I have so many)! Even my modern, up-to-date, little sister loves these books. Because it is two books, I will do a general review. I preferred the first book to the second, but Robert is such a wonderful character that you can’t read the first book without wanting to read the second one. The first book draws you in immediately and once again, since its from the point of view of a male, friendship is the theme. William Henry is the best friend any kid could have, and let me warn you, bring some tissue paper when you read this book! Spiritually, Robert is raised in a Christian home and knows Jesus young, but when he realizes that there is evil in this world still, it does tests his faith at moments. You should read both books to get the conclusion of his spiritual journey. Good book! Highly Recommended!

Posted in Historical, Young Adult

Heather and Lydia Munn’s How Huge the Night

Posted on by remaininhislove

About

Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens.

Review

This was such a good book! But then again I like reading about the World War II era and I love the south of France (I lived there for a semester). Julien is angry with his family for moving from Paris to the south of France. He doesn’t know anyone. On top of that, his parents take in a Jewish boy his age and though Nazis are not welcome in France, Jews are not exactly popular people at the moment. He feels that his humiliation is complete. This book is so complex and so interesting, I wish there was a book two. First layer: his parents survived WWI and they bring their own fears to the table, Second, Julien has to deal with bullies of the first rate. Third, Julien has to try not to become a bully himself toward the boy in his home. Fourth, Hitler is invading. Five, there is a subplot with a girl and her brother (Jewish) trying to find safety. So good. This book is about friendship as there is no real romance in the story, but you still can’t put it down. Julien has to learn to treat people the way God would have them be treated–which is hard to do on so many levels (especially in his era!), but his character is so complex and so real you can’t help but love Julien. Highly Recommended!