What I Want, by L.N. Cronk

His whole life, Marco knew he was different.  Born with a sever cleft palate and a birth defect affecting his hands, Marco has always felt damaged; even after years of corrective surgeries, he is still self conscious.  His parents never let him use his disabilities as an excuse, and he is quite capable at almost anything.  He falls in love with a blind girl named Bizzy, and for years they maintain a long distance relationship, until they are both able to realize what it is they really want.

While this book is tied into the Chop, Chop series, this book functions perfectly well as a stand alone novel, probably more so than any other book in the series.  I really loved hearing the story from Marco's point of view.  While he talks about the things that make him different, and how they make him feel, he rarely focuses on those differences.  Instead, he focuses on the relationships in his life (some of which are trying and difficult), and the goals that he sets for himself.  I was happy when he allowed himself to find love with Bizzy, though I felt she was a bit cold to him.

I found the characters to be well developed, a particular strength of this author.  These are realistic characters, dealing with real problems, ones we are all familiar with.  Even if we were not born with same the specific issues as Marco, we all have felt different, ugly, self conscious.  We have all longed for love, struggled in our faith journey, and dealt with loss.  Books like this help us process our own issues.

I am a long time fan of this author, and she never fails to deliver.  I continue to await the next book by L.N. Cronk.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.

Ring of Secrets, by Roseanna M. White

It is America in the 1770s, and Winter Reeves is leading a double life.  She appears to be a member of an aristocratic family, loyal to England, and intellectually vapid.  In reality, she is a Patriot, loyal to George Washington's cause, and a highly intelligent spy.  As Winter attempts to aid the cause, she gets tangled in a web of intrigue, romance, and danger.  The only thing holding her afloat is her faith.

This is one of those books that has something for everyone; historical context, romance, intrigue, danger, and  faith.  It sounds like a bit of a hodge podge, but this author totally makes it work.  Having read some other books about Revolutionary War espionage, I have to say, the book is incredibly well researched from a historical perspective.  Knowing this author, I would have expected nothing less.  I was fascinated with the techniques used to pass secret messages.  In the context of today's electrical encryption and such, it may seem rudimentary, but in historical context, these spy methods were quite ingenious.  I felt like the historical aspects of the story were woven into the plot seamlessly.  The history did not overshadow the story; instead, it perfectly enhanced it.

I adored Winter as a character.  I loved her fierce spirit, and the tremendous loyalty she possessed.  It always makes me happy to see a female protagonist who is strong and independant, without being harsh and cold.  That is exactly what I saw in Winter.  And while part of her story does involve romance, she always stays true to herself, and her beliefs.  

This is a work of Christian fiction, but the faith aspect is subtle.  There are many mentions of God, and Providence, as Winter prays throughout the book.  There are also discussions of various religious beliefs at that time in history.  Rather than using the book as a bullhorn for preaching faith, however, the author chose to use it as an example of a person using faith to guide their life.  I think it is beautiful.  And because it is a Christian book, there are no issues with explicit language, sexuality, or blatant violence.  The book is totally suitable for adults, as well as for older teen readers.  And because it covers many genre's, it has real potential for mass appeal.  

Yet another brilliant book by this author.

I received a review copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Every Hill and Mountain, by Deborah Heal

Abby and John are back, and once again doing some time surfing.  This adventure involves trying to research the family tree of Abby's best friend, Kate.  Kate has traced her ancestry to a man named Ned Greenfield, in the small town of Equality.  The town looks old fashioned and idealistic, but slowly the sleuthing team discovers that not all is as it seems on the surface.  They discover the town has a deeply held secret, one that has a significant impact on Kate's family.

I am completely enchanted with this series.  I think that this third book may be my favorite yet, because it truly elicited emotional responses from me.  First off, we have some of the old characters that we know and love from the previous books.  I enjoy watching Abby and John's relationship evolve.  They truly function as a team, and it reminds me of my marriage.  I also liked having the storyline involve Kate a lot more.  While as a character I really disliked Kate's boyfriend Ryan, he was well written, and served a distinct purpose in the plot.

Speaking of the plot, I really loved the storyline, with a big emphasis on slavery, and the darker side of the slave trade in 19th century America.  This plot was emotional, not only due to it's actual historical context, but in light of all the people in today's world who are still denied their rights and freedoms.  Given the historical context, the language and themes are a little more uncomfortable than in the previous books in the series, but I think it is important the the author tackled them in an honest way.

