The Damascus Way by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

Let me start off by stating that The Damascus Way is one of the better books I have read in a long time. It is the story of a young woman named Julia who lives with her mother in a beautiful home with a wealthy lifestyle. The story is situated 40 A.D. during the time of the apostles, more specifically during the conversion of Paul. Julia's comfortable life is soon shaken when she realizes that her father has kept a secret that leaves her questioning everything. The story bounces between Julia as well as a young Christian man named Jacob. Jacob works for Julia's father as a caravan guard but is seeking something more for his life. Julia and Jacob are drawn together when they inadvertently realize that they are both couriers for the persecuted church. A story of danger, of commitment, of persecution and abuse, and of wonder and hope. It will take you back to a simpler yet far more dangerous time and leave you in wonder at the passion and faith of these people who were privileged to live during the time of Jesus.

The books that speak to me the most are not the ones that are a good story, but rather the ones that leave me with a sense of purpose and a desire to get up and change something in myself. Although this is a fictional story, it is based during a time of history that is true and therefore the accounts are believable and realistic. In a time and culture where life takes all that I have, I cannot help but think that Paul and the apostles would be sorry for us. In that time, each person lived for God, with all that they were. They did not have much in the way of possessions, nothing to do but work hard and minister to others. All in all I was convicted and saddened that the "story" of Christians has changed so much.

I was incredibly touched by this book. It is well written, its realism is undeniable, and its power very real. I can find nothing to critique, from cover to cover, this book will grace my shelf for many years to come. For more information on The Damascus Way or to purchase a copy of your own, check out DeeperShopping.com. The book retails for about $10-$15 and will keep you turning the pages.

** I received this complimentary review copy from Tyndale House Publishers

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer Review

I just put down the book In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Upon reading the last words, I was filled with a sense of satisfaction and contentment. The book ended so well, neatly wrapping up all, or nearly all, of the conflict and questions that arose throughout the novel. As a romantic story, I would say that the book was highly successful in giving the reader a sense of adventure and wonder and staying away from the typical. This was a story that I hadn't heard before, and was content to follow the many different paths it took.

That being said, I have a few critiques. First and foremost, I believe that a title should say something about the book and I definitely would not associate this title with the storyline. I felt that it was a halfhearted stab instead of a well thought out summary of the storyline. To be honest, it had little to do with the actual story, at least that I can see. Secondly, it was not an easy book to get into. The story follows the lives of three different friends. It often changes perspectives and although this gives the book added depth as you get into it, it is harder to fully be drawn in as you are trying to relate to three characters instead of one. There was so much background information on all of the characters, I felt that Sawyer would have done better to write a story before that on Bennett, Petey, and Libby's growing up years in the orphanage rather then having to backtrack for the first half of the book. 

Nevertheless, once I got into the story, I loved it! The characters were unconventional, something I often crave from the books I read. I would highly recommend this book as a gift, or a part of your permanent library. And I will be looking for more books written by Sawyer in the future. Her writing style and imagination will keep me going back for more :)

For more information on the book In Every Heartbeat, or to purchase your favorite Christian fiction, check out DeeperShopping.com

**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Thorn by Beverly Lewis Review

Beverly Lewis is one of my favourite authors. Her intensive knowledge of the Amish people and lifestyle make her stories come alive. Every time I finish one of her books, I reconsider the lifestyle I have chosen for my family. And although I don't want to be Amish, there is a big part of me that yearns for even a bit of their simple, homespun lifestyle.

Needless to say, when I picked up one of her newer works, The Thorn, I was a goner. This book is definitely one of her best and I can't wait to read the rest in the series.


The Story

The Thorn is a story of Rose Ann Kauffman and her sister, Hen (or Hannah). Two different women with two vastly different lives. One married an Englischer and turned her back on the old ways. The other is a dutiful young amish woman who follows all the rules and tries her best to please her parents. Hen, after having a baby 4 years ago, has started to long for the ways of her past. She realizes the mistake she made by turning her back on her roots and longs to draw her daughter in to the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle. Her husband, however, has no time or thought for religion, faith, or her roots. Rose is confused and unsure of her own heart. She is devoted to her best friend and yet courted by another. This is a story of family, tradition, faith, love, and the great battle between following your heart and doing what is right.

My Thoughts

I LOVED the storyline. Interesting, enlightening, a beautiful story that kept me guessing and wondering and hoping and dreaming. This book is a keeper, a library builder, a rainy day reader, a great gift for any woman, young or old. This is a book to remember, and I can't wait to read the next one!

For more information on the book, The Thorn, check out DeeperShopping.com

**I received a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishers

Masquerade Review

Book: Masquerade
Author: Nancy Moser
Publisher: Bethany House
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0751-8

Masquerade by Nancy Moser is a mixture of interesting and cliche. In a literary world where romance takes the blue ribbon, competition is fierce and creating something original is nearly impossible. That being said, I am generally tougher on romance because of that. Don't write it if you can't make it unique, no one will remember it if it is not set apart... different. Masquerade is a good book,  interesting, good character development, a nice plot. But it is just that, nice. It is not set apart and because of that it will go on my bookshelf as yet another book I will soon forget.

