Review: The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels

The Amazon Blurb: A reclusive bookstore owner hoped shed permanently buried her family's sensational past with a new name. But when the novels she once shared with an old crush begin appearing in the mail, its clear her true identity is about to be revealed, threatening the new life she has painstakingly built.

The Words Between Us was an automatic yes because there were books on the cover. Isn't that awful? Oh, well. Such is life. But the more I read it, the more I wondered, why did I let a cover sway me so much? The story was a first person time-slip with a really cool plot which I really liked. However, the story contained a bajillion slangy uses of crap and heck, as well as a ton of alcohol and one character who was pretty sleazy. For a Christian book, I felt like there wasn't a ton of great content that would make me want to recommend this to my friends. I enjoyed reading it, and it was a captivating story, but it just wasn't for me, and I don't think I'll be reading it again. The ending, too, was iffy, as the MC and her boyfriend-but-not went to live on an island together doing research. Maybe I missed something, but overall, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be. Which makes me sad, because I was so down for this book! I wanted it to be the best thing since sliced bread, and it wasn't. (I feel awkward writing a not-good review, but I'm supposed to be honest, right?) It was a good distraction from homework, but I didn't feel elated at the end. I did really enjoy all the literary references throughout the story/stories. That was really good. And Sarah's project at the end was pretty neat. Bottom line: This is the first 3.5 star book I've had in ages. But who knows, it may be what you like. Everyone is different.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reading Program.

Review Promo Blast: Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Costello

Blurb: After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
     Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.

Sword of Forgiveness was not what I was expecting. I don't know what, exactly, I expected, but not this. Obviously, I anticipating liking it, but I didn't realize that I would sit down with it and not move for hours until I had finished it. The characters were the shining point of this story. The setting was great, but I'm not really that big on Crusades-era stories unless its Robin Hood or King Arthur. But Sword of Forgiveness... I enjoyed it a lot! Seeing the growth in the characters was crazy good. Of course, there's plenty of conflict, and it comes from all sides! You feel bombarded on all sides. (That is... if you've allowed yourself to fall into the book. If you haven't, well, that sounds like a you problem.) One thing that keeps you going is the fact that every time you think the story is gonna stop spinning for a second and start running, you get smacked upside the face with a plot-twist! Literally, if it had been a print book instead of a book I was reading on my laptop, I would have chucked it across the room more than once. Especially towards the end. If you're looking for a romantic, inspiring, medieval story that is easy and fun to read without needing seven years to read, well, look no further. I don't feel bad for giving this book 4.5 stars. They were well-deserved.

About the author!

Debbie Lynne Costello is the author of Sword of Forgiveness, Amazon's #1 seller for Historical Christian Romance. She has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina with their 5 horses, 3 dogs, cat and miniature donkey.

PURCHASE SWORD OF FORGIVENESS ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2X2uGSD

You can follow Debbie Costello on social media! Check out the links below.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello

WEBSITE: https://www.debbielynnecostello.com/

NEWSLETTER:

https://mailchi.mp/276616916748/debbielynnecostello

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright

The Shepherd of the Hills is the classic story of the stranger who takes the Old Trail deep into the Ozark mountains, many miles from civilization. His appearance signals intellect and culture, yet his countenance is marked by grief and disappointment. He is a man with a mission, yet one which no one understands. What is his purpose in taking on the lowly work of tending work of tending local sheep? And how is it that he befriends these simple hill folk, despite his coming from the world beyond the ridges?

I'm giving this book 4.5 stars. I don't know why I let this sit on my shelf for so very long. It's such a compelling story, and while you're reading it you feel transported back to that time. Although, now that I've finished it, it seems to be an almost passive book.... but I think that's only because of the writing style. It's written in the same tone as Christy and Not My Will. The style that is so simple, yet so deep at the same time. It's an emotional book, and the mystery of who Dad Howitt really is slowly unfolds throughout. The ending is sad, so sad, but fitting. The last several chapters are so.... I think poignant is the word I'm looking for, but I'm not sure. While I wanted to cry a couple times while reading, I didn't . Then I finished the book, closed it, and promptly started crying. I honestly have no doubts why this book is considered a Christian classic. The characters are wonderful, the dialect is familiar to this Southern gal, and the truths timeless. Yes, this was definitely worth the read. And now looking at what I've written it's almost as passive as the book itself, and I'm not sure that I've done a good job describing it. I hope I have, and I hope you read this book.

(If you can't read the print on the cover it reads "The stranger who had stepped out of civilization and into the mountain wilderness of the Ozarks was destined to become...

The Shepherd of the Hills" and of that isn't a statement that makes you feel the pull of this book... then you've got problems I can't fix ;) )