I never had any doubt that this third book would be fantastic, based on how much I liked the first two, but this surpassed my expectations.  The book is Christian fiction, but the emphasis on evangelism is very low.  Violence and sexuality are mildly present within the appropriate context of the story, but by and large this is a very clean book, one that a parent would feel comfortable allowing a teen to read.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.

Alone, by L.N. Cronk

In this 8th and final book in the Chop, Chop series, we hear Tanner's side of the story.  We learn how he lived with a lifetime of unrequited love, we learn about his regrets, we learn about his struggles.  We also learn that Tanner is a man of depth, and he, perhaps more than any other character in this series, fully understands the meaning of love and sacrifice.

Wow, what a powerful book.  I will start off by saying that it is completely vital that you have read all 7 of the previous books in this series.  This book moves at a fast pace, and you must be familiar with the characters and storylines that have already been covered in order to keep up.  Tanner states at the beginning that he is not going to re-tell any of the stories, he is simply going to fill in the gaps from his point of view.

I absolutely fell in love with Tanner's character in this book.  While he was prominently featured in some of the past storylines, we never saw into is soul the way we do now.  I was surprised, really, at how much emotional depth there was to Tanner; in the past stories, he seems to have hidden behind a dumb jock persona, to protect himself.  Now, we see see rawness and vulnerability.  We always knew Tanner cared for Laci, but I was amazed, and a little heartbroken, to read how deep his love for her truly was, to the point that he had to let her go.

I am also amazed to see Tanner's difficulties with substance abuse, depression, the impact of premarital sex, and David's illness.  Again, we have seen some of these things hinted to in past stories, but never have we gotten the full impact of the situation.  The book sends a strong message about faithfulness in many forms, particularly faithfulness when it goes against our own wishes.

The book is chock full of struggles, mostly because it covers a span of fifty years.  Yet with all the struggles, heartaches, and losses in the book, the ultimate message is so incredibly uplifting.  The story is one of Christian fiction, yet the characters are flawed, the situations difficult, and the topics heavy.  Just like the real life of a Christian.  And while the message of the gospels is clearly spelled out in the story, it is done in a way that will still allow the book to interest (and witness to) non-Christian readers.

I cannot think of a more perfect way to end this series full of characters I have come to know and love like friends.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.

Chocolate Covered Baloney, by KD McCrite

April Grace is back, and still dealing with the woes of a preteen girl.  Her older sister is acting funny, her baby brother is the center of attention, and April has a sense that big changes are coming now that she is in junior high.  And this biggest change of call comes calling in the form of a long lost family member!

This is the second book I have read in the April Grace series, and I find myself relating to April Grace so much.  Because the books are set in the 80s, in a rural area, April Grace's life shares similarities to my own life as a preteen, so I really find myself relating to her as a character.  I think she continues to be richly developed, and it is nice to see her maturing a little.  She is in that odd space between little girl and young lady, and I think so many tweens will relate to her.

I liked the story development as well.  It involves a little bit of a mystery (what is her sister up to??) as well as a conflict in the form of the long lost family member.  This means the story is engaging to the reader.  Also even though this is a book from a series, it functions fine as a stand alone story, something I always appreciate.  

I find these books to be great for middle grades readers, particularly young girls.  While the books are marketed as Christian fiction, the Christian aspect is subtle, and mostly, it is just a nice, clean book for middle grades readers to which they will be able to relate.

I received a review copy courtesy of BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Five Days of Fear, by David Kovach

Life can chance in the blink of an eye, and that is exactly what happens to Jessica's family.  When her mother overhears a terrorist plot, she is kidnapped, and and while attempting to reach his wife, Jessica's father is shot.  Now, the authorities scramble to determine why the kidnapping happened, and to save Jessica's mother.  After growing close to the lead agent on the case, Jessica is not sure what scares her more, losing her mother or losing her heart.

This book had a really interesting concept.  I really liked the action. Just a couple of pages in, and the action starts right away.  While I normally like a lot of exposition, it is just not necessary in this book.  It is clear that this is a good family in a horrible situation.  The characters are well developed, and you actually find yourself caring for them quite quickly.  You root for them, and despise the bad guys.  I guess what I am saying, is, it does not take long to become invested in the story.  The plot has a lot of depth, tying terrorism with financial fraud and a touch of jealous old boyfriend for good measure.  It certainly is not a boring story.

