‘Love Amid the Ashes’ by Mesu Andrews – Book Review

I have always been fascinated with the story of Job in the Bible. When I learned that a new novel ‘Love Amid the Ashes’ looked at his story, I knew I wanted to add that one to my reading list!

Here is the synopsis of this wonderful debut novel:

An Epic Story of Love and Forgiveness, Suffering and Restoration. When her beloved grandfather Isaac dies, Dinah must follow his final command: travel to Job’s household to marry his son. After Job’s world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival?

Mesu Andrews weaves an emotional and stirring account of Job and Dinah. Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.

Here is the biography of this author:

Mesu Andrews is a speaker who has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture. Harnessing her deep understanding and love for God’s Word, Andrews brings the biblical world alive for her readers in this debut novel. She lives in Washington.

Here is the compelling book trailer for this equally compelling novel:

And here is Mrs. Andrews sharing what she would speak about at your church or event; I think it gives a wonderful glimpse into her heart for the Lord:

I found this to be an interesting perspective on the Book of Job. Job, as he comes across in the Bible, proves to be a man who loves God and does not blame God for his trials. He continues to love and serve Him.

It was also interesting to get a more fleshed-out view of Job’s wife, named Sitis here. Mrs. Andrews gave us an explanation of why she cursed God as she did (you will have to read the book to learn what that theory is).

Mrs. Andrews is a good writer. Here is a sample, which shows her readers how Job is held by at least one person as a great role model:

Her gaze was once again drawn to Job, who just a few nights ago had taught her the love and forgiveness of El Shaddai. Tonight he showed her the sovereignty of Yahweh and that a person’s response must always be trust and praise. She wasn’t sure that she could accept God’s will without question, but she would try to follow Job’s example. (p. 108)

Mrs. Andrews writes with a descriptive and creative writing style.  Here is her description of Job’s fleshly afflictions:

The torturous searing of his flesh was relentless, surreal. Caught in the hellish divide between consciousness and sweet oblivion, Job prayed for death. He was thrust in and out of miserable awareness like a dirty garment plunged into the river and scrubbed against a rock. First came Sitis’s scream, and then he was alone. His next recollections were tinged with the distorted perceptions of darkness, agony, and terror. (p. 180)

Obviously, Job’s story is familiar to most people. Despite that, Mrs. Andrews shares with her readers a story that brings her imagination and creativity to the fore. I wish her the best in her future novels – which will no doubt come!  

You can order this book here.

Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This book was provided by Revell for review purposes.

‘A Love of Her Own’ by Maggie Brendan – Book Review

One of the genres that I have come to really enjoy is historical fiction. The latest book of that ilk that I have read is ‘A Love of Her Own’ by Maggie Brendan. Set in the 1896 in Montana, this novel tells the story of cowgirl April McBride.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

She has everything her heart desires … except the one thing money can’t buy.

Still cautious after a broken engagement, April McBride fully intends to guard her heart when she travels to Lewistown, Montana, to attend her brother’s wedding. One look around the small mining town convinces April that doing so won’t be difficult – just a bunch of dusty shops, bad service, and ill-bred cowboys. But a run-in with horse trainer Wes Owen opens up vast possibilities for frustration, embarrassment, friendship…and love?

Can April and Wes see past their differences to envision a future together? Or are they destined to live the rest of their lives alone?

Book three in the HEART OF THE WEST series, A Love of Her Own is an adventurous, spark-filled ride through love in turn-of-the-century Montana. 

Here is the biography of this author:

Maggie Brendan is a member of American Christian Writers and American Fiction Writers Association. She is the author of No Place for a Lady (Book 1 in the ‘Heart of the West’ series) and The Jewel of His Heart (Book 2 in the ‘Heart of the West’ series). A TV film version is currently in development of No Place for a Lady. Maggie is married and lives in Marietta, Georgia. She has two grown children and four grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, singing, painting, scrapbooking, and being with her family. You can find Maggie on her blog. She is also a resident blogger on www.bustlesandspurs.com.

April McBride went through a lot to get to her brother’s wedding in Lewistown, Montana. She took a train to Bozeman, and then had to take a stagecoach for the next 100 miles. All along the way, her petulant, selfish side showed itself, and it engendered a lot of bad feelings toward her. Her behavior made it very clear that she was a rich girl who had never been deprived of anything – except for perhaps kindness and humility! If I had been on the stagecoach, I think I would have slapped her! Then one of the stagecoach wheels broke, and she used her powers of persuasion to borrow out of the horses to continue on to Lewistown to make it to the wedding on time. She changed into jeans and a shirt, and tucked her hair under her cowboy hat.

On her way into town, she made the acquaintance of a horse trainer, Wes Owen, whose training techniques were not to her liking:

“If you are trying to break that horse, those tactics won’t work!” Wes heard a squeaky-pitched voice laden with anger say.

