remaininhislove

Siri Mitchell’s The Messenger

Posted on June 13, 2012June 17, 2012 by remaininhislove

The Messenger is about a woman, Hannah, who is a quaker during the Revolutionary War. This of course means that she, nor her family should take part in the war. Well, her brother runs off and joins the Americans only to be captured by the British. Then enters Jeremiah, a man who has one arm which doesn’t allow him to fight physically, but he still wants to help the Americans. Ms. Mitchell did her research and weaved it into her novel so well I felt like I was there. I think there were only two problems with this book: one I’m not going to mention as it goes to the core plot of the novel, the other is that there was no kiss. A romance novel with no kiss! It makes perfect sense for that era, but it bothered me in this era. Its not a deal-breaker though, so highly recommended!

Spiritually, Hannah has to learn that she doesn’t need to be a quaker to please God and Jeremiah needs to learn that God is still there and hasn’t given up him. He still has a purpose as we all do!

Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Historical

Lisa T. Bergren’s Tributary

Posted on June 12, 2012June 12, 2012 by remaininhislove

So the River of Time is a fun series. If you read this book, you must, absolutely must start with book one: Waterfall. It’s hard to talk too much about Tributary without giving away things that happen in the other books. To sum the series up though, we’ve got two 21st century girls who, while on an archealogical dig, get transported back in time to 14th century Italy. To speak more generally, about the series, I love that when the girls go back in time they are both modern and respectful of the time that they are transported to. Nothing more aggravating than a modern woman in old times. More, specifically, Tributary still maintains the exciting romance and the wonderful knights (gotta love knights) as in all the rest. The sisters start off the series with a vague notion of God, but by Tributary they are praying and seeking Him and learning to get past the spirit of fear. There’s lots of adventure going on, befitting the times. The only thing I would say is a miss for me, is that nothing seems to get resolved (same conflicts, same people). But maybe that’s how it was back then.

Contemporary

Beth Vogt’s Wish You Were Here

Posted on June 11, 2012June 12, 2012 by remaininhislove

This book was really unique because it starts with a wedding (albeit a wedding gone wrong). This book starts with Allison who is about to marry Seth, but five days before the wedding finds herself kissing Seth’s brother Daniel. I don’t think you need me to point that there are a few problems in this relationship. It’s an interesting premise, but I think if I were rating the book I might give it 3.5 starts our of 5. It begins very engaging for the first few chapters, but then it kind of mellows out in the middle and picks up again towards the end. Overall, I found that this was an enjoyable read and so very different than the usual.

Spiritually, you have Allison who got saved as a teenager, but once she started dating Seth, she put God on the backburner. She has to learn who she is in Christ before she can proceed any further with another relationship. I love this concept. Daniel’s relationship in the beginning resembles his relationship to his father, cold and distant. To be honest, I think a lot of people compare their relationship to God with their relationship with one of their parents. This book really challenges you to look beyond yourself. I recommend it!

Interview

Interview of Tracy Higley

Posted on June 8, 2012June 22, 2012 by remaininhislove

Ms. Higley,

1) What came first, the research or your storyline?

Research always comes first for me. It’s in digging through the real stories of people and places that the inspiration for my own story is born.

2) You write a lot of books that deal with the ancient world, what made you choose this time period?

It chose me, I think! I can’t really say – I’ve always been interested in the ancient world. Perhaps it was growing up in church, hearing all the Old Testament stories, and wondering about the culture and life of the people we don’t hear as much about.

3) Obviously your books take a lot of research. How long did it take you to research the Garden of Madness?

Research is ongoing through the process. I start with a month or two of studying, plotting and outlining, and all through the months of writing the first draft I’m taking days out from writing to do more research that I need. Then at the end, there are always gaps to fill in, so I go back and research some more!

4) Tia has a pretty adventurous and bold spirit in Garden of Madness, what (or who) was her inspiration?

Yes, she’s unlike most of the women of her acquaintance, but this was purposeful. I think many of us feel like we “don’t fit in” in some way in our lives. I wanted to see Babylon through the eyes of a woman who is questioning everything.

5) When you write your books, do you plan everything in advance or are you surprised with the twists and turns of your novels?

I am definitely a planner, and know what will happen in most scenes, at least in general. But often twists and turns will jump out and surprise me as I write.

6) If there is one thing you want your readers to take away from your book, what would it be?

I would love readers to realize that we are all playing a role in the One True Story that God is writing across human history. There is a battle to fight and an enemy, and we are each important. Live your adventure!

7) I saw that Isle of Shadows is coming out later this year, is there anything you can tell us about it?

Isle of Shadows is actually a rewrite of an earlier title of mine, Shadow of Colossus. It’s been significantly updated, and has a beautiful new cover and a new title. I’m hoping readers will love it!

