Book Reviews

Shiloh P. Jacobs has everything — the perfect job, the perfect fiance, the perfect life in Japan — but when her estranged mother dies suddenly, Shiloh must travel to the South to confront her past. Shortly after burying her mother, Shiloh loses her job, her fiance, and is hopelessly penniless. Since her mother left the house and car, Shiloh must move into her mother’s house and temporarily build a life for herself in a world that is so different and foreign to her. The small rural town of Churchville, Virginia is southern to its core and Shiloh must learn to navigate the language and ways of her new neighbors and friends. As much as Shiloh has lost, she still searches for a purpose and a new job to pay the bills — she searches for the mother she never knew or understood and the life that she wants to live.

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story of a young woman’s search for God. I loved how God’s story of redemption was seamlessly woven into the plot and how Shiloh learns to accept the kindness and forgiveness of people she makes fun of. Her search for her Savior is so real and heartfelt — I cried as she cried out to God for answers and healing. My favorite part of this book was that the romance is between Shiloh and God. This story is her journey as she searches for the God that her mother found and the God who changed her mother’s life so dramatically.

All of the author’s characters have depth and force you to fall in love with them. They each struggle and triumph in their own lives the way people do in real life. This book made me want to visit the South in all its glory. As a reader, I enjoyed the southern hospitality and food descriptions since I am unfamiliar with the South. I did find it a little strange that Shiloh didn’t know her U.S. history very well but the story was still a pleasant read. I look forward to the next book in the series, Like Sweet Potato Pie, when it comes out in March 2012.

I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a story about a girl searching for God in an unlikely place.

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

Trevor MacDaniel is a true hero to everyone but he cannot let go of the fact that he was the one that allowed his youngest brother to die all those years ago. A former Olympic gold medalist, his life changed when he was injured, but his lust for winning and the thrill of the race keep him in the adventure business with partner, Whit. After watching Trevor save her young nephew from an animal attack, Natalie, captures the moment in sculpture and a friendship/romance begins. But there are mysterious photos showing up at Trevor’s doorstep at work. He is haunted by his brother’s death and drawn to what Natalie is able to see. Her eidetic (or photographic) memory is a gift and a curse to her. Someone is stirring up trouble and thoughts of the past.

I was very impressed by the suspense and even surprised at the ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved the characters. There were very interesting relationship dynamics between Trevor, Whit, and Whit’s wife, Sara. I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series but everything is explained pretty well so the reader doesn’t feel like they needed to read the other book. However, after reading this book, I do want to pick up Indivisible just to find out more about the town and the different characters.

The story of God’s healing is very subtle. I would have liked a little bit more but the characters are obviously still searching and processing who God is, so I understand that the message of redemption is loosely woven. I did enjoy the excerpts from Paradise Lost by Milton which brought me back to high school English class.

All in all, well written. Definitely would recommend this book to those looking for a good suspense thriller.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group where I was not required to write a positive review.

Finley Sinclair is still grieving the loss of her dear friend and brother, Will, after two years and therapy. She arrives in Abbeyglen, Ireland for her last year of high school as an exchange student and a fresh start. She meets a young, handsome and enigmatic movie star, Beckett Rush, and immediately puts him in his place, which only makes him more determined to get to know the girl who dares to be real with him. Finley is also dealing with being at a new school, making friends, practicing her violin and piano for a conservatory audition in 6 months, and a secret that might be life-changing.

I’ve only read one other book by Jones, Just Between You and Me, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her writing. This Christian Romance is full of real characters and emotions and situations that draw the reader into the world of Finley and Ireland. I want to go visit Ireland after reading this book – the imagery is so beautiful. The message of hope and love in God is beautifully woven into the story as a young girl is forced to confront her control issues. As Finley searches for all of the places her brother visited while in Ireland, the author captures her journey and her heart. I absolutely would recommend this book to anyone who has ever had to deal with pain and loss and to anyone who loves an easy but inspirational read.

I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com with Thomas Nelson but was not required to write a positive review.