Burning Sky Review

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“I remember the borders of our land, though I have been gone from them nearly half the moons of my life. But who there will remember me? What I have seen, what I have done, it has changed me.

I am the place where two rivers meet, silted with upheaval and loss.

Yet memory of our land is a clear stream. I shall know it as a mother knows the faces of her children. It may be I will find me there."

Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage--the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?

Burning Sky by Lori Benton was a wonderful and exciting. I quickly fell in love with Willa and felt for her during her struggles throughout the book. All of the characters are wonderfully developed and are all quite different. Each with distinct characteristics that pull you that much more into the story. The story will tug at your heart and you will invest a lot of emotions into it. As her debut book, Lori has done a great job.  

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that will burn in you mind long after you've set it down. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Captive Maiden Review

Happily Ever After ...Or Happily Nevermore? 

Gisela's childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father's death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke's son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

      Melanie has done it once again with The Captive Maiden, she took a much loved fairy tail and retold it in a wonderfully new and entertaining way. Every page held my attention and I didn't ever want to put it down. I also loved how Melanie brought back Valten from The Fairest Beauty to star as the main hero in this story. All I can say is that this book was absolutely perfect in every way. Fairy tale lovers are sure to love The Captive Maiden as well as all the other fairy tale retellings by Melanie.

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was done to perfection.

I was provided a copy of The Captive Maiden by Zondervan and the author in exchange for my honest review. 

Critical Reaction Review

When a Warning Siren Screams in the Desert Night, 

the Worst Has Happened

After turning out plutonium for the Cold War, the shuttered Hanford Nuclear Facility's poisoned buildings may be a bigger risk than ever. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings are told the dangers are under control. But then the worst happens--a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.

Kieran Mullaney survived the blast, but when threats and silence meet his attempts to discover what really happened, he reconnects with an old friend--inexperienced lawyer Emily Hart. Convinced Hanford is hiding something, they also realize their case is sunk without more help. 

Emily's estranged father, Ryan, has the courtroom experience they need, but he's grown jaded and weary of the profession. Still, it's a chance to rebuild ties to Emily, and the deeper he digs, the stranger--and more dangerous--the case gets.

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson was a very interesting book. I have never been a very big fan of these types of Political/Legal Thriller books .  But I have been known to pick up a book by Joel C. Rosenburg or Randy Singer and enjoy it a lot. And today I have now added Todd M. Johnson to my 'like' list next to them. I quickly got caught up in the story and felt like it was all really going on. Definitely had me living in the book.
So if someone like me, who isn't big on this genre enjoyed reading this book, I'm positive those who do will love it. I for one plan on leading my copy to my friends who enjoy reading John Grisham books.

4 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was full of flavor.

I got a free review copy of Critical Reaction from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

What Once Was Lost Review

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A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?
 
On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”
 
With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?

What Once Was Lost by Kim Sawyer was a heartwarming historical novel with a touch of romance. While I would have enjoyed more romance between Christina and Levi I loved that it was more about the growth of each character spiritually. The relationship between Tommy and Levi was touching and I loved seeing how they both change as well as Cora and Christina. Each character Kim brought to life made me fall deeper in love with this book and you will too. 

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack is one you won't want to miss. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

A Talent for Trouble Review

For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano did not disappoint. Grayson and Felicia are yet another charming couple put together by Jen. With it's wonderful cast of supporting characters, A Talent for Trouble is certain to be a favorite among Jen's fans. The situations Grayson and Felicia get into are delightfully funny and their romance is now one of my favorites. I look forward to more by Jen Turano in the future. 

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was no trouble to devour.

I got a free review copy of A Talent for Trouble from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

Born of Persuasion Review

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta was an intriguing read to say the least. I'm a huge Jane Austen fan which is one of the reasons I wanted to read this book. Well, that and the gorgeous cover! Look at it. You can feel the mystery and suspense of the story just by looking at it. 
Anyway back to the book. It definitely was a book worth reading. You just have to stick with it past all the background information. But once in its impossible to get out. I will definitely be waiting for the next books in the series.

4.5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that tickles you taste buds. 

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

My Hope is Found Review

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 Gideon O’Riley has been given another chance at a life with Lonnie. But will the fight for her heart risk it all over again?

After finally finding love with his sweet bride Lonnie, Gideon’s heart was torn when a woman from his past claimed to be his true and rightful wife, forcing him away from his family. God’s merciful hand saw Gideon through the heartache, and with Cassie’s blessing, he is able to return home. Though his journey back through the Blue Ridge Mountains will hold a trial he never anticipated.

Meanwhile, Lonnie determines to seal off her heart from Gideon, convinced he is lost to her forever. Strengthening her resolve to move on is the fondness she has for the handsome Scotsman, Toby McKee—the young reverend she has come to care deeply for. His proposal of marriage offers a bright future for her and her young son. 

Yearning to allow joy back into her life, Lonnie must put aside the broken pieces of her heart that still love Gideon. When he returns to find her betrothed to another, he has to place his hope in God, trusting that the One who redeemed their love once can do it again.

My Hope is Found is the third and final book in the Cadence of Grace Series by Joanne Bischof. Joanne ended Lonnie and Gideon's journey so wonderfully that, even though it ended perfectly, I wished it kept going and going. My Hope is Found was so engaging to read, each characters struggles pulled me in and refused to let go. And even though the first two books in the series were so wonderful I have to say this one was my overall favorite. From the moment I saw the first cover in the series I knew I would love it. Each book tugged at my heart and will forever be a series on my favorites book self.

5 out of 5. And Afternoon Snack that you'll never forget. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.