UNTIL THE MOUNTAINS FALL by CONNILYN COSSETTE

Publication date 2/7/19.
UNTIL THE MOUNTAINS FALL is the third book in CONNILYN COSSETTE's CITIES OF REFUGE series. I really feel you will benefit by reading the first two books first, but it is not really necessary to do so in order to follow the story.
Rikvah is the daughter of Amitai, the head priest in Kedesh, one of the Hebrew cities of refuge, and she nearly breaks his heart when she runs away with Nessa to the wicked city of Laish, in a fit of rebellion, ending up in Edrei, indentured as a scribe to the wealthy and wicked Samil.
Edrei is very different to Kedesh in that there is a form of godliness, but they have mixed pagan gods and practices into the worship of the Most High God.
We see how a person's selfish behaviour can bring trouble to those they love, as there are always consequences. In fact the novel could be called The Prodigal Daughter, as it follows the parable of the Prodigal Son, and also there is a strong feeling of sacrificial love, as parents throughout the story are ready to go into danger in order to save their children. There is an interesting comparison between the sacrificial love shown by Malakhi and Estabaal and Nessa's treatment from her abusive and selfish husband.
I enjoy seeing the development of the characters as they draw closer to the Lord, as we are reminded of God the Father's all encompassing love for His children.
The story starts just before the death of Joshua and ends at the time of the death of the High Priest, Eliezer. We see how the Israelites have largely forgotten the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and how there is fighting and lethargy amongst the tribes, making it easy for the Arameans to overthrow the city of Edrei, amongst others.
This author sets her stories in biblical times so very successfully, giving us a wonderful insight into what life was like then. This in no way detracts from the truth of the Bible. She has obviously done a great deal of research.
Until The Mountains Fall is a beautiful book and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.


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COLD AIM by JANICE CANTORE

Publication date 9/7/19.
COLD AIM by JANICE CANTORE is a fast paced thriller with a strong Christian message, where topics such as human trafficking, the drug trade, loneliness, relationships, mercy and justice are addressed.
The story takes place in the little town of Rogue's Hollow where Tess O'Rourke is the police chief and Oliver Macpherson is the pastor. It is interesting to see how their relationship is growing in spite of the general consensus of opinion that the difference in their professions will make it impossible for them to do their jobs properly!
I like the description of life in a small town where the majority of people come out to help in times of crisis. We also come across men like Cyrus Beck who hides his criminal activity behind his quest for "conservation" and whose cohort, Ice, is as cold and calculating as his nickname implies.
Add a raging fire, abduction, murder and an unsolved cold case, and the police department has their work cut out!
It is an exciting and thought provoking book and I can highly recommend it as a most enjoyable read.



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WHERE DANDELIONS BLOOM by TARA JOHNSON

Publication date 1/7/19.
WHERE DANDELIONS BLOOM by TARA JOHNSON is a book I will not forget in a hurry! It is a beautifully written love story that takes place amidst the horrors of the American Civil War.The novel kept my interest right through, with, not only the descriptions of the war and the interesting characters in the story, but also the message of the peace we can have in the Lord in spite of turmoil, hope instead of despair, the importance of forgiveness, not only towards others but also towards one's self, and of not wasting the life God has blessed us with. The other messages that come through strongly are the importance of not taking matters into one's own hands but trusting the Lord, who has promised to neither leave nor forsake us, of not running away and of operating in truth and love.
There is a wonderful camaraderie amongst the soldiers, and we see their tremendous courage when faced with hardship and carnage on every side. Cassie, alias Thomas Turner, is based an a real person's story. It is also interesting to see how photography was evolving, and how important it is to show the public the horrors of war in the hope that future wars can be avoided.
Some people, like Cassie's abusive father, see dandelions as nothing more than weeds, but Gabe who grew up in the slums, learned from his mother, "anytime you see dandelions blooming in mortar, hope remains!"
I really cannot recommend Where Dandelions Bloom highly enough, and know it is a book I will read again. I am looking forward to more books from this author.