The only aspect that I disliked was the romance between Jessica and the lead FBI agent.  I just found it a little difficult to believe that an FBI agent would ever cross that type of professional boundary, and it happens pretty much the moment he takes the case.  I would think that the FBI would frown on this behavior, particularly because the agent involves Jessica in the investigation process.  I know that with fiction, one has to suspend disbelief, but I just found that a little to much to suspend.  

All in all, this is a solid read, and while marketed as Christian fiction, the faith in the book is very subtle.  While there is some intense themes at play (terrorism, violence, kidnapping, etc) it is done in a way that is not gratuitous, so it would be appropriate for high school readers as well as adults.

I received a review copy of this book courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.

 

Not Quickly Broken, by L.N. Cronk

Earlier books in the Chop Chop series have touched upon the relationship between Jordan and Charlotte, now we get to hear their fully story.  Friends since childhood, in high school Jordan and Charlotte fall in love, but a pregnancy from her previous relationship drives Charlotte away from Jordan.  They are given a chance to reconnect, and start a life together.  But it turns out life is never exactly as one expects it to be.

We all know how much I love this series, and each time I read another book from it, I am convinced that book is the best of them all.  This one is no exception.  I love that this series has delivered an entire cast of characters, all of whom we as readers have come to care about, quite deeply.  For many of the books in the series, we followed the same few characters closely, with a supporting cast.  Now, we get to know some of the members of this supporting cast a little better.

I loved getting to hear Jordan and Charlotte's respective stories.  I feel like they more fully developed as characters through this book.  No one likes to see people they care about go through hardships, so reading about the struggles of these characters is difficult, but worthwhile in the end.  Jordan and Charlotte grow through those struggles, and so do we as readers.

Cronk consistently provides us with examples of real relationships, going through real struggles, and using faith to weather those storms.  It is no surprise these books touch so many lives.  Who among us is without these kinds of struggles?  In the characters and stories Cronk has created, we see ourselves.  While the story touches quite heavily on faith, the message is subtle.  Like the other books in this series, this book will appeal not only to fans of Christian fiction, but mainstream fiction lovers as well.  I personally will be sad to see this series come to an end.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

Time and Again, by Deborah Heal

When Abby volunteered to be a tutor over her summer break from college, she had no idea what she would get into.  Abby ends up living with Merrideth, a sullen preteen dealing with being a child of divorce, and Pat, her well meaning but largely absent mother.  Merrideth is resistant to Abby, and spends most of her time complaining that she misses living in the city.  When Abby and Merrideth learn that the house they are in is full of history, and that this history can play out in real time on a program on Merrideth's computer, the girls form a very unique and powerful bond.

Let me start off by saying this book had a very unique premise to me, sort of a "Back to the Future" meets virtual reality, with a little dash of "Seventh Heaven" thrown in.  I loved the idea of this book being focused on several generations of women.  Abby and Merrideth are wonderfully developed characters, and I loved watching them bond over the history behind the house and its previous inhabitants.  I though Merrideth was a fairly accurate representation of a sullen tween girl with a tense family life.  I actually felt a lot of sympathy toward Pat's character, what little we saw of her.  I think there is more to her story.

I felt like this book had two distinct storyworlds, one in the present, and one in the past, and both were developed in rich detail.  The historical aspects of the story were particularly fascinating to me, and I really loved learning the backstory to the house and town.  I liked how real historical facts were woven into that backstory as well.  I was a little confused about the technical aspects behind the computer program, and whether or not it was a program or internet based; the plot could have been just a bit tighter and more clear regarding the program, but I do understand that the writing may have been intentionally ambiguous in order to build mystery.

There is a definite Christian flavor to the book, without being preachy or over the top.  Abby's character is a Christian, though she has her flaws, and there are some scenes where biblical principles are discussed, but I think that the book still has secular appeal.  The book is actually appropriate for both young adult and adult readers.  All in all, I found this an engaging, entertaining read, and I hope that there are more stories to follow.

I received a review copy of the book courtesy of the author.
 

