Book Reviews

Monica Grant is dead-set on starting a free children’s clinic in Sonoma, California. She has worked as an Emergency Room nurse but wants to make an even greater impact. She prides herself on her ability to read people. When she starts feeling like someone is watching her, she can’t hide the sense that something is wrong. When she starts getting threatening gifts, photos, and letters, she knows that someone is willing to kill her to stop her from opening a free clinic. When the first gift arrives, Shawn O’Neill, a former border patrolman, recognizes the quote from the gift; his sister’s stalker must be the same stalker. His sister had planned to open up a free clinic in the LA area but after receiving numerous threats, she had committed suicide. Shawn suspected his sister had been killed by a colleague of his sister’s who just happened to be a would-be investor for Monica’s free clinic. Who would do this? One of her investors? Can Shawn keep Monica safe from danger without losing his heart? Can Monica keep her dreams alive without risking her friends, family and investors’ lives? Can Monica bear to give her heart to Shawn, whose job requires him to dash into the line of fire? Can Monica and Shawn trust the Lord to protect them and trust Him to heal their broken hearts?

Stalker in the Shadows is a great little mystery suspense in itself. I might be biased since I’ve read all of Camy Tang’s books, but I really enjoy them! Since this is a Love Inspired – Suspense book, it’s shorter in length but it’s perfectly paced. I didn’t want to put the book down, and I really didn’t have to. I have read the previous books in the series and was happy to see where the other characters were at. I love how Tang’s characters have real-life issues and have to deal with them in an authentic way. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s a Love Inspired book; it’s worth the read!

I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a good suspense mystery with a love story that incorporates the love of God. (Also, I might be biased because I grew up near all the places she was talking about in her book – gotta love Sonoma and San Francisco!)

The Biblical story of Rahab retold from a fresh perspective… As a teenager, Rahab is forced to choose a life of selling her body in order to help feed her family. However, instead of becoming a temple prostitute, she chooses her own clients and learns how to be the best business woman but still she is empty inside. After saving and harboring two Israelites, she asks the men to promise that she’ll be safe from the God of Israel’s judgment on her city. God grants her request and saves Rahab and her family. She and her family must adapt and adjust to life outside the walls of Jericho – the people of Israel are nomadic and very religious. Rahab finds what she’s been looking for in the God of Israel. Joshua, the leader of Israel, commands Salmone, one of the tribe leaders of Israel, to take Rahab and her family under his wing to share all of the laws and beliefs of the Israelites. Rahab is so hungry for God that Salmone’s prejudice against her slowly changes into deeper feelings. Will he be able to share what’s in his heart? Will Rahab return his feelings? Will Rahab’s family be able to adapt to the laws of Israel? Will Rahab ever be accepted?

I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of the story of Rahab. I liked how the author took some liberties to make the story more believable but still stayed within the historical context. Rahab had real questions and real needs. She learned to care for herself and build up walls to protect herself from being hurt. Salmon’s character was also very realistic and well written – a man full of feeling and pride who still needs to grow. The pacing of the story was perfect.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Christian romance based on the Bible. It is definitely worth a second read.

I received this book for free from NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

(Sorry it’s taken me so long to post more reviews. I’ve read at least 15 other books so I’m behind on reviews but hopefully I’ll get to them soon. Hope you still keep reading!)

Esther is a beautiful girl whose mother was a Babylonian Jew and whose father was a Persian officer in the army. After both her mother and father die unexpectedly, her uncle Mordecai takes care of Esther and raises her as a Jew. After Mordecai has a disturbing dream about a Jewish massacre, he is convinced they need a spokesperson in the palace of the King. One of the King’s best friends and advisors is an Edomite named Haman who hates all Jews. Mordecai prays and feels that the Jews only hope is to offer Esther as the King’s next bride; the previous queen had disobeyed the King and he had gotten rid of her. Because Esther’s father was of the royal line, she was eligible to be presented to the King, but she didn’t believe that the King would actually pick her. After months of preparation, Esther is presented to the King, and he chooses her for His bride. As they fall in love, Esther realizes that the King will never forgive her for deceiving him about her heritage and hopes that she won’t have to ever reveal that she’s a Jew but God has other plans. Will she do what needs to be done to save her people? Will she sacrifice everything? How will the King respond?

Loosely based on the story of Esther from the Bible, I thorough enjoyed this recounting. I didn’t want to stop reading the story even though I knew the ending. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the story and characters. The characters had motives and fears. They developed and grew throughout the story. They had their faults but also had strengths.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves the story of Esther and wants an honest portrayal of what she and the other characters may have been feeling.

I received this book for free from NetGalley but was not required to write a positive review.