Book Review: Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Title: Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued
Author: Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Publication Date: July 20, 2010
Paperback: 208 pages
ISBN: 978-1601422804
Genre: Inspirational/Non-Fiction

From the Publisher:

An unwanted dog. An emotional rescue.
Two lives forever changed.

Laurie’s dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch—the ranch of rescued dreams—where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need. And she soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her.

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog—and her own heart—Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.

As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s grace even for imperfect and selfish people—and she experienced a greater love than she had ever known.

My Review:

A story of unconditional love and faith, Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher is about how an unwanted dog was able to change Laurie’s life.  When Laurie first arrived at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch she was a broken woman, yet appeared to have it all while inside she was close to empty, imprisoned by her obsession with food and her false belief that thinner equals happy, just one of the societal beliefs that guided Laurie in the beginning.  As she began to volunteer at the ranch, she decides to rescue a dog, however the dog in her mind’s eye was nothing like the dog she bought sight unseen.  Laurie is determined to do the right thing and give the underweight, smelly and ugly dog a good home. Little does she know that it will be the dog, which she renames Mia that will save her.   Blind Hope is a beautiful book told as if one is listening in on conversations between Laurie and Kim, which is filled with raw honesty that will make the reader smile, nod in agreement, and tear up a few times.  While the book is short, the messages are powerful.  While the book is quite faith centered, the message of loving unconditionally, being true to oneself, learning self-respect and dignity, being humble and loving are issues many can relate with whether one believes in God or not.  Blind Hope is an inspirational book of the healing power of an unwanted dog and the lessons learned about unconditional love, a concept that appears to be lost in today’s faced-paced, me-centered society.  Mia, a blind and abandoned dog, has a lot to offer and I would recommend Blind Hope to any reader regardless of religious beliefs.

About the Authors:

Kim Meeder is the cofounder and director of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, an organization that rescues abused and dying horses and pairs them with children in need. Kim’s first book, Hope Rising, propelled the ranch to win the national Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award and launched her extensive public/motivational speaking schedule at schools, churches, and governmental conferences across the United States. She and her husband, Troy, have been married for twenty-five years and live in Central Oregon. The size of their family fluctuates each year with the number of horses and kids that they rescue.

Laurie Sacher is a team leader at Crystal Peaks Youth. Laurie graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2003 and taught English as Second Language in Spain before returning to her native California roots to pursue her passion for kids and animals. When she isn’t working at the ranch, Laurie enjoys running with her dog, snowboarding, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time in coffee shops with friends.

I received a complimentary copy of Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

Spotlight: The Last Christian by David Gregory

Title: The Last Christian
Author: David Gregory
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Paperback: 416 pages
ISBN: 978-1400074976
Genre: Evangelical, Religion, Science Fiction

From the Publisher:

ABOUT THIS BOOK

In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?

A.D. 2088.

Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world’s leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father’s unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding “what-if?” novel.

My Review:

This novel was a DNF for me. While the novel did not appeal to me, it has received brilliant reviews. The reason I did not finish the novel was quite simple, I truly disliked the mixed genres. The premise of the novel is good, the character development is excellent and I encourage everyone remotely interested to check out the reviews.

About the Author:

David Gregory is the coauthor of two nonfiction books and a frequent conference speaker. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning two master’s degrees. David lives in Texas, where he works for a nonprofit organization.

Visit the Author’s website to learn more.

An excerpt of the novel may be viewed here.

I received a complimentary copy of The Last Christian by David Gregory from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: Life, Inspite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

Title: Life In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice
Author: Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-1601422521
Genre: Inspirational/Non-Fiction

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From the Publisher:

She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen’s story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

My Review:

Grab a box of tissues prior to settling in to read Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer. Kristen was a healthy active 17-year-old with a loving family when a series of events beyond her control began to cascade down upon her making her feel no longer in control, no longer worthy, tired, and longing to go to Heaven. Life In Spite of Me speaks openly and candidly to the reader about Kristen’s experience, her thoughts on the evening she decided to end her life, the immediate hospitalization afterwards, and a flash back to what brought her to that terrible day by the train tracks and the rocky road to her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual recovery. Interspersed throughout the book are notes written by Kristen, speaking directly to the reader trying to reach out to those who despair, to let the reader know she understands as others do and it will be alright, but one must talk about their feelings and seek help. Life In Spite of Me is an extraordinary book about an amazing teenager who faced what many of us thankfully never shall, who overcame the obstacles and who grew to become a better person through her struggles and now reaches out to help others. I highly recommend Life In Spite of Me to all readers.