Until Next Time, by Amy Lignor

Emily is an angel, and Matt is her warrior counterpart.  They have been tasked with the mission to go to Earth and inhabit human shells.  Emily inhabits Liz, while Matt inhabits Daniel.  Their path on Earth is complex and painful for both of them.  When Liz befriends two strangers who show up in her pup, she encounters human evil like she has never known before.  What will this earthly situation mean for Emily and Matt?

I thought that the storyline and idea behind this book was unique and amazing.  Emily and Matt are powerful and memorable characters, and I particularly enjoyed the scenes in which they interact with other heavenly figures.  It made for a unique view of the Christian figures I knew so well.  However, the whole execution of the descent to Earth to become Liz and Daniel seemed a little clumsy.  I found it a bit difficult to follow.  The concept of Emily's soulmate being Matt, but her being in love with someone else seemed like it did not make sense to me.  I think that this will provide a convoluted concept of love to young adult readers.

I think that this series would have been better served with the introductory book thoroughly explaining Emily and Matt's heavenly lives, their creation, and the concept behind their purpose as an angel/warrior pair.  Then, at the end of that first book, the would be preparing for their first descent to Earth.  I think this would have made the concept much less confusing.

Despite the confusing action at times, I did enjoy the book.  I found it hard to put down, and I was really drawn to the Emily/Liz character.  As the book closes, it made me really want to learn what happens next in Emily's story, so clearly the book succeeded in pulling me in.  The book is appropriate for young adults, it is fairly clean, and will definitely appeal to fans of romance.

I received a review copy courtesy of the publisher.  See the rest of the tour schedule here.

Illusion, by Frank Peretti

Dane and Mandy were a world renown magic act, performing for 40 years, but beyond that they were deeply in love.  When the couple gets into a tragic car accident, it appears to everyone, including Dane, that Mandy dies.  Actually, Mandy, or at least her 19 year old self circa 1970, had awakened in a strange new world.  Gone is the life and the people she knew, and it would seem as if she has gone crazy.  She discovers she has mysterious abilities, and she uses them to build a magic act that eventually catches Dane's attention.  He cannot help but wonder who is this girl who looks exactly like his dead wife, and why has she entered his life?

This book is so incredibly complex, it was hard for me to boil it down to a one paragraph synopsis.  That paragraph in no way does justice to the richness of the storytelling at work in this novel.  I have read other books by Frank Peretti, and I must admit, this one feels so much different.  At first, I was confused by the forces at play in this story.  Time travel? Astrophysics?  While confusing, hardly the dark and sinister Frank I was familiar with.  But as I delved deeper into the story, I saw that the symbolism at play was the darkness and pride of which people can be capable, and how one selfish act by any one person can touch, ruin even, the lives of so many.  This book is also an incredible love story.  The romantic angle of this story had me in tears by the end of the book.  

While Mandy's character is difficult to understand at times, that confusion is an important aspect of her character; we are confused because she is confused.  We do really get an intimate experience of connecting with Mandy's character, but it does feel at times as though it is from arms' length, until the full plot is revealed.  My heart just broke for both Mandy and Dane, and again the romance of the story really rocked me.  

For those unaware, Peretti writes Christian fiction.  And while this book is Christian fiction, it is one that plays with great subtleties and symbolism.  It is not explicit regarding the role of Father, Son, or Spirit, but it is hard to miss the symbolism of thousands of doves carrying someone to their final destiny.  I appreciated this soft, gentle form of symbolism, and I think it will make the book appealing to a broader audience than just those of us who traditionally read Christian fiction.  

All in all, I was really blown away by the book, particularly when the story really got moving and things started to make sense to me.  I would recommend it to anyone, do not let the Christian fiction label keep you away from reading what is a remarkable story.

I received a review copy courtesy of the publisher.

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The Priest and the Peaches, by Larry Peterson

The Peach kids have not had it easy these last few years.  They lost their mother, which left them in the care of the grandmother and their father.  When their grandmother also dies, their father is left taking care of the family.  The hours he does not spend working to support his kids, he spends drinking to forget his heartbreak.  When he also gets sick and dies, the kids are left to fend for themselves.  Thank goodness they encounter plenty of divine intervention.