“Boy, I’ve been doing this most of my life, and I don’t believe I asked for your advice!” he yelled back. Snot-nosed kid sure has a lot of nerve. Must not be from around these parts, or he’d know better. (p. 42)

Thus began the relationship between April and one of her brother Josh’s best friends, Wes Owen!         

Here is one more example of her treatment of others, as she tried to check into the Stockton Hotel right just moments before her brother’s wedding, where she thought she had a reservation:

          “I’m sorry, but I see nothing on the books for your reservation.”

          “What? There must be some mistake.”

          “Afraid not, ma’am.”       

…”I see. Well…go ahead and make a reservation for me to stay about two weeks.”

“I’m afraid we have no vacant rooms tonight, but if you’ll check back tomorrow, we’ll probably have a room for you.”

“But I need one now!” April raised her voice and tapped the toe of her boot impatiently. “What’ll I do? I need to change clothes for my brother’s wedding reception that’s going on right now!” She felt like crying. Every problem seemed to be joined by another one. (pp. 46-47)

She had been through a lot; perhaps I should extend her some grace! But she was rude time and time again.

Her poor attitude and behavior followed her as she checked into Miss Margaret’s boarding house. Margaret realized she needed to add April to her prayer list:

One more name was added to her list, right under her two daughters. April McBride. This one is going to need some special prayers or my name is not Margaret! Spoiled little rich girl. So unlike her brother Josh. One would never have known that he was from a wealthy family in Colorado. He was so gracious and kind. So perfect for Juliana.

Well, one thing I know for sure, she won’t get her way around here. All the more reason to pray for April as long as she was in Montana. (p. 67)

Despite her condescending attitude toward others, she was so much different that she attracted attention – and admiration:

Margaret laid her journal aside and picked up her Bible. She started reading from Proverbs and then saw April bounce down the front porch and walk down the street in her yellow party gown with a determined look about her. Margaret couldn’t help but chuckle. (p. 67)         

By God’s grace, April decided to stay at Miss Margaret’s house instead of the Stockton Hotel (her preference, as there was hotel staff available to serve her) while Josh and Juliana were away for their honeymoon. Miss Margaret and her daughters Natalie and Louise were a wonderful influence in terms of a surrogate Godly family.

Josh had come into a relationship with Jesus himself. This new life changed the way he wanted to spend his time. However, there were temptations:

The more he thought about it, the more agitated he became. He needed a drink. He hadn’t been to the saloon since that night he’d been reading Scripture and wrestling with the Lord and he’d finally accepted His Word about who He was. If it hadn’t been for Josh, he never would’ve even picked up the Good Book. But just for tonight, maybe he’d drop over to the saloon and have a quick drink before hitting the trail. One more drink couldn’t hurt, could it? (pp. 136-137)

The more time that April spent in Margaret’s presence, the more she realized she needed to spend more time with the Lord and in His Word:

She kept thinking about what Miss Margaret said. What really matters to me? April wasn’t sure she even knew or had a purpose. She turned to Romans and started reading. After a while she landed on chapter 12, and when she got to verse 3, something about it spoke to her.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according a God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

April thought about that for a minute. Did that mean the only way she could really begin to understand herself was by learning who God is and what He could do in her life? She had to admit to herself she was not in the habit of putting anyone above herself on a regular basis. A lesson she realized now that she’d learned from her father. Though she loved him, April didn’t want to mirror his aloof attitude toward others. Could she change that habit?

          No, but I can, a gentle voice reminded her.

April’s heart thumped as she bowed her head. Where do I start, Lord? I’ve not taken time for You in a long while. Will You forgive me?  She paused, thinking, I’m a bit out of practice…and I guess that’s why I haven’t been very sensitive to others and say things without thinking how it might make them feel. You know I love my father, but there are things I see in Him that I don’t want to become. Help me to see others through Your eyes, Lord, and not mine. Change my heart and help me be a better person. Amen.

April lifted her head as tears wet her cheeks. She felt peace flood her heart and mind and knew she’d have no trouble sleeping tonight. (pp. 149-150)

That is a radical transformation – and a great prayer!

I had not read Books 1 or 2 of this series, but this book stands alone (other than curiosity over what happened to April besides the event that is mentioned in this book). I am glad that April finally realized the errors of her ways, and came back to the Lord. Her transformation into a loving person was made all the more powerful in comparison to her earlier behavior! And I was happy to see her happy ending!

I really loved this book. Maggie writes with a gentle style and with a lot of historical detail. Her characters are well developed, and she makes you grow to love them! I am sure that the other two books in the series are well worth reading as well.

You can order this book here.