The storyline: The story focuses on Charlotte Gleason and her maid Dora. Charlotte, a woman of standing in England is being sent to marry a man she has never met. Determined to make a new life for herself and not follow the arranged marriage that made her mother miserable, Charlotte swaps identities with her maid, Dora. Will their decent catch up with them on their journeys to find true love and happiness?

What I liked about this book: I enjoyed the story. It was well written and informative. I felt bad for the thousands of immigrants who came to America to find a better life and discovered just how difficult that would prove to be.

What I didn't like about this book: As I said before, it is not memorable. I found Lottie's (Charlotte) character to be naive and unrealistic. At the same time, I suppose if a young girl were living in those times, surrounded by servants and wealth, perhaps this wouldn't be so far from the truth. Nevertheless, it annoyed me and I found it very difficult to associate with her character.

Who this book is good for: If you like historical fiction and enjoy romance novels, there is no doubt you will enjoy this book. However be prepared that its lack of substance will perhaps leave you unsatisfied.

For more information on the book, Masquerade, or to purchase your favorite Christian fiction, check out DeeperShopping.com

**I received this complimentary book through Baker Publishing Group

The Constantine Conspiracy Review

Book: The Constantine Conspiracy
Author: Gary E. Parker
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Fiction-suspense
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3327-8

I recently received The Constantine Conspiracy by Gary E. Parker and couldn't put it down. It was refreshing to get out of the cliche romance novels for a bit and experience something with a bit of suspense and action. This book isn't as intense as some suspense novels that I have read, but it keeps you guessing and the plot is full of twists and turns to captivate its reader.

The Storyline: The story begins with Rick Carson, a man from one of the richest families in the world. His life is comfortable and exciting. He lacks for nothing and everything is going his way. However, when a disturbing murder invades his comfortable home, Rick's sense of security is shaken. Shannon Bridge, a simple park ranger, is the first responder to the murder scene and Rick senses there is more to her than meets the eye. When circumstances continually push Shannon and Rick together, Rick is forced to trust her despite the many secrets that cloak her identity. As they run from police, a dangerous assassin, and try to solve the mysterious murder, Rick and Shannon form a bond of trust and understanding.

What I liked about this book: I love a good thriller, and this one was no disappointment. Interesting, fast-paced, and unique, this has all the makings of a great story! My favorite aspect of the book was probably the assassin, of all people! I don't know if I have ever read a character quite so interesting. Nolan was a mixture of a well-mannered, disturbed, and yet civilized character. I found him intriguing and his character development was impeccable. He was definitely not your typical "bad guy" and I appreciated Gary's ability to make him unique and different. He is a character to be remembered.

What I didn't like about this book: There isn't much to say here. I found the end action scene to be a little bit corny and yet I don't think there was a way around it. It was just straight action for over a paragraph. I guess I felt it would have been stronger if it hadn't been as long-drawn out.

Who this book is good for: ANYONE! Really, this is a great gift for man or woman alike. It is a fantastic book for a rainy day or vacation. My only recommendation is to make sure you actually have the time to sit down and read it, because this is one book you won't want to put down!

For more information on the book, The Constantine Conspiracy, or to purchase your favorite Christian fiction, check out DeeperShopping.com


**I received a complimentary copy of this book through Baker Publishing Group

Unwilling Warrior Review

Book: Unwilling Warrior                      

Author: Andrea Boeshaar
Publisher:  Strang Book Group
ISBN: 978-1-59979-985-8
Genre: Historical Christian Romance                                          

I recently received Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar in the mail. It is a historical romance (yes, I get a lot of those) set in the mid 1800's during the civil war. I read this book in one sitting, it was an easy read and interesting enough to keep me up late to finish it-which is always a good sign. The story is well written and the plot has a number of interesting twists to it. My first impression after reading it was that it is interesting albeit forgettable. Historical Romance is a tough genre as there is a LOT of competition out there. It takes something pretty bold to make a particular book stand out in your mind, and this is not one of those books.

The storyline: Valerie Fontaine is a 19 year old young woman whose mother has recently died. She comes home from finishing school to live with her father and finds her welcome slightly less than she was anticipating. She meets a young, handsome photographer, Benjamin McCabe, who is on a quest to find his younger brother and yes... it is "love at first sight". Insert jealous suitor and arranged marriage; add a little conspiracy and political treachery and you have yourself a story that goes above and beyond the typical romance novel.

What I liked about this book: I really enjoyed the development on the main character, Valerie Fontaine. She was almost believable and quite likeable. I also enjoyed the general storyline and plot. Andrea Boeshaar's flowing writing style made the Unwilling Warrior very easy to read and get into.

What I didn't like about this book: You guessed it... "love at first sight", jealous suitors, and all the things that make a story cliche and unrealistic. Give me a messy, tough, gut-wrenching romance that brings in the elements of true love and I will be a happy woman. I found the title did not match the story at all. There is one mention of the "unwilling warrior" in the novel and it really has nothing to do with the main storyline between Valerie and Benjamin.

Who this book is good for: This is a great book for a rainy day, a good book for anyone who enjoys romance, and most likely a good book for a teenager (this is the type of book I would have enjoyed when I was younger).

For more information on the book, Unwilling Warrior, or to purchase your favorite Christian fiction, check out DeeperShopping.com

**I received this book free of charge from Glass Road Public Relations