From the beginning, I had a very hard time connecting with this book.  I absolutely adored the setting of 1960's Brooklyn, but I felt as though the setting could have been better described, to help create a richer storyworld.  Also, I had a hard time connecting to the characters.  While the back story of the Peach family is well explained, the characters themselves just did not connect with me.  I think in a Brooklyn neighborhood such as theirs, ethnicity would have played a stronger part of family identity, so the fact that this was not at all described kind of puzzled me.  The family's religious identity was well described, but I would have better connected had I been able to think of this as an Italian Catholic or and Irish Catholic family.  It would have filled in a lot of blanks about their identities.  Perhaps this was discussed and I just did not pick up on it.

The story moves pretty quickly, with the now orphaned children encountering bad luck and road blocks pretty much at every turn.  I liked the story, and thought it quite sweet.  I particularly liked the portrayal of the family's Catholic faith.  The theme of love your neighbor is certainly one that we could stand to see more of in the world, so I greatly appreciate that being portrayed in the book.  It also stressed not to judge people based on your impression.  We are given the impression that Mr. Peach is just a drunk, when really, despite his drinking problem, he was a good Christian who had a huge impact on his community.

All in all I did enjoy the book, I just wish I could have felt a little more connected to it.

I received a review copy courtesy of the publisher as part of a book tour.

Gone, by L.N. Cronk

David finds himself confused once in a while.  These days, he catches himself doing an odd thing or two, but chalks it up to daydreaming.  A devastating diagnoses lets David and Laci know that their lives together are about to change, quickly, and the results will be heartbreaking.  Slowly, David is fading away, and soon, the David he has always been will simply be... gone.

Grab some tissues if you are going to read this book.  I think, for me, this has been the most heartbreaking book so far in the Chop Chop series.  First off, we are seeing the slow whittling away of a character we have watched grow up throughout the series.  It is like losing a friend, truly.  For me, the book had an even deeper impact, as my grandfather had a form of the same disease that David has.  I remember, vaguely, what it was like to have a person slowly fade away.  It is incredibly difficult, and I think Cronk does a beautiful job of portraying this reality in a gentle way.

There is quite a jump in time from the previous book in the series to this book, and in some ways I really like that.  It is nice to know that this family had a long period of time where things were status quo, un-noteworthy.  However, I secretly hope that once the series ends, Cronk will be inspired to write about the lost years of David and Laci.  We learn that they adopt more children, who are minor characters in this book, but because Cronk is so wonderful at character development and dialogue, I do crave hearing how each child entered their lives.

The book certainly has a different pacing and tone from the previous ones in the book, which I personally appreciated.  While I have loved every book in the series, I think it was a wise decision to make this one different; it helps keep long time fans of the series on their toes, and gives them something completely new, wrapped in the packaging of characters we know and love.

As always, Cronk writes with heart and honesty, which is why I find her books so touching.  I wept my way through the ending, and found myself anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

The Christmas Singing, by Cindy Woodsmall

Mattie's heart was broken when her childhood sweetheart broke their engagement, but she moved on.  She moved to a new town, and started a cake business.  But when fire strikes her bakeshop, Mattie is forced to revisit her old town, her old life, and her old love.  Suddenly, everything she thought she knew is not exactly as it seems.

This was a perfect holiday read for me.  Cindy Woodsmall does a wonderful job creating characters that readers really care about.  I found this story to be really unique, focusing on a strong independent woman in the Amish culture, which is a rarity.  Mattie is a strong character, wonderfully written, and as a reader, you long to see her happy.  

I really liked that the story showed struggle, and felt it emphasized the similarities between the Amish and the English.  I think that is part of why Amish fiction is so popular, because it helps bridge a gap between cultures that seem so foreign and antithetical, when in reality the cultures share many commonalities.  The story is one of my favorites by the author, and it made for a wonderful, peaceful, hopeful holiday read.

I received a review copy courtesy of the publisher.

   

The Other Mothers, by L.N. Cronk

David has a beautiful life, with his wife Laci and their two children.  They have recently added to their family by becoming foster parents to Amber, and David feels strongly that Amber should be a permanent part of their family.  However, God seems to have different plans, and the family faces some of their toughest struggles yet.

Once again Cronk opens the world of her characters from the Chop Chop series, and allows the readers inside.  I especially like this book, since it focuses a lot on David and his journey, much like the first book did.  I feel that as the series continues, we really get to see so many of the characters blossom, and we see it through David's eyes; now it is his turn.

