The Happy Camper Review

Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring.

The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson is quick read and a very light-hearted story that is a great get-away from life, one that we might all need right about now. Dillon is a character who wasn't quite my cup of tea but I did enjoy the renovation of her cute little camper and her relationships with those that surrounded her. The Happy Camper is a fast paced story of romance and restoration and might be a good read for you if you're a fan of Hallmark style stories and country life. If you've never wanted to live the camper life after finishing this story you might change your mind!

 4 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Out of the Embers Review

Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Out of the Embers was a wonderful way to start the new series, Mesquite Springs by Amanda Cabot. I really enjoyed the characters, main or otherwise in this story, especially Polly. That being said, I found Evelyn to be a wonderfully strong female character, who when faced with hardship does her best with the circumstances. I loved her entrepreneur spirit with how she was able to open her own restaurant, Polly's Place. With just a touch of mystery and suspense mixed in with the faith and romance, Out of the Ember is the perfect book to spend a day or two with.

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Star of Persia Review

In an effort to complete a war his father had planned to win, King Xerxes calls every governor, satrap, and official in his vast kingdom to his palace in Susa to strategize and feast. When they finally leave, he decides on one more week of frivolity, which ends in the banishment of his favorite wife, something he never intended to do. But when he discovers Esther, Xerxes is sure he has a second chance at happiness.

In her wildest dreams, Esther could never have imagined that she would end up as queen of Persia. Yet she knows better than to become complacent. Another of Xerxes's wives is vying for position, and his closest advisor has a deep and dangerous grudge against Esther's adoptive father. Caught in the middle of palace politics, Esther will find herself in an impossible position: risk her life or consign her people to annihilation

Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith is a wonderful fiction retelling of Esther's story from the Bible.  I've read several fiction retelling of Esther before and while none of them disappointed me, I think this one took it a step farther to be different. Jill Eileen Smith stays true to the biblical account but digs deeper into the history surrounding this story. I love how she brought some new characters (or honestly historical figures) into play. Being a fan of Esther I never thought to look into other historical accounts about the people surrounding her. 

Again Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith is a wonderful book a I recommend it to all who love biblical retellings.

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.