Review: Shadow of the Storm by Connilynn Cossete

Shadow of the Storm Author - Connilynn Cossette Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Absolutely!

Back Cover...

Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?

Review...

The second book in new author Connilyn Cossette's Out of Egypt Series, focuses on the freed Hebrews during their first year out of captivity. Remember when the Hebrews had a big old party after Moses climbed the mountain and even created a golden idol to worship? Well Shadow of the Storm delves into that time with such vivid detail that I felt as if I lived within the tents.

Cossette once again takes you into the thick of the times and makes it comes to so alive. She leads the reader into a better understanding of what life may have actually been like for the Hebrews. Although this is a work of fiction, what the characters experience is very plausible and equally awe inspiring.

I truly enjoyed reading Sahira's story. I liked her from book 1 (Counted With The Stars) and was happy she got her journey. There is so much to say about who she is and what she represents as a daughter of God. Even as a biblical character, modern women can truly appreciate her struggles and triumphs. She is definitely one of my favorite fiction heroines.

I am usually all mushy gushy for the hero in romance novels and while I pictured Ayal to be a complete hunk, I found myself teetering between loving him and then not so much and then liking him. Yep, a rollercoaster of emotions. Not a necessarily a bad thing if you don't mind that sort of reading ride.

While I did really enjoy this book and read it within 2 days, there were a few minor things that gave me pause.

1 - There was a certain medical technique used in the book that I remember learning wasn't practiced until thousands of years after this book. Then again, I would never really know and could be way off, but I found it odd nevertheless.

2 - Admittedly I don't know much about the history of the bible and I know that scholars argue this, that and everything in between, but I have always been taught that Moses wrote the Pentateuch as dictated by God. I found it odd that the Hebrews were recounting the story of Adam and Eve before Moses dictated it. Now if I am way off...please feel free to rid me of my ignorance.

One more thing. Sin is woven throughout the book as should be expected. These were turbulent times for not only Hebrews, put other people who fled Pharoah as well. All kinds of idol worship, adultery, thievery and more surely ran rampant in the camp.

Without given anything away, there was an incident that occured that majorly effects the relationship between Sahira and Ayal. I admit that I cringed when I read it. I can pretty much bet that many Christian Fiction readers may wince as well. I'm curious as to how everyone will feel about it. If you have read this book or after you have read it, please stop by and let me know if you were ok with the resolution of this particular plot point or if you found it wanting.

All in all, I really did enjoy this book and think its a wonderful follow-up to Cossette's debut and look forward to book three! I give it 4.5 stars because I am still unsure.

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

Review: Just A Kiss by Denise Hunter

Just A Kiss Author - Denise Hunter Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend:Yes

Back Cover...

Watching the love of his life falling for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.

But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.

Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances he’s adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. He has nightmares and mood swings, and his unwavering independence keeps him from accepting help from anyone, including her. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up the money needed to save it.

As the weeks wear on with the two in such close proximity, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into unchartered territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his corded arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?

What I Loved...

Part of the reason I am such a huge fan or romance novels is not just happy endings but the angst and rollercoaster emotions an author can take you through before getting said happy ending. Just A Kiss is a wonderful example of that. I could literally feel the chemistry between characters Paige and Riley. Lots of emotion (not just attraction) pent up behind a wall that was ready to explode. That always makes for a reader invested and wanting to turn a page. And I was. Denise did not disappoint.

What I Liked...

This was my first book with an amputee. I was pleased how Denise conveyed the depth of such a tragedy but it didn't weight down the rest of the book. A good blend of heavy and light reading.

Other...

I'm not a big fan of the cover. It's nicely done, but I'm just a little over covers with couples posed in this way.

My one issue: I was a little irritated that the communication level between Paige and Riley at times seemed a bit immature. It wasn't a real big deal just a bit of a nuisance.

Overall, I really enjoyed Just A Kiss by Denise Hunter and I do suggest you pick it up. Be sure to pick up and read the others in the series first.

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

Review: Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Without Warning Author - Lynette Eason Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Probably

Back Cover...

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity. The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

What I Loved...

I am a big fan of kick-butt women and heroines! Like, Wonder Woman in the recent blockbuster Batman Vs SuperMan Movie was the star in my opinion. Although Superman is nice to look at.

I love reading about the Elite Guardians. Katie was a fun heroine to read. Gun toting, intelligent, ready, willing and able to do what she needs to in a "man's world" yet still womanly and human.

Eason made Katie's character real and flawed yet strong and determined making me want to root for her all the more.

What I Liked...

I don't often read suspense novels because I need more angst and swoon worthy bits of romance in my novels, but the angst from the suspense helped curb my craving a little. It was a maze of a story providing the reader lots of options for the villain's identity. It can definitely keep one guessing.

Other...

The cover is kick-butt just like the heroine.

I did guess pretty early on "Who Dunnit" which was a little disappointing. But I still think it's worth the read and I loook forward to reading more in the Elite Guardian series.


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