As always, Cronk bravely tackles some tough subjects, and I like the fact that she allows her characters to be imperfect.  Sometimes Christian authors do not want to show negative emotions or situations in their writing, but I find that authors that do produce work that is more relatable to readers, and Cronk exemplifies that.  Her writing is honest, and real; it allows readers to see pieces of themselves and their own struggles in the stories.

The book, and in fact the entire series, has wide appeal for both Christian readers and non-Christian readers.  I continue to look forward to the next book in the series, and am secretly dreading when the series ends.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

A Sound Among the Trees, by Susan Meissner

Holly Oak is a Southern mansion with a rich, and troubled, history.  It was once inhabited by Susannah Page, who was rumored to be a spy for the North during the Civil War.  Some older ladies in the community think that Susannah haunts the house, and the women of Holly Oak do seem bent toward tragedy.  Currently the house is inhabited by Adelaide, who is Susannah's great-granddaughter.  When a new bride moves into the house, many of the family secrets come tumbling out of the woodwork.

I thought this book was, in a word, magnificent.  I loved the concept of a house being haunted, not so much by specters, but instead by the ghost of regret.  I think that redemption is a strong theme among many of the characters, and I like how each of the main female characters has her own distinct journey to take.  I found the characters very well developed, and enjoyed learning each of their stories.  It was fascinating to me to learn the history of the house and the inhabiting family, all the while seeing how the past influenced the present.

I quite enjoyed the setting as well.  As a Yankee, I find myself enraptured by the thoughts of the Deep South and the old fashioned ways so often seen there.  Whether the chapters were about the War, or about a modern day garden party, I found myself really engaged in the setting.  The house itself is a character, and I love that the reader does not know whether or not the ghosts are real.

The only criticism is that so much of the latter part of the book occurs through correspondence between Susannah and her cousin.  I found reading nothing but one side of the correspondence tedious after a point.  But that is honestly my only critique.  I think the book will appeal to fans of historical fiction, as well as Southern fiction.

I received a review copy courtesy of the publisher.

    
    

The Other Brother, by L.N. Cronk

Ever since his best friend, Greg, died in high school, David has watched over Charlotte, Greg's little sister, as if she were his own.  When she had personal struggles during her senior year at high school, David and his wife Laci really helped Charlotte.  Now she is in college, and learns of some shocking developments.  David fears his relationship with his "little sister" will never be the same.

Once again, I am floored by the humanity and realism shown in the work of L.N. Cronk.  This book continues the Chop Chop series, which follows a group of characters whose lives are forever changed by a young boy named Greg.  In this installment of the series, we see the blossoming of a new generation of characters, and the continued evolution of their relationships.

I really love that we have seen some of these characters, like Charlotte and Jordan, grow up over the course of the last few books.  It makes the readers fully connected to the characters, and invested in the story.  I believe that is why these stories read so easily; it is less like reading a novel, and more like reading a letter from an old friend.  There were a few surprises in this book, ones that make me excited to see where the rest of the series is headed.  This book especially emphasizes that period when teenagers are transitioning to adulthood, and some of the struggles that ensue not only for the individuals, but for the people who have loved them as they have come of age.

I think these books are equally appropriate for adult and young adult readers, as the content is really wholesome, but also realistic.  Once again, I am unable to find fault with this series.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

Nine Ways God Always Speaks, by Mark Herringshaw and Jennifer Schuchmann

What would you do if someone told you God spoke directly to him or her?  What does it mean for God to speak; is it a feeling, an audible voice, a dream, or a physical presence?  Does God really provide us with signs regarding His will for our lives?  These questions, and many others, are pondered in this book.

I think I anticipated that this book would help me better recognize God speaking in my life.  I am not sure anyone can actually help me in that area, and I think it was naive of me to think that this book would either.  The book talks about ways people perceive God speaking in their lives, but it also does a fair share of casting doubt on the legitimacy of those claims.  I kind of felt there was some double speak, since the book talks about ways God can speak, then seems to raise doubts as to whether those things actually are God speaking.  Is God sending us a sign, or are we merely seeing what we want to see.  I left the book feeling no more or less convinced about God speaking in anyone's life, let alone my own.  A better title, to convey the message of the book, would be Nine Ways God May Speak.