Historical

Serena Miller’s The Measure of Katie Calloway

Posted on June 7, 2012June 7, 2012 by remaininhislove

This book was a good surprise. It starts at the end of the Civil War (my favorite American War to read about) and Katie Calloway’s husband comes home and he is no good. Long story short she runs away to work at a logging company in Michigan. Usually I don’t like stories of deception. There has to be a good (and I mean good) reason for it, and then the big reveal can’t happen way at the end. In other words, there is an art to using deception in a novel and Ms. Miller did a great job with it. At no place in the novel did I feel that Katie Calloway was being annoying, in fact I really enjoyed her character. This book will make you laugh out loud, sigh in the end and learn about trusting God through the difficult times when there seems like there is no hope. Terrific!

Historical

Linda Windsor’s Rebel

Posted on June 6, 2012June 7, 2012 by remaininhislove

Nobody writes about early Great Britain history like Linda Windsor. The woman knows her research and she knows how to write a good story. Rebel concludes the Brides of Alba series. In this third book, the youngest son Alyn, returns home. He had left home to become a priest and returned home unsure of his calling. Then there is Kella who has made a mistake that has ramifications that not only effect her but everyone around her. The romance between them was really good and you have read the other books, not totally unforeseen. This book also throws in the death of Merlin and the end of King Arthur’s reign. It’s another take on the famous king. So combine the sword-fighting, druids, romance, secrets, and the love of God and you’ve got yourself an excellent book!

Historical

Lisa Bergren’s Glamorous Illusions

Posted on June 5, 2012June 7, 2012 by remaininhislove

So I really enjoyed this book! But I enjoy pretty much everything Lisa Bergern writes. This book starts with Cora who learns a big secret about her family that leads to her taking the Grand Tour in Europe. Since I’ve been to Europe, and am something of a francophile I enjoyed all the references to England and France. This book was so good! I thought Ms. Bergren did a fabulous job of staying in character with Cora. I emphatized, rejoiced, mourned all within the space of a few pages. There was naturally some romance, but in true modern style there are always two suitors. Spiritually, Cora has to learn to trust God throughout the entire experience because as fun as Europe is when you’re traveling with annoying people that can get rid of the joy. Highly recommended and I can’t wait till the next one comes out!

Historical

Karen Witemeyer’s Short Straw Bride

Posted on June 4, 2012June 7, 2012 by remaininhislove

So I read this great review of this book that said the only bad thing about this book was that it ended. I agree! This book was so cute and so much fun that I was sad every time I turned a page. Ms. Witemeyer said this book was influenced by the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which I really like, so if you remember that movie, than this book is right up your alley. The romance was sweet, the brothers humorous, and there was of course a few bad guys thrown in the mix to make it things complicated.

Spiritually, Travis (the hero) has to learn to trust God in spite of the disappointments in the past which is so applicable to life. Meredith has to learn to seek God and ask him first before moving. Such a great book! Everything she writes is a joy and I can’t wait till next year!

Interview

Interview of Jennifer Hartz

Posted on June 1, 2012June 22, 2012 by remaininhislove

Ms. Hartz,

What inspired you to write this series?

Amazingly, the backbone of The Future Savior Series formed a very long time ago. What’s funny (and this will sound totally unrelated) is it all began with a love of Star Wars. I always wished George Lucas would have continued the story after Return of the Jedi. My over active imagination began concocting the story myself. Han and Leia had twins, a boy and a girl. One of them was kidnapped when they were very young by someone on the dark side and raised evil while the other remained a true Jedi. Imagine to conflict and conviction when they discovered they were brother and sister!

Obviously, things have morphed a lot since then. I think my 3 hour a day commute aided my imagination. As did my love for all things fantasy and sci-fi! During my drive (yeah, 3 hours is a long time to be in the car each day!) I began dreaming up a fantasy land, but the people had sci-fi like abilities.

I also have a huge love for Jesus and The Bible. Even before I was a follower of Jesus I enjoyed Bible stories, I was fascinated by them. Making sure these stories found their way into my own fantasy story only seemed natural. Perhaps by reading The Future Savior Series others will discover a love for them too and in turn discover Jesus.

When I read about some of the unique abilities Christina, Shaw, Rayliex, etc. have, I immediately thought X-men. What made you pick the powers that you came up with?

I am a HUGE X-Men fan! Just look at Drexton…. he’s my very own version of Gambit! As for the powers, I really can’t say what made me pick those ones in particular. I guess maybe I just thought they were cool! LOL!

Your series will contain five books at the end. So far at the end of each book there is an incredible cliffhanger. Do you plan it that way or are you equally surprised by the ending yourself?

Oh, those are all planned out. ***evil laugh*** I think my obsession with the TV show Friends helped to fuel that. At the end of each season they always left me hanging with some kind of killer cliffhanger. I hated it as much as I loved it and I COULD NOT WAIT until the next season. I think it’s only fair I torture my readers in the exact same way!

I thought it fascinating that Christina was a gym teacher, did you pick this career because of all the physical exertions that Meric would require (I know if I went to Meric and had to survive based on my physical abilities…I..would…not)?