About the Authors:

Kristen Jane Anderson has been featured on Oprah and is a popular speaker at colleges, women’s and youth events, churches, and suicide prevention outreaches. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the founder of Reaching You Ministries, Kristen seeks to help those who are hurting, hopeless, lost, suicidal and depressed.

Tricia Goyer is the author of three hundred articles for national periodicals, as well as fourteen novels and six nonfiction books, including Blue Like Play Dough.

Chapter One may be downloaded.
An video interview may be viewed here.

I received a complimentary copy of Life, Inspite of Mee by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

Title: Indivisible
Author: Kristen Heitzmann
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN: 978-1400073092
Genre: Fiction

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From the Publisher:

An inseparable bond.
An insatiable force.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone.

My Review:

It is amazing how many secrets a person can keep and lies a person can tell themselves as is expertly shown in Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann. Redford is a relatively small community, peaceful by nature, nestled in the mountains yet behind the facade of ordinariness lies buried secrets, regrets and untold heartache. Heitzmann’s characters are likeable, flawed and easy to relate with; I harboured a soft spot for Sarge Beaker whose gruff manner well hid his pain and for Miles and the secret pain he held. Chief of Police Jonah Westfall is no stranger to his own share of bitterness, loneliness and regrets, the same can be said for Tia, and the towns newest members; Piper, Liz, Lucy and Miles. Indivisible is a cozy novel only in the aspect of the fact that the reader knows all the main characters, but then all similarities to a cozy story end. What has caused each of these people to live isolated lives, a perceived sense of self-exile, and unworthiness? As the mysteries slowly begin to unravel, a new problem comes to town: animals are being found experimented on, surgically sewn together, and there are no leads. Add in extremely dysfunctional families, alcoholism, abuse, and drug addiction and suddenly the sleepy town of Redford, Colorado is far more than what it appears. Indivisible will keep the reader engaged, waiting to unearth the next nugget of information, the next piece of the puzzle, to solve the hidden mysteries that lie not so dormant in Redford. I would not hesitate to recommend Indivisible to anyone looking for a faced paced, engaging and beautiful novel.

About the Author:

While home schooling her four kids, Kristen Heitzmann wrote her first novel. It became one of a five book historical series. Since then, she has written three more historical novels and eight contemporary romantic and psychological suspense novels including The Still of Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Award, The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist and Christy Award winning Secrets. She lives in Colorado with her husband Jim, sundry family members, and pets.
Learn more about the author at her website.
Chapter One may be downloaded.
An audio interview may be viewed here.

I received a complimentary copy of Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman

Title: The Bridegrooms
Author: Allison Pittman
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Publication Date: April 13, 2010
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-1601421371
Genre: Historical Fiction

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From the Publisher:

A mother who cannot face her future.
It Only Takes an Instant for Love to Strike

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.

Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.

Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.

Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.

My Review:

The Bridegrooms By Allison Pittman is a beautifully written novel about the Allenhouse sisters and how one week can indeed bring about significant changes. The Allenhouse sisters are an extraordinary group of young ladies, abandoned by their mother when the youngest sister, Lisette, was a baby, and 8-year-old Vada had to grow up quite quickly. As adults, the reader learns, 24-year-old Vada works in a music hall and is courting a lawyer who is also a 3rd chair violinist as she had once dared to dream of being a concert violinist. Hazel, now 21, has blossomed into a fiercely independent woman who has taken out an advertisement for a husband, as she longs to move from Ohio to live in Wyoming. 19-year-old Althea works in a telegraph office and has not uttered a word since the day her father announced their mother was never returning home. Finally, the youngest sister, 17-year-old Lisette is a silly girl who attracts numerous suitors on a daily basis, much to the dismay of her sisters. Their father appears to do the best he can maintaining his medical practise and raising four girls mostly on his own, although he does have the assistance of Molly Kegan, their fiery Irish cook, who keeps the household in check. The Bridegroomsis filled with loveable characters, each with their own strengths and idiosyncrasies, making them quite realistic. The Bridegrooms is a beautifully written novel which focuses primarily on one week in the spring of 1898 which greatly affects each of the family members in ways unexpected, including a mystery, baseball players, reporters, an unconscious patient and a few romantic pursuits for good measure. The Bridegrooms is a delightfully charming and innocent novel that will capture the readers’ attention and easily draws the reader in with well-written characters, a sweet innocence tied into the romantic notions of the sisters as well charming plots, making for a delightful afternoon of reading.