The book has an anecdotal nature.  In some ways this is good, and in some ways it is bad.  It is good when relating actual anecdotes, stories of people who feel or perceive God at work in their lives.  However, the anecdotal nature, when relating biblical stories, does not work for me, and instead comes across as irreverent.  Some people may like this writing style, may feel better able to connect with the scripture that way, but for me, it was distracting.

I can see that this book could be very helpful and inspirational for those seeking books on spiritual growth.  For me personally, however, it just did not connect.

This book is from my personal library.

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks, by KC McCrite

This are a little cramped in April Grace's house.  She lives with her parents, and her snotty sister Myra Sue.  Now the neighbors, Isabella St. James and her husband, have moved in while Isabella recovers from a car accident.  And now, April Grace finds out there is going to be a new baby!  On top of the troubles at home, April finds that one of her closest friends has turned on her, and has created a new clique which ridicules April and other kids.  Growing up is never easy, but especially not for April Grace.

I just adored this book.  I found the storyline sweet and honest, and April Grace is one of the most endearing characters I have ever met.  She reminds me so much of myself as a middle schooler!  This is the second book in a series, but it does a great job filling in the back story, so I never felt lost or confused with the storyline or the cast of characters.  

The book is geared toward a middle grade reader, and I think the storylines are quite appropriate for that age group.  However, the 1980's setting will be foreign to a tween reader, more suited to adults like me who lived then.  It would either work better as a tween book set in current times, or more developed into an adult book set in the 80s.  As it is, it feels a little hit or miss with both demographics, though I personally loved the book.

This is classified as a Christian book, and while there were themes of faith and Christian messages in the book, they were not dominant, so the book can still appeal to a mainstream audience.

I received a review copy courtesy of the publisher.

    

Pon-Pon, by L.N. Cronk

The next installment of this series finds David and Laci moving back to their hometown.  Amazingly, the pieces fall together and they find a house for their family that allows them to be in their old neighborhood, where he can keep an eye on the younger sister of his best friend Greg, who died in high school.  David begins tutoring the younger brother of one of his high school friends, and watches as the young man's life takes off on an emotional rollercoaster.  Can David be the right type of support to his young friends?

So far, within this series, I have found each book to be better than the previous, and with a series that started out fantastically to begin with, that says a lot.  Once again, Cronk allows us into the world of these characters.  At this point, we know David and Laci quite well, but it is interesting to watch the changes within their family.  Similarly, it is fascinating to watch David interacting with the younger siblings of his high school chums.  

I like that Cronk continues to take on challenging topics.  Foreign and domestic adoption, teen pregnancy, suicide.  These are not typical topics for Christian novels, but they really should be.  Cronk does an amazing job of showing how these types of hardships touch the lives of all people, regardless of their religion, and how even the toughest situations can be deal with in a loving way.

This series has the ability to touch so many lives, and I find it to be a powerful tool.  Because these tough situations are so common, readers can find solace in the stories, and can relate to the characters.  This serves as yet another brilliant installment in the series.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

Saint Training, by Elizabeth Fixmer

Mary Clare is part of a large, Irish Catholic family.  And despite the fact that the family is big, and money is very tight, her mother is going to have another baby.  Mary Clare decides the best way to improve her family's situation is to become a saint.  This proves to be tougher than she anticipated, so she begins a correspondence with a Mother Superior.

Often, when I get a retailer is having a book promotion where the book is free, even for a limited time, I go into it with low expectations, and usually, I am still disappointed.  This book, however, made up for every single one of those disappointments.  I absolutely loved this book!  Set in the 1960's, against the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and Vatican II changes in the Catholic Church, I found this book to be, at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, profound.

Having grown up in a Catholic family, I fully appreciated the humor surrounding the faith of Mary Clare.  I love the letter correspondence between her and the Mother Superior.  Most good Catholic girls at one point consider a religious vocation, and when they chose instead to pursue a lay life, there can be tremendous guilt involved.  I love that Mary Clare takes takes this particular journey and is no worse for the wear.

I found the characters in this book very endearing, and I like that we as readers see the world through a child's eyes.  It seems as though she can make no more sense of the world in which she lives than the adults can.  I really liked the historical setting, and seeing how it impacted the lives of the characters.

All in all,  I really can find no complaint with this book.  I think many readers will enjoy it, and fellow Catholics will especially relate and enjoy.

This book is from my personal library.