Book Review: The Loyal Heart (A Lone Star Hero's Love Story) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Description

Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.

Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.

This is an excellent Historical 
Christian Fiction read;
I loved it!

After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda’s home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip’s name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.

Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.

He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn’t prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about

Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.

Acclaim For Shelley Shepard Gray

"Gray is a master at integrating rich details and historical accuracies to create an engaging tale that will take the reader back in time. Strong secondary characters are well integrated. It is a shame to see this series end."
                              -ROMANTIC TIMES 4-Star review of Whispers In the Reading Room

"Full of vivid descriptions and beautiful prose, Gray has a way of making readers feel like they are actually in Chicago during the World's Fair...the mystery surround the 'Slasher' keeps the reader engaged throughout."
                              -RT BOOK REVIEWS, 4-Star review of Deception On Sable Hill

My Personal Review

I loved this Historical Christian Fiction book surrounding the Civil War era. It is a believable story filled with interesting and extremely well developed characters. 

The Loyal Heart by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in a 2 volume series of the Lone Star Hero's Love Story. (The second book: An Uncommon Protector will be released 2/07/17.) The story begins with the conversation of some Confederate prisoners of war making a pact to always look out for one another. They are being held captive on Johnson's Island in Ohio, surrounded by Lake Erie and little availability to escape. The author does a fantastic job of describing their dismal outlook and the hopelessness that most surely would have been a part of their lives on a daily basis. Immediately, the reader is struck with a connection and desire to know what happens in the lives of these men.

The drama that unfolds upon the release of the soldiers is created quickly within the first few chapters and spins a web of talented writing filled with suspense, mystery, devotion and a bit of romance along the way. It is such a cliche...but in all sincerity...this one was hard to put down! The main character, Miranda Markham pulls at your heart strings as she navigates the waters of grief. The loyalty to his comrade Phillip, makes Robert Truax's character shine as well. The development of the house staff was so good, I could almost audibly hear their voices and see the expressions on their faces.

This book caused me to do some research of the Confederate States of America Officers' POW Camp located on Johnson's Island, Ohio. Additionally, I did a little digging into Galveston, Texas, both during and after the Civil War. When the storyline is so interesting that you want to do more study of the time period that is being dramatized, I think you can safely label it as a "good Historical Fiction" book. I also found myself learning a lot of new vocabulary words within this read. Gray does not sell her readers short and assume that the average adjectives will do, rather she ceases every opportunity to tap into the English language with a plethora of variety. I love that!

This is the first book written by Shelley Shepard Gray that I have had the privilege to read, but I will definitely be reading the next book in this series! I can't wait to see where she takes us! 

Thank you to Zondervan for this review copy of The Loyal Heart by Shelley Shepard Gray through the BookLookBlogger program. I was not required to write a favorable review, but simply to read the work in it's entirety and give my honest opinion. 

Book Review: Successful WOMEN of the BIBLE by Katara Washington Patton

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The second book in a new series that brings the experiences of favorite Bible characters to challenges of contemporary life.

Exceptional read filled with lots of insight!

Contemporary "success" is often defined in financial terms or by number of Twitter followers. But for women of faith, success is so much more. And it turns out the timeless qualities of success are exemplified by women on the pages of their favorite book, the Bible. Deborah's model leadership is just as relevant today as it was in the age of the Hebrew judges. Esther's courage to stand up for a cause, Miriam's joyful support of others, Priscilla's exemplary partnership skill, Lydia's business acumen, and other characteristics of women in the Bible are embodied in lively storytelling. Busy Christian women--often working and raising a family--crave examples of success. Here are distilled principles they can use to succeed in today's noisy culture. The lessons of these icons of the faith apply, even in the age of Facebook and Instagram.

 ABOUT AUTHOR

Katara Washington Patton has written and edited Christian books for children, teens, and adults and has created supplemental materials for books by T.D. Jakes, Beth Moore, and Joyce Meyer. She served as general editor and writer of Aspire: The New Women of Color Study Bible. She holds a M.Div. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Successful Women of the Bible by Katara Washington Patton~published by Faith Words~ is a beautifully insightful book that has significant spiritual application for women everywhere!

