Book Review: Sunrise by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

Coming home was never the plan.

After a terrible family fight, pilot Dodge Kingston left home to join the Air Force. A decade later, he's headed back to the destiny that awaits him as heir to Sky King Ranch. But that's not all that's waiting for him at home.

Echo Yazzie is a true Alaskan woman--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. After her childhood best friend and former flame, Dodge, fled Denali, she settled into life on the Alaskan range. She's made her peace with being left behind--by her mother and by Dodge. And she's strong enough to live without them.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. What she doesn't know is that there are more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

As Dodge sets out to find Echo, he can't ignore the feelings he still has for her. But will he be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Read an excerpt from Sunrise by Susan May Warren on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Sunrise by Susan May Warren introduces readers to Sky King Ranch, home base of Sky King Air Services and the three estranged Kingston brothers. Set in the hearty Alaskan bush, which felt completely foreign to this Florida girl, the narrative captured the beauty of the land with vivid descriptions and Echo’s adoration of the area. Furthermore, the novel’s cover conveyed the enchantment of this rugged, amazing land.

If I were to describe Sunrise in one word, it would be tense. The first chapter brings the reader straight into the Kingston family strife. There’s a romantic pull between Echo and Dodge, but both have emotional angst brewing down deep. As the plot progresses, the characters contend with the elements of nature and experience life-and-death moments. While this constant strain held my attention to the story, the plot felt formulaic at times. Fortunately, a thread about the need to give and receive forgiveness seeped into the hearts of the characters and added a nice layer of character development.

Sunrise commences Susan May Warren’s Sky King Ranch series. It mentions characters from the author’s other novels, but reads as a stand-alone novel. I love the way the author has created this entire fictional community among her books. Sunrise will likely appeal to Christian romance readers looking for an entertaining suspense novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Spotlight: An Unlikely Duchess by Jessica Nelson

About the Book: 

A marriage of convenience is the only way to save her family…

Widow Sophia Seymour never planned to marry again—let alone become a duchess. But with her father missing and her family impoverished, an old betrothal contract promising her hand to a notorious duke is her only hope. And Edmund DeVane intends to honor the agreement—in name only. After all, Edmund needs a wife with an impeccable reputation to protect his debuting niece. But as their arrangement starts to feel much more real, can their budding love survive Edmund’s deepest secret?

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Excerpt:

"I understand you wish to marry for love only," the duke said.

He cleared his throat. "However, it seems that our union could also be construed as for something near to that principle-your love for your soon-to-be impoverished family, my love for my niece."

Sophia turned to him. Their gazes met. "But will you make a good husband, Your Grace? Can I trust you?"

Edmund wanted to reassure her, but he was suddenly assailed by memories, by experiences he had never spoken of and by a terrible, fearful certainty that he could never be a good husband.

"Edmund," said Sophia. "I do not ask for perfection."

"I have never been a husband. But I would do my best."

"We must have parameters if we are to do this." Her gaze flashed upward. "Here is the gist of it, Your Grace. I shall marry you, but under two conditions."

He waited, holding his breath.

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About the Author:

Jessica Nelson believes romance happens every day, and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. She began writing her first historical romance after quitting her day job to stay home with her children. Now they’re teens but Jessica’s still plucking away at the keyboard, one kiss after another, in pursuit of the happily ever after.

Book Review: Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae

About the Book:

A classic Cinderella fairytale with a Victorian Twist.

With her guiding hand, Lady Ada turns the mundane into the magnificent, lumps of charcoal into beautiful sketches—and second-hand clothes into gorgeous gowns. Only her debilitating stutter is beyond reach.

When her cruel brother is accused of treason, he threatens her—she must help him, or be thrown into an asylum, claiming her stutter as evidence of an unsound mind.

Like a rabid dog, the Duke of Girard is consumed with uncovering the traitorous plot surrounding Lady Ada’s brother. She holds the key to solving the mystery, but is unable to speak.

He’s determined to interrogate the woman, but the longer he’s in her company, the more kind he becomes. With Lady Ada’s brother on the loose, can the Duke of Girard win her trust—and her heart—in time to save the queen?

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My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae. This Cinderella retelling brings together an independent, freedom-chasing heroine (Lady Ada) and a persistent, duty-bound duke (Edwin, Duke of Girard). Romance brews from the moment they meet, and the relational tension grows as family ties and political intrigue swirl around the pair. Their growing attachment brings romantic moments that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Although the romance in Cinders Like Glass is lovely, I also enjoyed the mystery of le Tailleur (which carries into the next book), the dangerous moments, and the character development. For much of Lady Ada’s life, her stutter could trigger unexpectedly, causing awkwardness and shame. As Ada learns to push through this disability, her strength blossomed in every area of life. A fabulous journey to watch unfold. 

Cinders Like Glass stands as the second novel in Clarissa Kae’s Victorian Retelling series. I recommended reading the series in order, but Cinders Like Glass can be read as a stand-alone. I confess, that I never did figure Nikolas out and I’m hoping his character will be fleshed out in a later novel. 

Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae is a clean fiction read. The romance goes no further than a few swoony kisses. There is occasional, mild English cursing, but not so much that it hindered my enjoyment of the story.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

December 2021 Reads and January 2022 TBR

My December 2021 Reads:

I read considerably more than I expected to in December. Hooray!

1. Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 - Read my review.


2. Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 - Read my review..


3. The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review. 


4. A Second Chance by Walt Mussell. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


5. The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐- Read my review.


6. Sunrise by Susan May Warren - ⭐⭐⭐1/2 - Review to come 1/04/22.

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Expected January 2022 Reads:

2022 is starting off strong in the Christian Fiction realm with some favorite authors releasing books this month and next. I'm so excited about my upcoming reads!!!

1. Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend - Currently rereading this amazing book. I've found it so helpful every time I've read it.


2. Elinor by Shannon McNear.


3. Stone by Ronie Kendig.


4. Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen. - Recently nominated for a Christy award!


5. The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski - My local book club's selection for January.


6. A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz - Currently reading!


7. The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels


8. The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers. - My favorite author of all time. I've got the ebook on my kindle, but I'm trying to hold out until the physical copy arrives!

What will you read this month?

Book Review: A Second Chance by Walt Mussell

About the Book:

Kira Sakamichi is a career-driven woman, trying to achieve success before her mother’s constant interference sentences her to a relationship. But when a grudging drive to meet her mother’s latest “selection” ends in a lake accident, Kira wakes up lost in the past, the concubine of a sixteenth-century samurai and mother to his six-year-old son. When actions in battle lead to the samurai’s condemnation, Kira learns that she and her son will share the same fate. Only by understanding the importance of duty and family in both time periods can they survive.

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My Thoughts:

At around 100 pages, A Second Chance by Walt Mussell offers a short, time travel story filled with unique family dynamics and life-and-death danger. The author’s talent shines as he offers a complete, unhurried tale in so few pages. With perfectly balanced character dialogue and setting descriptions, the narrative seamlessly transitions from modern day to 16^th century Japan.

I found A Second Chance highly entertaining. The historical setting felt fresh and interesting. I learned a bit about Japanese history, the samurai, and 16^th century Buddhist monks. Although Kira holds to the American Christianity of her upbringing, some of the historical characters subscribe to Buddhism. Both religions are treated respectfully, without dogmatism or conflict.

I loved the ending of A Second Chance by Walt Mussell, and I was pleased to read in the author’s acknowledgements that Kira will appear in future stories. A Second Chance is suitable for readers of Christian fiction or general market fiction. Although the “d-word” is used twice, it didn’t hamper my reading enjoyment. I must also give a trigger warning as the historical storyline includes suicide as an honorable act and Kira as a concubine (nothing sexual/erotic on page). Neither are pleasant to read about, but appear as practices of that time.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr

About the Book:

USA Today Bestseller
Christianity Today 2022 Book Award Finalist (History & Biography)

"A powerful work of skillful research and personal insight."--Publishers Weekly

Biblical womanhood--the belief that God designed women to be submissive wives, virtuous mothers, and joyful homemakers--pervades North American Christianity. From choices about careers to roles in local churches to relationship dynamics, this belief shapes the everyday lives of evangelical women. Yet biblical womanhood isn't biblical, says Baylor University historian Beth Allison Barr. It arose from a series of clearly definable historical moments.

This book moves the conversation about biblical womanhood beyond Greek grammar and into the realm of church history--ancient, medieval, and modern--to show that this belief is not divinely ordained but a product of human civilization that continues to creep into the church. Barr's historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women's roles in the church and help move the conversation forward.

Interweaving her story as a Baptist pastor's wife, Barr sheds light on the #ChurchToo movement and abuse scandals in Southern Baptist circles and the broader evangelical world, helping readers understand why biblical womanhood is more about human power structures than the message of Christ.

Contents:

Introduction
1. The Beginning of Patriarchy
2. What If Biblical Womanhood Doesn't Come from Paul?
3. Our Selective Medieval Memory
4. The Cost of the Reformation for Evangelical Women
5. Writing Women Out of the English Bible
6. Sanctifying Subordination
7. Making Biblical Womanhood Gospel Truth
8. Isn't It Time to Set Women Free?

Read an excerpt from The Making of Biblical Womanhoood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

I read through The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr quickly. The author’s education and expertise shined as she related historical context for traditions practiced in the modern church. I found learning about the past highly interesting, but my favorite parts of the book were the first few chapters where she dives into canonized Scripture.

Beth Allison Barr, unlike some authors, does not deny the divinity of Scripture or attempt to minimize the Apostle Paul’s letters. Rather, she draws on her education as a college professor of history and offers alternative interpretations to misogynistic church traditions. She backs up her interpretations with highly convincing evidence, perhaps better than any other author I’ve read on this subject. I am not a Biblical scholar, but I have steeped in church tradition for at least 30 years, and I was amazed how many legitimate interpretations there can be for a passage.

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr is a fantastic read that I recommend to any Believer interested in this topic, male or female. The author’s tone is not political and lacks the angry smears and cheap shots that often appear in books dealing with hot topics. I appreciated the educational and kind tone of the author and will read any other book she writes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.