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A RELUCTANT BRIDE by JODY HEDLUND

Publication date 4/6/19
A RELUCTANT BRIDE by JODY HEDLUND is a beautifully written love story that takes place in the most unpleasant situation imaginable. Lord Joseph Colville, the ship's surgeon on the Tynemouth, and Mercy Wilkins, get to know one another whilst working amongst the sick, often literally in the bowels of the ship. There is huge class distinction at play here, with Mercy having escaped the poverty of the London slums by joining the "bride ship", although she has no intention of getting married or bringing any more children into the world, and Joseph who everyone feels is way above her in station. Their relationship is misconstrued by those who are either jealous or legalistic, but, as we see their humility and compassion in ministering to the sick, we see the love of Jesus working through them.
Both Joseph and Mercy have been defined by sadness in their past, and we see how the Lord delivers them from this as they turn to Him. In Joseph's case, he deals with it by running away from his responsibilities. Mercy learns to stand up for herself as a child of God when she feels the love of those she befriends on this new voyage, leaving behind the memory of her mother's lack of affection towards her, and of being in a place where there is neither room nor food for her. We wonder if anything will develop out of this unusual friendship that has so much against it!
It is an emotional story of second chances and unconditional love, as contrasted with the horrors of social injustice and man's inhumanity rowards his fellow man. The filth and overcrowding in the slums in London during the 1860's, leading to sickness and death in many instances, is well portrayed. The author has done a great deal of research into the history of the time, and, in fact the voyage on the Tynemouth did take place much as it is described in the story.
Having read the author's Orphan Train series, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was delighted to read about the "bride ships". The author has an in incredible understanding of human nature and describes what the characters are going through, so that we know what they are feeling. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.



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MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY by KAREN WITEMEYER

Publication date 4/6/19.
MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY by KAREN WITEMEYER is a beautiful love story, with very real characters that you won't forget in a hurry. You can feel their joys and sorrows as well as see the Lord at work in their lives. The book follows More Than Meets The Eye, also well worth reading, but can be read as a stand alone.
The story starts in the small town of Honey Grove in 1896, with Abigail Kemp having to make a plan to save her bakery, where she and her beautiful younger sister, Rosalind, make a living.
There is so much in this book, but mostly it is about a marriage of convenience which turns into so much more. There are secrets, there is intrigue, romance and fierce loyalty towards family, which make for an interesting read. The importance of forgiveness, especially towards one's self, and the acceptance of the Lord's forgiveness, is also addressed. I love the author's humour - she has such a great way of writing!
I am not going to tell you any more in case I spoil the read for you.
I really cannot recommend this book highly enough for the heart warming story and good Christian message running through it.



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THE MEDALLION by CATHY GOHLKE

Publication date 4/6/19.
In THE MEDALLION, CATHY GOHLKE tells a story of courage, sacrifice and unconditional love, against the background of the horrors of World War II in Poland. She includes true stories of heroes who literally laid down their lives for others, by saving children, mostly Jewish, from being murdered by the Germans. It is an emotional story, which not only speaks of anti-Semitism and man's inhumanity towards man, but adds a strong thread of hope, as Christians work together to help their Jewish brothers and sisters, remembering that Jesus was a Jew and that they serve the same God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The characters are beautifully portrayed and we feel their pain and the struggle that those who survive have in coming to grips with what they have experienced. There is a little girl in the story who brings new life into a painful situation.
The author obviously loves God's chosen people and has done a great deal of research into the history of that time. This is a novel that has really touched my heart, and is one of the best books I have read this year. I cannot recommend it highly enough.




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WHERE THE FIRE FALLS by KAREN BARNETT

In WHERE THE FIRE FALLS, KAREN BARNETT gives us wonderful descriptions of the beautiful Yosemite National Park, blended with insight into her characters that make a truly delightful read. One gets the overall impression of God's care for His children in the beautiful world He has created for them.
Olivia Rutherford is sent to Yosemite by Scenic to paint scenes for the magazine. She has history with the place which she does not want to come out. Originally Olivia Rudd, she has remade herself into the socialite Olivia Rutherford in order to sell her paintings to high society and to make enough money to send her twin sisters to a prestigious school. Will the real Olivia emerge in these surroundings, especially when she and the wealthy Vanderbilts go on the trail with Clark Johnson as guide to really feel the scenery she is painting.
Clark is also hurting. A pastor who was thrown out of his church after being falsely accused, he has thrown himself into his job, while he is wondering what it is that the Lord wants him to do with his life.
There is history, romance, adventure, suspense and more, making up a really enjoyable read. I cannot recommend it highly enough.







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