I absolutely loved Successful Women of the Bible. I'm confident that, if you are a woman, you will see some of your strengths and perhaps a few pitfalls of your weaknesses amidst the pages of this thoughtful read. The author, Katara Washington Patton carefully analyzes the lives of some prominent women of the Bible to create an engaging work that will encourage your heart.

The author clearly defines behaviors that will lead to a closer and more effective walk with the Lord as she evaluates eleven different women of the Bible. She also highlights the importance of women standing together in courage and unity to accomplish certain difficult tasks, citing the story of the "Daughters of Zelophehad", which I might add, I had never studied...so that was a treat! She describes them as a "group of women in the Bible whose interdependence changed the history of a people and further inspires an independent gal like myself to value interdependence even more than independence." (Italics my own.) 

Patton challenges women to "learn that depending on others is not a sign of weakness, but interdependence" that "could actually make me and others stronger." As an "older gal" myself...I can verify from some years of experience... that Patton's statement is definitely true in my life! When I see the amazing women that the Lord places in my life as "teammates" rather than "competition", I am much more sensitive to the Spirit's leading and therefore more apt to accomplish His kingdom purposes.

The format used in this book allows a clear picture of what attributes to recognize within yourself that will assist you in experiencing the complete plan that God is calling you to. At the end of each chapter, Patton takes the creative liberty to write a fictional letter from the Biblical character that singles out their love and devotion to God! I loved Priscilla and Esther... 

"I am Esther, queen of the land. Called for such a time as this. It's not just about me. I can and will influence and impact other's lives. God always has a plan and a plan of escape for those trapped. I will seek to do all that I can to be a voice for the voiceless and lift up the ones without, sometimes scared, but always trusting in God. I know I have been placed on this earth for more than myself and my comfort. I am the voice, I am the arms, I am the eyes of those who need it the most. I know God is all over my life and is directing my story, so I listen for His prompting and His cues so I might follow."

Successful WOMEN of the BIBLE by Katara Washington Patton will be released tomorrow- 8/23/2016 and can be purchased here. It's an incredible read. I highly recommend you snatch it up...you will definitely be refreshed!!

Thank you to Faith Words for this review copy of Successful Women of the Bible by Katara Washington Patton. I was not required to write a favorable review, but rather to give my honest opinion of it's content. 

Book Review: The Gold by Krista Wagner

Another intriguing work by Krista Wagner.

Publishers Description

Ten-year-old Amanda is constantly teased and tormented in school. Her home life is less than satisfactory where her widower father, who is often away on business trips, leaves her in the care of her indifferent teenaged sister. Worse, not a day goes by when Amanda doesn't miss her mom. TO escape reality, Amanda creates fantasy stories, but when she discovers a talking golden pebble, her imagined world turns into a new-fangled reality.

Praise For The Gold

"I loved the way the story unfolded and the magic and mystery were revealed. This book is bound to be a winner with audiences of all ages."

~Susan Day

author and illustrator of the Astro's Adventures series

My Personal Review

The Gold by Krista Wagner & published by Clean Reads is a short fantasy novel that will keep your attention from beginning to end. The publishing information for this book is specifically labeled for the 10-18 year old age group. The main character, Amanda, is in fifth grade. She lives with her Dad and sister. She spends much of her time at home alone or with her preoccupied teenage sister. 

As the story unfolds, the reader learns a little about Amanda's Mom who "passed away from a long term ailment". The incredible sadness and loneliness that her mother's passing has created is tenderly and realistically portrayed from a young girl's perspective. The author's development of Amanda's character creates a connection with the reader immediately and her adventures are spun from there. It is at times a whimsical ride and at other junctures a tumultuous journey.