About the Author:

Allison Pittman is the author of Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A former high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. Allison makes her home in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Learn more about the author at her website.

I received a complimentary copy of The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze

Title: Forget Me Not
Author: Vicki Hinze
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: March 16, 2010
Paperback: 342 pages
ISBN: 978-1601422057
Genre: Fiction, Suspense

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From the Publisher:
A mother who cannot face her future.
THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING. NOW THEY WANT MORE.

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

My Review:

When a prologue has the ability to command the reader’s full attention and leave the reader no choice but to continue reading the novel without a single pause, that is usually the mark of a well-written novel and Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze is indeed that sort of novel. The beginning of the novel is quite a mystery; the reader is introduced to all the key players and a fair amount of unknowns. A woman is being warned that NINA is after her and she must once again vanish, but before she could, she was carjacked and left for dead in the woods. A nearby resident to the woods, Clyde Parker, saw headlights and decided to investigate as he stumbles upon this woman who has no recollection of who she is, but does have a card on her for Crossroads, a local crisis center with the name Susan written on the back. She further learns she is in Seagrove, Florida, which terrifies her and she does not know why. She convinces Clyde to take her to the local Crossroads Crisis Center rather than the local hospital where she sees a portrait of a woman, her exact likeness, named Susan Brandt. She is elated until she notices this woman has been declared deceased for 3 years. Benjamin Brandt, the owner of the Crossroads Crisis Center has been reluctantly called in. Since his wife Susan and son Christopher we murdered 3 years ago, he has been rather reluctant to be involved and unfortunately in the last three years many have claimed to know who murdered his family or have claimed to be Susan, all for monetary gain. When he discovers this mysterious woman is wearing his deceased wife’s necklace, Benjamin becomes even more enraged. Peggy Crane, the head of the crisis center and also Susan Brandt’s best friend is able to calm Benjamin down and the center comes up with a solution to keep the mystery woman safe until they can either discover her identity or her memory returns. Meanwhile, Gregory Chessman, who is believed to be an upstanding philanthropist and above suspicion is a murderer and is looking for this woman through an extensive network of contacts. Why is he after this woman? Who is she and why are two of Gregory’s men trying to set him up? Forget Me Not is a brilliant suspense thriller that will keep the reader turning the pages, trying to solve the web of secrets and untangle the crosses and double crosses. Hinze weaves in a Christian influence, which is not at all peachy, but rather adds a delightful characteristic to the mystery woman, giving her a self assured confidence about who she is, even if she cannot recall her name or anything about her life. Forget Me Not is the first novel in the Crossroads Crisis Center series and I anxiously await the second in the series. I would recommend this novel to any reader looking for an excellent mystery/suspense thriller.

About the Author:

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.

I received a complimentary copy of Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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Book Review: An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick

Title: An Absence So Great
Author: Jane Kirkpatrick
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: March 16, 2010
Paperback: 400 pages
ISBN: 978-1578569816
Genre: Historical Fiction

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From the Publisher:

While growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those owners who have fallen ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing in her dream to one day operate her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep painful memories from seeping into her heart when the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

My Review:

An Absence So Great is the second novel in Jane Kirkpatrick’s Portrait of a Heart series, the first novel being A Flickering Light. It was not until I had finished the novel and read the author’s notes that I discovered this series is based on her grandmother’s life. An Absence So Great is a beautifully written novel, which takes place in 1910 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jessie Gaebele, an unmarried 18-year old has left her hometown of Winona, Minnesota to work as a photographer in the Johnson Studio, while boarding with the delightful Harms family. Jessie is an adventurous woman, especially for the time period, and has set in her mind three conditions that must be met before she will travel home. First she must have enough money saved to buy her own studio in Winona, second, she must prove to herself she can make wiser decisions and third she must be able to tell herself the truth about her feelings for Fred Bauer. Jane Kirkpatrick writes a beautiful historical novel with a strong main character and so many delightful characters that come in and out of Jessie’s life. One of my favourite parts was when a new section would begin with a photograph and a description of the photograph, the time, the place, the emotions, and one was transported back to the world in which Jessie lived. An Absence So Great is a beautiful novel of learning, finding out what is important in one’s life, being true to oneself, love, loss, and family. An Absence So Great makes for a delightful evening of reading and would be a brilliant selection for a discussion group.