Available June 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This book was provided by Revell for review purposes.

‘The Silent Governess’ by Julie Klassen – Book Review

One of the more popular genres in the Christian fiction realm is historical fiction. ‘The Silent Governess’ by Julie Klassen fits very nicely into that category.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

          Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.

But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything – his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.

He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.

Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.

Here is the biography of the author:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane – Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She is a fiction editor by day and a novelist by night. Her first book, Lady of Milkweed Manor, was a Christy Award finalist. Her second book is entitled The Apothecary’s Daughter. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

And here is an interview with Mrs. Klassen talking about her book, her writing strategy, etc…:

In terms of Olivia’s faith, she was not necessarily following Christ at the beginning of the novel. But she was surrounded by believers, including one of the servants at Brightwell Court, Mrs. Hinckley. This particular passage shows both an example of Julie’s wonderful writing style – how she makes the story come to life - as well as how Jesus is interspersed throughout this story:

Olivia witnesses the transformation of Brightwell Court with awe and delight. Mrs. Hinckley, with help from the housemaids and hall boy, dressed the mantels, windows, and doorframes with entwined greens of rosemary, bay, ivy, and yew. The housekeeper then twisted a long garland of holly down to the stately staircase. “In remembrance of his crown of thorns,” she whispered reverently. Soon, the entire manor was imbued with the spicy scent of greenery. (p. 129)

Another person of faith who encouraged – and challenged - Olivia was Parson Tugwell:

“I hope it will not make you uncomfortable if I tell you I am still praying for you, Miss Keene.” He looked from her to the closed door and back again. “I sense there are things in your life that are not as they should be. I am asking God to ‘work all things together for good,’ as the Scripture says He will, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Do you, Miss Keene?” he asked gently. Do you love Him? Trust and serve Him?”

She stared, flummoxed. A man she hardly knew, posing such personal questions? She did not know whether to be touched or offended. His softly line face blurred before her, and she was embarrassed to find tears once more filling her eyes and falling down her cheeks.

No… She shook her head. I do not trust and serve God, she thought. Love him? Sometimes. Is my life as it should be? Am I? No, and again, no.

He took her hand in his. “I shall pray for that as well.” (pp. 91-92)

Later on in the story, Parson Tugwell and Olivia have another talk about faith, this time in the Jesus Almshouse, which was founded by a yeoman farmer who perhaps thought this good deed would earn him favor with God. The vicar explains to Olivia that good deeds do not complete that task:

“My dear Miss Keene, what would the world be without them?”… “Are we not admonished to be doers and not merely hearers of His word? Yet not on a mountain of good deeds can we climb our way to heaven.”

She was confused by his words. Nothing she could do about her foul deeds? This was not what she wanted to hear. “You surprise me. If good deeds cannot move God to forgiveness, what will, then?”

“Not a thing. Which is why I find the name of this place so fitting. We cannot redeem our dark deeds, Miss Keene. Only the Lord can – and already has. All we can do is accept the merciful salvation He purchased for us on the cross long ago. “But” – he smiled and rubbed his palms together eagerly – “we can serve our fellow creatures and delight our heavenly Father’s heart in so doing.” (p. 286)

Toward the end of the book, the scales on Olivia’s eyes finally fell, as she realized what the vicar had been trying to show her all along. This occurred as she relayed to her father that charges that had been brought against him has been dropped:

        “You are free to go, Father,” she whispered. “We are all of us free.”

Olivia finally understood what Mr. Tugwell had tried to tell her. This was how it was for every fallen creature. Christ bore the penalty we each deserve, to purchase our freedom. (p. 428)

This book is full of interesting plots twists, lots of characters, and – of course – romance! Here is the last paragraph of the book:

When Edward looked across at me once more, there are tears in his dear blue eyes, and answering tears fill my own. I breathe another prayer of thanksgiving for all God has done in our lives.

Well done indeed. (pp. 437-438)

In the Author’s Note at the end of the book, Julie explains the inspiration for Brightwell Court:

Brightwell Court is not a real place, but it was loosely inspired by the very real, very picturesque Bibury Court in the Cotswold village of Bibury, which the artist William Morris called “the most beautiful village in England”… Not only did we enjoy the ivy-covered Tudor mansion, the lovely grounds bordered by the curvy River Coln, and the greedy ducks that nipped at our scones, but I also realized it would make an ideal setting for The Silent Governess. I am not the first, nor will I be the last, to set a novel in that idyllic place. If you ever have the opportunity, I hope you will visit Bibury yourself. (pp. 439-440)

I love that suggestion!