Here is my take on this novel. First of all, the book left me wanting more. Right from the start, I wanted to know more about the past...so a prequel would be exceptional....and I definitely want to know what happens in the future....so a sequel is a must. Secondly, I greatly appreciated the presentation of the sensitive matter of bullying. Wagner's vivid description of the emotions encountered during episodes of harassment is exceptional. The author also beautifully illustrates how important it is to be connected and aware of what our children are experiencing, so that we can show them love and avoid feelings of desperation and isolation. Finally, I think this work is entertaining for the younger reader and simultaneously has the potential to deliver a sense of hope to a hurting heart. I will be watching for the next book in this series!

Book Review: SHATTERED PRAYERS: A Testing of a Father's Faith by Kenneth Ching

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

Praise For Shattered Prayers

A touching memoir describing the
endless challenges surrounding parents
of a special needs child. 

"Shattered Prayers is an artful examination of faith in the face of suffering. In recounting his family's story, Ching allows the reader access to a father's inner dialogue with a candor that is at turns frightening, vulnerable, and beautiful--often at the same time. And while the book's primary preoccupations are questions of faith, the story is told with a sense of drama that keeps the reader rapt."
--Gabriel Urza, author of All That Followed

"Shattered Prayers is a very real and honest look at the struggles of parenting a child with special needs. Kenneth Ching writes with transparency, expressing his frustrations with God and despite losing hope at times, never losing faith. He reminds us that although God doesn't always work the way we expect him to, he still loves us and our children even more than we can imagine."
--Claire Yorita Lee, author (with Shari Rigby) of Beautifully Flawed

Product Description

Kenneth Ching lived a comfortable life--with a great job, a big house, and an easy faith. He went to church and believed in God's goodness. But when his son is born with a serious and rare genetic condition, his life is thrown into terrifying chaos.

In this honest and raw memoir, Ching brings to life his experience of letting go while learning to truly trust the Savior he claims to know. Ching doesn't shy away from asking the hard questions: Why does God answer some prayers but not others? How does prayer work? Is God even listening?

Shattered Prayers is ultimately a story about recognizing God's presence and faithfulness in the midst of brokenness. And how one man thought God ruined his life by giving his son a terrible disease, but eventually realized God was actually fighting to save his faith and his son's life. 

My Personal Review

Shattered Prayers: A Testing Of A Father's Faith by Kenneth Ching is a beautifully transparent look at life through the lens of a father with a special needs child.

Kenneth Ching bravely shares his questions and uncertainty about the plan of God as he faces the reality of caring for a child with enormous special needs that at times are even life threatening. This book brings a close-up look at the details and dilemmas that are often hidden to the outside world when a family member has a severe physical and developmental challenge.  The intense emotion felt throughout Shattered Prayers, as the reader is swept away by the author's narration, provide a tangible feel to what it might be like to live for a day in the life of this devoted mother and father. It is so well written, in fact, that often times during the reading of the book, it seems as though the reader is  literally hearing every thought that Ching thinks. 

As the author navigates a straight path into his heart, questions are uncovered that we may have thought before, but have never been brave enough to breathe out loud. This transparency releases a freedom that allows the reader to ponder the fairness of situations like suffering and tragedy. As you fall in love with the author's son, Joshua, you begin to unearth suppressed questions of your own as it relates to the hardships of life. In fact, Ching states that "We can ask hard questions (God is very big and is in no way afraid of or unable to handle hard questions), and we can even get a few answers or glimpses of things that help us understand, but God simply does not promise to answer our questions. He's not Google, He's God." The author's portrayal of a gracious and merciful God who allows us to come to Him for the answers flows throughout this work.

My take away from this book is three fold. First of all, I now appreciate to a much greater degree the incredible challenges that a family with a special needs child face on a daily basis. Secondly, I have a deeper comprehension of how to assist a family in this situation; that it is more effective to physically help in tangible ways and talk less...it really is okay and in fact sometimes better to not say anything in an attempt to "fix it". Finally, I am encouraged by Ching's conclusion that our faith is not determined by "our" faithfulness, but by "God's" faithfulness to us. God, through His son, has promised to radically save us and all we are asked to do is to trust in Him. Whether big questions, small questions, trials or mountain top experiences...the trust in a loving God and His Son, Jesus Christ is what truly matters in the end. 

