Monthly Archives: February 2015
Review: The Crimson Cord
Title: The Crimson Cord
Author:Jill Eileen Smith
Series: Daughters of the Promised Land #1
Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2034-6
Genre: FICT, Historical Fiction
Short Book Description:
Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband’s debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity
of a lifetime.
In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho’s walls–or if she will ever know the meaning of love.
Under Jill Eileen Smith’s talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity–and a permanent place in your heart.
My Thoughts:
Biblical fiction has always been a favorite of mine, so when I got an email asking if I wanted to review this one I couldn’t resist. I have actually never read a story based on Rahab and the spies that Joshua sent into Jericho.
I have always wondered though about the rest of the story. Like, why did Rahab become what she was? who did she marry in the Israelite camp? So although this book is fictional, I believe it painted an accurate picture of the Bible story.
I have actually never read any books by Jill Eileen Smith before, now I can’t wait to get the rest of her books and the rest in this series when they come out.
This book painted a really realistic portrait of Rahab I believe. She wasn’t overly strong mentally or emotionally, she was pure human. She made mistakes, trusted the wrong people, got into the wrong line of work, but in the end she prevailed and came out a strong follower of Yahweh and someone who other women, and men, looked up to for her faith.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Biblical fiction or historical fiction in general.
Other books in this series:
Click below to purchase this book at your desired location:
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.
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Review: Where Rivers Part
Title: Where Rivers Part
Author: Kellie Coates Gilbert
Series: Texas Gold Collection #2
Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2273-9
Genre: FICT, Contemporary Fiction
Short Book Description:
Success too often comes with a price. Juliet never imagined it could be so high.
Dr. Juliet Ryan has devoted her considerable scientific acumen to corporate America, providing safe drinking water for millions–and affording her plenty of perks along the way. It’s not the path her estranged father would have her take, but then Juliet finds it difficult to maintain respect for a man she cannot trust. She’s on her way up in the world, and she’s not going to let anything drag her down.
But when a fast-moving disaster sweeps Juliet into a whirlpool of corporate scandal, lives are at risk–including those of some of the people closest to her. As she scrambles to find answers, Juliet must face her deepest wounds and join forces with the one who has hurt her most in order to expose a far-reaching conspiracy.
Like a mighty river with twists and turns and hidden rocks, this engrossing story will sweep you relentlessly along as it fearlessly explores the seduction of success, the fear of giving up control, and the redemptive power of learning to forgive.
My Thoughts:
Having read the first book in the series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Sadly, I have to say that this book was a huge disappointment to me.
The first one was able to keep me interested and entertained; I was able to finish it within a few hours. This one, however, I was only able to read the first quarter before I finally gave up on it. All the science and stuff just in the first part of the book was a really big turn off for me.
One thing that did disappoint me though was that each book in the series is a stand-alone novel with no relation to the others. I was really hoping that this book would be a continuation from the previous one.
I am planning on getting the next book in the series just to see how that turns out.
Other books in this series:
1. A Woman of Fortune (May 2014)
3. A Reason to Stay (October 2015)
Click below to purchase this book at your desired location:
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.
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Review: The First Principle
Title: The First Principle
Author: Marissa Shrock
Series:
Pages: 240
ISBN: 978-0-8254-4357-2
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, Christian, Futuristic
Short Book Description:
In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For fifteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same–until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.
When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Marina Ward, she has no idea she’s sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn’t long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory abortion–or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother’s chances at becoming president.
A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn’t ready to face.
Marissa Shrock’s debut novel crafts a chilling story of what may be to come if we allow the economic and moral crises currently facing our country to change the foundations on which we built our independence–and of the difference one person can make when they choose to trust God’s lead.
My Thoughts:
This has got to be my new favorite futuristic novel. I have actually never read a futuristic novel that is Biblically based. The Christian values and beliefs that were intertwined throughout the book were something that I really enjoyed.
This book really touched on what could happen to Christians around the world when the end times come to pass. It really made me think about if I was ready for end times and if I would be willing and strong enough to stand for what I believe in.
The only thing I really didn’t like about the book was the ending. It gets stopped at quite the cliff hanger. I’m hoping like crazy that there will be a sequel coming out. The way this book had me hooked has me looking forward to more books that Marissa Shrock will publish.
Very touching and heartfelt, I would recommend this book to anyone.
Other books in this series:
Click below to purchase this book at your desired location:
“Book has been provided courtesy of Kregal Publications”.
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Review: The Abbot’s Agreement
Title: The Abbot’s Agreement
Author: Mel Starr
Series: The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #1
Pages: 252
ISBN: 978-1-78264-109-4
Genre: Fiction
Short Book Description:
A new and disturbing puzzle for the medieval surgeon-turned-sleuth
Master Hugh de Singleton is making his way toward Oxford when he discovers the corpse of a young Benedictine not half a mile from the nearby abbey.
The abbey’s novice master confirms the boy’s identity; it is John, one of three novices. He had gone missing four days previous, and yet his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death—the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh’s sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him.
With realistic medical procedures of the period, droll medieval wit, and a consistent underlying sense of Christian compassion, the seventh in the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton will delight medieval history and crime fiction fans alike.
My Thoughts:
I was really looking forward to reading this book when I got the email asking if I wanted to review it. Sad to say I couldn’t make it past the second chapter. Maybe it was because I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, I have no idea. I just couldn’t get into the book.
Though what I did read was really well written, it wasn’t really my style.
Master Hugh is on his way to purchase a bible and discovers the body of a murdered Benedictine. He is asked to lead the investigation on finding the killer.
Maybe one day I’ll start the series from the beginning and hopefully enjoy this book more, but, as of right now this book is on the unread-and get-rid-of list.
Other books in this series
- The Unquiet Bones (April 2009)
- A Corpse at St. Andrews Chapel (March 2010)
- A Trail of Ink (March 2011)
- Unhallowed Ground (December 2011)
- The Tainted Coins (December 2012)
- Rest Not in Peace (October 2013)
Click below to purchase this book at your desired location:
Chapters.Indigo.ca (E-book only)
“Book has been provided courtesy of Kregal Publications.”
Reviews by Elizabeth 
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