Review: A Heart Most Certain

A Heart Most Certain Author - Melissa Jagears Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Yes

Back Cover...

While Lydia King's reasons for joining the Teaville Moral Society might be suspect to some members, her heart is in the right place. Because of her father's debts and her mother's persistent illness, her best chance at a secure future and curing her mother is to impress the politician courting her. Her first task--to ask the town's wealthiest man to donate--seems simple enough . . . until he refuses.

 Despite appearances, Nicholas Lowe wants to help others, but prefers to keep his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, but Nicholas still intends to do things his own way. Neither predicts what they'll learn about true charity or foresee the complications their actions will bring to the town, forcing Lydia to decide where her beliefs and heart truly align.

What I Loved...

Nicholas Lowe, oh how I love thee. Not because he's rich, heaven forbid, or because he is so handsome, but because of his deep seeded love for the Lord and ministry. His genuine desire to help those who were deemed soiled and his ability to see through "Christians," spoke to my heart.

Although this is a historical romance, much of the behaviors of the Christians then still apply today. I applaud Jagears for taking a road less often traveled in CF and not just writing about a typical villain whose greed or violence is what makes him the antagonist but about Christians that accept what is popular as appropriate or turn a blind eye in order to save their reputation or not get too involved.

But Jagears didn't stop there, she touched on the church body as a whole, from the Pastor and his wife on down and how we can get caught up in Pharisaical living and don't even recognize it.

I know this sounds like it is a preachy book, but what makes this such a gread read, is that it ABSOLUTLEY ISN'T. It's just great story telling. Jagears simply told a story that convicts or inspires, depending on the reader.

What I Liked...

Usually, I'll add the romance, comedy and swoon worthy in the "What I Love..." section and while I did love the beautiful romance between Lydia and Nicholas, it took a backseat to the message of the book, so I downgraded the romance a little. But let me be clear, the chemistry between Lydia and Nicholas lit up page after page and I found myself missing the other whenever they weren't written together. Crazy, I know. Lydia and Nicholas are in my Top 10 favorite couples in CF. They are that great together. I hope they make an appearance in book 2 of the Teaville Moral Society Series.

Other...

The cover is nice, although I wish I could have seen Lydia's clear blue eyes, that are so often mentioned.




Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Review: Within The Veil by Brandy Vallance

Within The Veil Author - Brandy Vallance Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Yes

Back Cover...

They never should have met. But they might be made for each other.

Feya Broon, a Scottish half Gypsy, knows what it is to go hungry. Trapped in the Edinburgh tenements with a father lost to his past and only the faded memory of her mother's faith, Feya is desperate to provide for her siblings. When an ill-conceived plan leads to thievery, she finds herself in the last place she'd ever want to be--captured by a palace guard. But there's something about this man that tears at every preconceived notion she's even had about the haughty English.

Alasdair Cairncross never dreamed he'd be forced to transport a gypsy woman halfway across the wilds of Scotland. The timing is disastrous, considering his fiancée's imminent arrival and his father's political goals. Not only that, but the fiery young woman threatens to lay bare secrets Alasdair would rather keep hidden. And yet the farther they travel together, the less concerned he finds himself with duty--both to the crown and to the plans his family has for him.

As their walls begin to crumble, Feya and Alasdair must fight to survive a decades-old feud, a Highland kidnapping, and the awakening of their own hearts.

What I Loved...

I recently read this and thought it summed up how I feel about Within The Veil perfectly.

In a romance like this, the happily ever after is expected, the story is the journey. ~ Beth Erin

The journey of Feya and Alasdair is beautifully written. An emotionally satisfying read. Its been a few days and I still haven't picked up a new book to read. A definite book hangover.

What I Liked...

Lately, I have been so intrigued with bi-racial or ethnic heroes and heroines and I was happy to find that here.

POSSIBLE SPOILER: I really enjoyed that most of the book Feya and Alasdair are together, Usually books don't have the hero and heroine together so often, but Brandy did it so well. It didn't feel like overkill. For this plot it was necessary. But I enjoyed every minute of it. I guess this should have gone under the "What I Loved" section...END SPOILER

Other...

The cover is GORGEOUS! and I did picture Feya that what in my head.

POSSIBLE SPOILER: I was left wanting for a different ending between Alasdair's parents. They had chemistry. END SPOILER

This book is a true gem and it is difficult reviewing without telling something juicy of the plot and I love you all too much to take away from the experience. So my suggestion is to go out and get the book. It's a beautiful story. A TRUE Christian fiction.


Disclaimer: This book was provided through Netgalley. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.

Review: Courageous, The Movie

Courageous, The Movie Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend:Absolutely!

Synopsis...

From the creators of FIREPROOF comes COURAGEOUS, an action packed drama that will have families laughing and cheering as they are inspired by everyday heroes striving to be fathers of courage.

Review:

I have watched and loved all of the Kendrick Brothers movies. Courageous joins the list. It is such an uplifting movie. I especially love how it focuses on fathers from different races and walks of life, but still highlights that they all struggle as humans no matter where they live or the color of their skin.

The Kendrick Brother's formula of mixing real life issues as Christians with teaching viewers and incorporating comedy is wonderful.

Without spoiling it, I found the scene with the father and daughter date, so beautiful. I really loved it and hope that my husband and daughter begin that tradition.

My husband, as a father, isn't a movie watcher, but really enjoyed it.

I would recommend this as a great family night movie!

Disclaimer: This DVD was provided by FishFlix in exchange for a review.  You can get Courageous DVD and hundreds of other Christian Movies at FishFlix.com The opinion of this movie, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.