Shattered Prayers: A Testing of a Father's Faith by Kenneth Ching will be available for purchase tomorrow (7/20/2016). Don't miss the opportunity to read this poignant text penned by a clearly passionate lover of Christ...it will change you!

Thank you to Kirkdale Press for this complimentary review copy of Shattered Prayers. I was not required to give a positive review, but only to read the book in it's entirety and provide an honest opinion.

Book Review: MESSENGER BY Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson

The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. Psalm 23:1(KJV)

Publisher's Description

Bestselling author Stephanie Grace Whitson's latest historical novel features an adventurous young heroine who works for the Pony Express.

Orphaned Annie Paxton and her brothers may have lost the only home they've ever known, but they're determined to make a better future in St. Joseph, Missouri. Annie dreams of a pretty house with window boxes, and having friends, and attending church every week. But then her brothers spot the ad for a new venture called the Pony Express. "Wanted," it reads, "Young, skinny fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders and willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred." Sure enough, both her brothers land jobs as Express messengers, and Annie puts her dreams on hold to work as a cook at Clearwater Ranch, a station along the Pony Express route.

Annie struggles to adapt to her new job--work made all the more challenging when she has so many to feed and few ingredients. The gruff station owner, George, doesn't seem inclined to make her life any easier, or at least not at first. But slowly a friendship builds between them. When Annie attracts the attention of a refined, dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort, she'll have to learn how to trust her instincts and follow her heart, even if she's conflicted about which way it's leading her.

Editorial Reviews

"Whitson's fascinating look at the Pony Express and those who lived in the Midwest during that time is entertaining and intriguing. The romance is unexpected, beautifully developed and well-balanced with action and family drama. The faith message is touching and relevant."―RT Book Reviews on Messenger by Moonlight

"Messenger by Moonlight is a well-researched tribute to the strong and courageous men and women of the Pony Express."―Historical Novel Society

My Personal Review

MESSENGER BY Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson is an exceptionally entertaining, well written and engaging book! From the first page, right up until the last, I found myself thoroughly absorbed in the action and completely transported back in time to the days of the Pony Express. 

The story circles around the main character, Annie Paxton, who is surrounded by two loving brothers who make it their mission to provide for her after the loss of their parents. From the very beginning of the novel there is a strong message of the importance of family connection.  The theme of perseverance during difficult times and leaning on the Lord in the face of adversity is effectively communicated  throughout the book, as well. 

As the Paxton brothers carry out their new jobs as Pony Express messengers, Annie accepts a job as a cook at a large ranch on the route. She has very little experience and not a great deal of supplies, but she learns how to manage with the help of the station manager, George Morgan. The interactions and relationships that develop at the ranch are fun and authentic and evoke many emotions from the reader.

The trials and harsh times that were a part of this era in history are narrated so vividly, that  I found a whole new appreciation for the modern comforts of air-conditioning, heat, cars, medicine, communication, and easily accessible food! It's amazing what we take for granted. I also had no idea what the Pony Express riders had to endure as they navigated their treacherous routes, nor was I aware of the speed at which they were required to run them. Not only were they having to deal with the elements, but the dangers of predators, illness, horse injuries and much more.

Pony Express route covering 1900 miles

MESSENGER BY Moonlight has everything a good Christian Historical Fiction book should have. It informs, causes reflection, brings a spirit of worship, entertains, and provides a clear vision of a loving Savior in Christ. Perhaps the only thing missing is a map illustrating the 1900 mile Pony Express Route and a few approximate station locations to serve as a point of reference. Maybe it's because I am such a visual learner, but I found myself wanting to see their path and the location of the Clearwater Ranch. At one point while reading the novel, I went on a search to see a map of their journey. I have provided that here from the National Park Service website. 

I would like to thank FaithWords and Hachette Book Group Inc for this complimentary review copy of MESSENGER BY Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I was not required to give a favorable review, but only to read the work in it's entirety and give an honest opinion.