About the Author:

Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.

I received a complimentary copy of An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

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The Value Fiction “Grab Bag” Blog Tour and Book Reviews

Title: Yesterday’s Promise
Author: Linda Lee Chaikin
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: February 16, 2010
Paperback: 384 pages
ISBN: 9780307458759
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

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From the Publisher:

He fought to seek his fortune.
Would he lose a greater treasure: the love he left behind?

As the son of the squire of Grimston Way, aristocrat Rogan Chantry has fought hard to win his independence from Sir Julien Bley and the British South Africa Company. Now, his pursuit of a mysterious deposit of gold, marked on a map willed to him by his murdered uncle, Henry Chantry, is challenged by a new complication: the impending British colonization of South Africa. Can Sir Rogan find the gold in the midst of escalating tensions among the native tribesmen, the missionaries sent to win them, and the new colonists?

Meanwhile, Evy Varley, the woman Rogan loves back in England, is headed for a brave yet dangerous confrontation with Henry’s killer–but at what price? With so much against Rogan and Evy, a reunion seems improbable, if not impossible. Can yesterday’s promise hold them faithful to the hope of future freedom and a victorious love?

My Review:

Yesterday’s Romance is the second book in Linda Lee Chaikin’s East of the Sun Series. While I have not read the first novel, Tomorrow’s Treasure, I was quite easily able to follow along with this wonderful historical romance novel. I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how deeply historical Yesterday’s Promise is and found the writing to be both fluid and exceedingly engaging. The two main characters Evy Varley and Rowan Chantry are well written and quite endearing. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to anyone looking for a historical novel taking place in South Africa as well as England, as it is quite evident the author has put extensive research into the areas and time periods.

Title: Secrets
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Publication Date: February 16, 2010
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN: 978-1601422736
Genre: Christian Fiction

From the Publisher
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Beginning her new life in a small Oregon town, high school English teacher Jessica tries desperately to hide the details of her past. Yet two individuals remain determined to discover the painful truth: the jealous woman who is Jessica’s immediate superior, and Kyle Buchanan, a handsome, compassionate paramedic and dreamer. Will Jessica’s past destroy her future? Or can she find a deeper peace that will end her need to keep Secrets? Readers will find out in this bestselling former Palisades release, now the first book of the new Glenbrooke series by bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn.

Jessica ran from her past…but can she hide from love?

Jessica Morgan wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in Oregon ’s Willamette Valley as the place to start over—Glenbrooke. Once there, Jessica conceals her identity from the intriguing personalities she meets—including the compassionate paramedic who desires to protect her and the jealous woman who wants nothing more than to destroy her.

Will Jessica’s deceit ruin all hope for the future? Or will she find a deeper peace that allows her to stop hiding the truth from those who love her most of all?

My Review:

Secrets is a delightfully charming novel about starting anew. Jessica is a 25-year-old who has left home for reason unknown to move into the small town of Glenbrooke, Oregon, where no one knows her and she has a job lined up to begin teaching high school English. Her new life has quite a rocky start as she begins her new life being rescued from a car wreck and lying in a hospital bed with no insurance and no name to give while the only other person who can help her is a few floors above her recovering from a stroke. Jess proves to be a strong, independent, and likeable character that just happens to be able to keep secrets quite well. Unfortunately, Charlotte, the new principal at the school takes an immediate disliking to Jess, is unhappy with her incomplete records and is determined to discover what Jess is hiding from. Despite the rocky start, Jess befriends a fellow teacher, Teri as well as Kyle, the fire fighter who helped save her from her car wreck. Teri and Kyle, with the help of some church youth help Jessica begin to learn to trust others, find God, and to find herself. Secrets is the first novel in Robin Jonas Gunn’s Glenbrooke Series and makes for a fun and entertaining afternoon of reading.

Value Fiction For Your Spring Break

Colorado Springs, CO— Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.

Full-length novels offered include:

Secretsby Robin Jones Gunn – Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.

Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?

The Golden Cross
by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.

Deep Harbor
by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii, Japan, and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen, Norway, each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.

Faithful Heart by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California. Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.

Yesterday’s Promise
by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa. In England, his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.

I randomly received these two novels for the Grab Bag Tour, Yesterday’s Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin and Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Receiving complimentary copies in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novels.

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