In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

Disregarded by her birth family, Ruth's desire to belong is satisfied in her marriage to Mahlon, a kind man whose mother, Naomi, treats Ruth as her own daughter. When Mahlon and his brother die, Ruth and Naomi journey to Bethlehem, Naomi's former homeland. Desperate for food and income, Ruth gleans, picking up the pieces left behind by the field reapers employed by Boaz. As the camaraderie between Ruth and Boaz transforms into romantic inklings, both are convinced that they can never be together. Will love find a way? Read more in Tessa Afshar's In the Field of Grace.

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar is a Biblical retelling of the Book of Ruth. The author used plenty of literary license to add story details and character motives, but also inserted quotes from the Book of Ruth. Throughout the story, various characters are taught spiritual lessons which became the themes of the book. At times, I felt like characters learned certain lessons too easily. Without enough internal struggle or tension, the development seemed a bit inauthentic. Still, themes such as surrendering what one wants most into God's care and accepting God's will with joy even when circumstances are hard are primary messages in the book that will resonate with Christian readers. I enjoyed the storyline and interspersed humor. In the Field of Grace is a keeper that I'm likely to re-read.

Those who liked Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar will enjoy In the Field of Grace as there are substantial similarities in characters and plot. I recommend In the Field of Grace to Christian readers looking for a historical romance combined with prevalent spiritual themes.

Read an excerpt for In the Field of Grace on Tessa Afshar's website.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

After the end of a twelve year engagement, Susanna Truitt's future has never been more uncertain. Nate Kenneth, heir to the throne of Brighton, has never had a more certain future. When a flat tire brings Nate and Susanna together under the fabled Lover's Oak of St. Simon's Island, a friendship forms that could progress into more if it weren't for Brighton law. Before Nate returns to Brighton, his royal status is revealed, but Susanna receives no further communication from him except an invitation to his coronation. Accepting the invitation, she travels to Brighton with her sister. While her external choices are publicly dissected, she finds her internal choices are muddled and confused by this blossoming, but impossible love. Has God brought Nate and Susanna together for a lesson in surrender that will later be told as a tale of unfulfilled love or is there more for their future than either of them could have planned? Read more in Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck.

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck is the first novel in the Royal Wedding Series. The book's prominent theme of surrendering one's will and plans for the future to God even if it requires giving up a dream, a love or one's pride was an outstanding choice by the author. Most the characters were enjoyable, though I think the book would have benefited from Lady Genevieve's character having more depth. Her motives are foreshadowed in such a way that her admission later in the story seems surprisingly shallow and lacks the deviousness promised by the foreshadowing.

Regarding the plot of Once Upon a Prince, I was disappointed. To me, the first half dragged and the second half borrowed heavily from The Princess Diaries movies. The storyline was a mesh of The Princess Diaries with Christianity and the American South. It sounds like an appealing combination, but too many of the scenes, relationships and situations were such close replicas to the movie, that I just couldn't enjoy it. Considering that Hauck has also written a book (which I haven't read) that is supposed to play off of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie, I think this lack of originality was actually intentional.

Unfortunately for me, the positive aspects of Once Upon a Prince were overshadowed by the lack of originality. I've no doubt there will be readers that aren't bothered by the lack of originality and are just looking for a sweet read. However, for the aforementioned reasons, I recommend renting from the library before buying.

I'm participating in a blog tour for Once Upon a Prince and there is a great giveaway going on right now:

Enter Today - 5/6 - 5/27!
Also, don't forget to visit other blogs on the tour to read what they say! Click on the "Blog Tour Schedule" button to see the list.

And now the book trailer:

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson

Kimberly Claybourne Tucker didn't want to be swept away by the magic of Cedar Key, Florida. A painful divorce and the responsibility of rearing two sons leaves Kimberly stressed and without the answers as to why things happen. When a judge orders her sons to spend five weeks with their father, Kimberly's father pushes her to visit Cedar Key, a place she has avoided for years because of the bittersweet memories. Her goal is to visit the area as quickly as possible and return. However, a chance meeting with Steven Granger, her first love, disrupts her plans. As she spends time in Cedar Key, she discovers the need for faith, the shadows of the past, and that sometimes there are second chances.

I thoroughly enjoyed Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson. I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida so I easily identified with the atmosphere and vivid imagery. The intricate stories of the characters drew me back to this book until I finished it. There's no doubt that Everson is a talented author, but I wish there was more closure to the plot. The book is well-over three hundred pages, yet the story is incomplete when the book ends. Thank goodness there is a sequel planned. The first chapter of it is in the back to the book.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction with a mixture of romance, sisterhood, and life issues.

Click here to read an excerpt from Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson.

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller, from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."