I also really loved this book! Admittedly, ‘The Silent Governess’ had been in my ‘to read’ list a little too long (its 440 pages were a little intimidating…), but I did enjoy it a great deal once I overcame the idea of reading such a thick book, and once I started hearing so many raves about it! It is a wonderfully written book! The Christy Awards committee must agree, as it is a finalist in the Historical Fiction Award category (you can see the list of finalists here - the awards will be given out on June 26, 2010 in St. Louis).  Congratulations to Julie on this great honor!

 You can order this book here.

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for review purposes.

‘Sing: A Novel of Colorado’ by Lisa T. Bergren – Book Review

The latest book on my ‘read’ list is ‘Sing: A Novel of Colorado’ by Lisa T. Bergren, Book 2 of the ‘Homeward Trilogy’ series.

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

Will they discover what it means to sing praises to God, even in the midst of loss? It’s 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very different parts of the world – Paris, Brazil, and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets.

Odessa St. Clair McAllan has adapted well to life on her beautiful Colorado ranch, but nothing has prepared her for the devastation that the winter of 1886 brings. Far away in Paris, Moira St. Clair discovers she has been robbed by her manager and has fewer options than she imagined. Meanwhile, Dominic, working the boxing rings of South America, loses the wrong fight and ends up shanghaied by a frustrated sea captain. Can all three manage to find their way back to a reunion in Colorado…especially while haunted by a former menace who reemerges, bent on bringing each of them down!  

Here is the biography of the author:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling author, award-winning author of over thirty books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time (Waterfall, book 1, comes out in February 2011). She’s married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids–Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7). All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The primary characters in this book are the two sisters in the St. Clair family – Moira and Odessa. Moira’s journey starts in Paris, where she is an acclaimed opera singer. Unfortunately, she was swindled by an unscrupulous manager, and decided to return to the United States. On the ship, she made the acquaintance of two attractive gentlemen, Gavin Knapp and Daniel Adams, both of whom would feature prominently in her life during the events in the storyline. I appreciated the fact that Moira returned to the faith in Jesus that her mother instilled in her children. Moira was led astray by people and circumstances, but she ultimately realizes that she needs to return to what is important – a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Odessa is happily married to Bryce McAllan and the mother to an active little baby named Samuel. Their ranch has sustained the loss through disease of the majority of their horse herd. Despite the devastation, their faith in Christ remains strong. Here are Odessa’s and Bryce’s reactions to their circumstances:

“Love has made us both good,” she whispered. “But it is God that grants us life. We must praise Him, Bryce. Even when it’s hard. Even when all seems dark. We must remember what is good, what is true, rather than believe fears and half-truths. That is how we cope with the day. That is how we keep living our lives the way He would have us live them, embracing them rather than just surviving them.”

“Amen,” he said, leaning back to look her in the eye.

She laughed through a big sigh. “All right, I’ll quit preaching. But I’m right, aren’t I? Come what may – even if we lose all, we always have our God, our hope.”

“And each other,” he said, kissing the top of her head. (p. 81)

On the open sea, God was also pursuing Dominic (who blamed God for deaths in his family), in the person of Manuel, the coal boss. Here is one example of how God used Manuel to speak to Nic:

“…mark my words. God will chase you until the end of your life. Better to give in to Him sooner than later. Until then, you will have no rest.” (p. 313)

Later on, after Nic endured a severe punishment, Manuel explained to him that Jesus was able to sympathize with his pain:

          “The Christ suffered wounds such as this,” he said.

          “I do not wish to hear it,” Nic said tiredly.

          “He bore this, and worse, for you. So that you might be free.”

          “Manuel---“

“Our God understands our pain, reaches out to us through it. Whether it be a whipping or a loss---“

          “Enough!”

“Yes,” Manuel said, finishing covering the wounds on his shoulder and purposefully twisting his words. “It was enough. Enough for all. Enough for any… (p. 319)

Lisa writes an evil villain! Reid Bannock committed a crime against their family in Book 1 of the Trilogy, ‘Breathe,’ one in which they did not expect him to be released from jail for a good long time. Unfortunately, he was released, and was ready to wreak havoc and exact his twisted view of revenge upon the family. He created a lot of chaos throughout the book, and was quite unsympathetic! I was quite glad things ended as they did for him…

I really enjoyed this book. As is often the case these days, this is the first Lisa Bergren novel I’ve read; I have been exposed to so many great authors since I have been reviewing! It was very cleverly written, with Lisa alternating between the stories of the three siblings. They were independent yet interconnected.  I was drawn to the stories in this order - Moira, then Odessa, then Dominic.

I will be reading and reviewing Book 3 of the ‘Homeward Trilogy,’ ‘Claim’ shortly. My understanding is that Dominic’s story is prominently featured in that book. I am anxious to read about the continuing adventures of the St. Clair clan; stay tuned!

You can order 'Sing' here.

This book is published by David C. Cook and was provided by B & B Media Group for review purposes.