Veil of Pearls, by MaryLu Tyndall

Barbour Publishing

Kidnapped into slavery on the death of her parents, Adalia Winston escapes of Charleston, a city full of slaves supporting the Southern lifestyle. Fair skinned Adalia fears discovery, not just from her slave master, but also the fact that she is one quarter black. Morgan Rutledge is the son of a prominent family who becomes enamored with Adalia on sight. Adelia finally agrees to attend a party with Morgan, and slowly Adalia is accepted into society. She begins to believe that she can live in this fairy tale world. Now, she has to hide her heritage, along with the love of the Lord. When Morgan’s old girlfriend decides to discredit Adalia, anything can happen.

This is a romance, but the themes running through it make it so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed Adalia’s dilemma, and the depth of the characters enriched the story. If you like historical Christian romances, definitely pick this one up.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by Barbour Publishing on July 1, 2012.

A Season of Love, by Amy Clipston

Zondervan

In this fifth and final novel of the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, when  Katie’s friends pair up with their future husbands she feels left out. When Jake Miller begins working on the cabinetry at the bakery, she is attracted, but realizes that since he cannot be more than a friend since he is not Amish. When Katie is attacked, Jake comes to her rescue, but appearances cause Katie’s father to ground her, unfairly. Katie and Jake both feel the attraction, but the gap between Amish and Mennonite may be too far to bridge.

This is an interesting story, set in the Amish community, but showing that the Amish lifestyle is not as perfect as it may appear. This sweet romance has enough twists to make it a fun read. I would recommend it to all readers of Amish fiction, especially those that have enjoyed the previous books in the series and want to follow the story to completion.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by Zondervan, July 1, 2012.

The Guest Book: A Novel by Mary Beth Whalen

Zondervan

Budding artist, Macy Dillion drew her first picture in the guesthouse at a vacation beach house when she was five. Over the years, a young boy drew pictures back to her, and they developed a line of communication that followed them through the years. Then Macy’s father died, she got pregnant, and the father of her child left her. Now five years later, her child’s father returns, but her mother plans another vacation to Sunset Beach. Macy is determined to find the artist from the guestbook to see if he still feels the connection from the past.

I wasn’t prepared to like this book, since I perceived it to be a basic romance novel, but I did. The story weaves around Macy, her mother, and her brother, who have all reached turning points in their lives. The characters captured me from the beginning and pulled me in as I watched this hurting family turn toward joy. This is a great read to curl up and enjoy.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by Zondervan, July 1, 2012.

More books for this week!

Well, the other day, I did not get to post the reviews for all the books I had read last month. So, today, I am here to finish that task as well as add the ones I have read this week. I am listening/ watching the Olympics. Currently, the USA Men’s Volleyball team is playing Russia. I am continually amazed at the way these athletes move and compensate so rapidly, as I have no ability in this area. 

On this Saturday, I am thanking God for all the blessings he has bestowed on my family and me. I was thrilled to watch Gabby Douglas perform and give God the glory, and sad to watch so many misguided individuals verbally bash a man for making Godly choices. As those people voice their opinion that Christianity is hate, and tromp all over our civil rights to free speech, I realize that I need to make a more determined effort to turn to the Lord for guidance, and not keep my light under a bushel. I continue to wonder why it is only Christianity that receives the brunt of the anger of people when other religions hold similar values. It leads me to believe that Christianity is the only truth.

Have a wonderful day. Read a book, and pray for our country.