In Honor's Defense 

by Karen Witemeyer

Pub Date 07 Jun 2022 by Bethany House

I almost couldn’t put this book down. And when I did put it down, I looked forward to picking it up again. I see now why Karen Witemeyer is such a popular author. She writes skilfully. The Christian elements are incorporated really well and it was refreshing to have a tough main character who sprouts Bible verses every now and then.

The romance was top notch too, though I may have been irritated with the constant chest bursting sensations experienced very often by the love birds. Ha! The story did feel a bit familiar but all  in all, it’s a worthwhile read. I will consider buying this title for the church library because of the good spiritual lessons.

4 stars

 

I'll Be Seeing You

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Pub Date 07 Jun 2022 By Thomas Nelson

I found this book quite hard to put down. Not that it is the type of novel you want to read word by word (in fact I did skip some passages), but I found myself very curious how things would turn out with the main characters.

Not my favourite style of writing but any writing that does not yank me out of the story is a win for me.

Many elements of spiritual development here but not overwhelmingly so. The main characters go to church. This is the type of book I would consider buying for the church library.

4 stars

 

Collage Your Life

Techniques, Prompts, and Inspiration for Creative Self-Expression and Visual Storytelling

by Melanie Mowinski

Pub Date 21 Jun 2022 by Storey Publshing

Just as you can write in a journal to document your life or clarify your thoughts and feelings, you can collage to record or reflect on your life. That's what this book sets out to help you do and, to me, the author did a fabulous job.

I like the thought-provoking prompts. There is a wide variety to help you get started - one of the most difficult things to do sometimes. Lots of examples and inspirational stories from various artists help a lot as well.

Collaging would make a great activity to do with a child or a small group of people. One of the best things is that you can use material you can find around your house.

I love the bonus at the back of the book that shows you how to make your own books!

 

Free Fall

by Nancy Mehl

Pub Date 14 Jun 2022 by Bethany House

Nancy Mehl still ranks way up there as one of the few top mystery suspense authors I would recommend to Christians. Her writing is absolutely top notch, and that is a rare statement coming from me. In Free Fall, she had me engrossed from page one. Besides the fine writing, her storyline and plot kept me on the edge of my seat, making me want to rush to the end to find out what happens.

I also liked the spiritual elements that the author so skillfully incorporates into the story. One of the sentences in the book had me stop and ponder for several moments in relation to my own life. There are prayers and Bible verses, and a light sprinkling of the supernatural. 

The romance bit was good too. You couldn't help but root for them.

You don't really have to read the earlier volumes of the series beforehand to understand this one, but it might be preferable.

A big 5 stars from me. A worthy addition to any home or church library. Can't wait to read Nancy Mehl's next book!

 

Yellow Cab

by Benoît Cohen

Pub date 17 May 2022 by IDW Publishing

Who knew getting a license to drive a taxi in New York could be this difficult and drawn out! 

The art in this graphic novel (well, actually not a novel, more of a memoir in graphic form) is top notch, with expressive faces and great storytelling. I found the passenger stories much more interesting than the tedious process he went through to get his license. 

For the general reader, the passenger stories rather than the application for license side would be more interesting as it shows a slice of life in the city. I can't help but think that the story from a woman's perspective would have been much more engrossing - something he originally mooted. For someone aspiring to become a taxi driver in the Big Apple, this maybe essential reading with lots of entertainment thrown in.

Content: Language is surprisingly quite clean except for some off-colour jokes and stories in the speech.

Where the Road Bends

by Rachel Fordham

Narrated by Coleen Marlo

 Where the Road Ends in audiobook format was an engrossing listen for me. Finished it in a few sittings. The story is one filled with hope and second chances, though the faith elements are very very light. The only thing that slightly spoiled it for me is that there is an element of failure on the part of the male protagonist. Glad that the ending was satisfying enough!

The narrator did a great job, though I think I caught a couple of times when she used the wrong pitch for a character (eg a low voice for a female) and also a couple of times when she used a conversation tone when the character was no longer speaking. But those are minor issues. I'm just being fussy.

All in all, a 4 star for me for both the book and the narration.

 

A Fortunate Woman

A Country Doctor’s Story

by Polly Morland

Pub date 9 June 2022 by Pan Macmillan, Picador

After a harrowing experience with a private hospital where it seems that money is all they want, this book was like a breathe of fresh air with renewed faith in the medical profession. Though the star of the book is never named and she is always referrred to as “the doctor”, you find photos of her in the book. That should be enough to identify her and give her an award for her dedication to and love for her community!

I loved the stories about her patients, especially how she would go above and beyond what most doctors would think of as their duties.

This book is well written, lyrical even. I was engrossed for the most part. I have never read the original Dr John book but loved learning a bit about him too.

To me, another must-read for any doctor or doctor to be because we all hope to have a doctor like her!

5 stars.

 

James Patterson: The Stories of My Life

by James Patterson

Pub date 9 June, 2022 by Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century

It's nice to read autobiographies by well known authors as they are bound to be well written. I found James Patterson's highly engrossing. A lot of humor, a lot of name dropping and a lot of questions answered (especially how he co-writes)! It's sweet that he seems so eager to show himself as a good, humble, likable personality with lots of friends. Something rare for a celebrity who rubs shoulders with Presidents and other celebrities, I suppose!

Definitely a must-read for writers and die hard fans of the author's! Must-buy for public libraries.

5 stars from me, for all the chuckles!