Book Reviews

The Crimson Cord
by Jill Eileen Smith
Rating: 4/5
Daughters of the Promised Land Book 1
Revell – Historical Fiction

Marriage to an injured soldier-turned-gambler was not what Rahab expected when she dreamed of love. When her husband’s debt becomes more than they can manage, Rahab is auctioned off and begins to live as a prostitute. Even when the prince of Jericho starts favoring her, she still feels dirty and unlovable. Feeling trapped in a life she did not choose, Rahab is hesitant to trust any man. When two Israelite spies seek her help, she chooses to deceive her own people. She has heard all about what their God did in Egypt and in parting the Red Sea. She knows there is something different and real about the God that the spies serve. She secures a promise from the spies that their God will spare her life (and her family’s) if she hangs a crimson cord from her window and if she doesn’t betray the spies. Even if what they are saying is true, can Rahab trust them? Can she trust their God to keep His word? Can she learn to trust and love again when she’s been so hurt and misused?

Since many people are already familiar with the biblical account of Rahab, I was curious to see how the author explained her lifestyle. I really enjoyed the background story because it painted a fuller picture of who Rahab was and why she was the way she was. I’ve always loved that God chose to use the least likely person and place her in the lineage of Christ. His redemption is so much more powerful when seen through the process she went through.

I read through this book in a few hours because I had to know how the author would end the story. I was not disappointed. The characters are authentic and not over-the-top. We see their struggles and failures. I was very impressed with the character development and how the main characters made me want to like them.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a biblical background. This is more a story of redemption than a story of romance.

I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Where Rivers Part
by Kellie Coates Gilbert
Rating: 4/5
Texas Gold Collection
Revell – Contemporary Fiction

Dr. Juliet Ryan has the perfect life, or so it seems. She has dreams of making the world better by providing the best quality assurance for America’s drinking water. She has a great job and is up for a promotion. Her boss believes in her and her abilities.  She has a secret boyfriend who got her the job. However, her father, a premier scientist, is determined to expose Corporate America’s greed over food safety. Juliet is sure her father is wrong since she is at the forefront and knows her boss wants food safety before more money. Unfortunately, something sinister is happening in the background. Young children are dying in San Antonio, and no one knows why. As the situation escalates, Juliet is unsure of who to trust and why she even needs to feel that way. Can she trust the people that she works for? Can she trust the man she cares for? Will her father only be proven correct? Can she figure out what is happening before more people suffer and die? Does God even care in the midst of such a storm?

I really enjoyed reading this story since I majored in biology and took a class on food microbiology. When I began reading, I was instantly transported back to my college classes and that was fun for me. The author was very good at explaining things that the general public may not be aware of. I even learned some new things. The author’s real life experience really made the story seem so real. When I started reading, I didn’t know what to expect from the cover. The cover picture is nice but I honestly didn’t realize the story was modern from the cover and title. This story reads more like a mystery than a romance which is not what I was expecting but that’s okay. I still enjoyed the characters and their struggles and triumphs.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a book with mystery and science with a hint of romance thrown in.

I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for a review.

Sabotaged
by Dani Pettrey
Rating: 5/5
Alaskan Courage Series Book 5
Bethany House – Romance | Mystery | Suspense

Kirra Jacobs has a hard time recognizing the new Reef McKenna. Growing up, they were always at each other’s throats, but now, she’s not sure whether she can trust him. Reef is no longer the partying, adrenaline junkie he used to be. They are, once again, partners in search-and-rescue, except the event is the Iditarod race, one that her uncle usually places in the top ten. When her uncle doesn’t make the checkpoint, Kirra suspects that something is wrong and tries to search for him alone at night, but Reef won’t leave her side. When they find her uncle, something is definitely wrong, and he tells them to find his daughter who has been kidnapped. Uncle Frank warns that many people will suffer if they can’t rescue his daughter while he does the kidnapper’s bidding. The entire McKenna clan races to find Frank’s daughter, who is like a sister to Kirra, and also discover what the evil plans are. Kirra can’t comprehend why this close knit family would come to her aid. Can Reef earn Kirra’s trust and maybe even love? Can Kirra trust that Reef is a changed man who deserves another chance? Can Kirra and Reef find out what’s really happening and save Frank’s daughter before it’s too late? Will they learn to let go of the past and trust God has everything in control?

I was so sad to see this series come to an end. I don’t want to leave the McKenna family. Reef was the last family member whose story still needed to be told and I absolutely loved it. I was so impressed with the story and the intrigue in the plot. I loved the fast pace and the character development. Reef and Kirra were definitely such an interesting couple to get to know. They had real faults and needs, making them relatable and endearing. I am so impressed that this is Dani Pettrey’s first series. She is super talented and I can’t wait for her next series, Chesapeake Valor!

I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in a fun, fast-paced story with romance and mystery!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a review.