I have to admit that Christina’s “normal” life really followed mine so much so that it’s comical. Originally, Christina started off as an English teacher. But as Christina moved through Meric I kept hitting those “physical exertions” you talked about and I realized it was detracting from the story every time I had to explain why she could do certain things. So I changed her profession to make it easier.

In my own life, I started off as an English major in college and I LOVED it, but sometimes life likes to take us down a different path for awhile. I ended up becoming a PE teacher, but I still loved my English origins… so much so writing became my hobby. And I’m pleased to announce that this is my last year teaching. I am about to become a full-time wife/mommy/writer! So it seems the English wins out in the end.

So Shaw? What came first, the picture or the man?

Oh Shaw, ***sigh*** the man came first. In fact, I made it two-thirds of the way through the first rough draft of Conception before I decided I needed a picture to aid the inspiration. It was a no brainer on who I would pick… I think he may have been tugging at the back of my subconscious anyway, but the perfect person for Shaw is the breathtakingly gorgeous Kellan Lutz.

What (or who) do you picture Christina looking like?

Trying to figure out who would be the best image for Christina has been tough. I think I’ve picked a dozen or so different actresses and then changed my mind! Currently, I really like Sarah Bolger from The Spiderwick Chronicles.

When reading the Future Savior Series I noticed a little bit of David, Esther, Job, Jonah, Battle of Jericho, Ehud, and of course Jesus in there. Do you pick the Biblical stories first or does the narrative just kind of develop that way?

Wow! I’m so glad you picked up on Ehud! I was worried nobody would find his story in there. Some of the Bible stories I know I want to use ahead of time. Esther was obviously planned out. Others sort of develop as I went along like Jonathan and his armor bearer only having one sword to defeat twenty enemies.

When your readers are finished with your books, what is the biggest thing you want them to take-away from the series?

I fully believe Christian fiction can be fantastical and edgy. I don’t know about you, but I have no desire to read books with Suzie-Bonnet-Amish-Lady on the cover. And don’t get me wrong, I’m a HUGE Chronicle of Narnia and Lord of the Rings fan (obviously), but I wished there would have been a real, in-depth romance to them. And of course, you already know about my love for super-hero stories. So, I wanted a high sci-fi/fantasy Christian story with some heavy romance to it… where was I going to find something like that? It’s not easily located on the bookstore shelves. Yep, I decided to create my own!

Admittedly, I wrote a story that I would love. But I think there are plenty of women from ages fifteen to fifty who are just like me. They want an amazing adventure story, with strong Christian morals, super-hero powers, and heart pounding romance.

For non-Christians, I hope they stumble upon The Future Savior Series and perhaps recognize one of the Bible stories in it. Maybe they run off and grab a Bible to check it out and it gets them reading God’s Word. Hey, anything that can get people to the Bible is good!

When you designed the layout of Meric, is it all in your mind? Do you draw it out? How do you keep the details together?

Actually the layout of Meric is very particular. It will be explained in even more detail in the 4^th and 5^th books so… stay tuned!

I know the next book doesn’t come out until December, but is there any nugget you would like to share?

Future Savior Book Four: Desecration starts off running! Within the first pages there’s an unexpected declaration of love, some new powers, a much anticipated fight and even the death of a beloved character! Buckle your seatbelt. It’s gonna be a wild ride right from the word “go”!

Once again, Thank you Ms. Hartz for being on my blog!

*Remember we still have a week left in the giveaway of the Future Savior Series Book One: Conception. Just leave a comment with your email address. Winners will be announced on June 8th!

Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Michelle Griep’s Undercurrent

Posted on May 31, 2012June 17, 2012 by remaininhislove

So this is a book of time travel where once again I hesitate to completely call it fantasy, but for this week I will. This novel starts off with Cassie Larson who is a professor leading a tour for her undergrad students in England. She falls into the water….and ends up in the late tenth century in Norway. Fortunately for Cassie, she studied this language and is not completely at a loss when she is rescued by a Norse man. I really enjoyed this book because it wasn’t what I expected. Of course there was romance and mystery, but it wasn’t done in the same cut and dry fashion of a lot of novels. Griep doesn’t just focus on Cassie but develops some strong secondary characters. Also, the hero is really something. He’s not a man you come across in every novel. The only thing I didn’t like about the book was that Cassie was constantly using American slang, even when she was speaking Norse and it seems like she would know that that wasn’t going to work. Other than that I thought this book really took me to Norway with Cassie.

Spiritually, this book was deep. You’ve got the hero who has turned his back on paganism for Christianity and is ridiculed for it by his family, and yet his love never fails. It’s a beautiful portrayal of Christ. And the story he tells that led to his salvation is so moving. It challenges me to realize that sometimes I’m the only Christ people will see and so I better be a good representative! Ms. Griep has another time-travel called Gallimore (which is good), and I look forward to anything else she writes.