A GREAT CATCH by Lorna Seilstad - Book Review

She wants to change the world.


He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

My review: This is the first of Lorna's books that I've read. Now I want to read book one in the series, Making Waves, and also look forward to the third installment. Thankfully, they are all stand-alone books, so I could read book two without having read book one.

Lorna sets her stories in her home state, and her own family has historical connections with Lake Manawa area. I LOVED the setting. Immediately, Lorna's brilliant writing wisks us off to another time and place. I could relate to the characters from the beginning. They are endearing. Lorna has researched the subject of equal suffrage for women, and she brings the struggles of women in that time to life.

The story contains all the elements I look for in a good read - history coming to life, biblical truth presented in a non-preachy way, real struggles to understand God's plan for our lives, a liberal dose of humor, and a sweet romance. Well done, Lorna. I look forward to reading more of summers at Lake Manawa!

I highly recommend this book as the perfect summer read. Pack it in your beachbag along with the sunscreen!

About the author:

A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves and draws her setting from her home state of Iowa. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Visit Lorna on her website, http://www.lornaseilstad.com/


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf - Book Review

A Reluctant Queen is a love story, based on the biblical story of Esther, a young Jewish woman who was influential in the delivery of her people from annhilation. We are told that this is a work of fiction, the focus being on the relationship of Esther and the Great King, and therefore, one could expect that the author will not follow the biblical account to the letter.

I enjoyed the characterization, the beautiful setting, the relationships - love, intrigue, trust, honor all woven together.  Esther is thrown into a very difficult situation, and questions if she is really the right choice. Was her uncle's dream really God's message for her? The dilemma which she faces has her seeking God and His will for her life. She seems an unlikely candidate, but this shows that God can and will use anyone for His purposes when they makes themselves available.

The relationship between Esther and the king makes her question if he really loves her, when he has other women in his life, and has fathered children. Will he leave her once she has borne him a legitimate heir? But in spite of everything, her love for him continues to grow.

This book is an interesting 'take' on the story of Esther. Being a lover of all things historical, I read this book with interest. Well done, Joan Wolf!

For further information on the author, please visit http://www.joanwolf.com/.

Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

A Reluctant Queen is published by Thomas Nelson. I received a copy for review purposes from Litfuse Publicity.

Available through http://www.amazon.com/ and other retailers

Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs

Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs is a wonderful book, full of 2-3 page devotionals. Included is a Scripture for each day, followed by encouraging words that will uplift you and jump-start your day. Liz concludes each days reading with a prayer as our response to the truth which was shared.

 Liz writes as someone who has "been there" and "gets it. She writes from the heart, and her love for the Lord and His Wordis abundantly evident. It is Liz's desire to encourage her sisters, to let all of us know how much we are loved by God, and how He accepts us just as we are. Liz points us to the One Who puts the shine in our lives, and helps us to rise above our circumstances.

Liz writes in her inimitable style, injecting a healthy dose of humor as she shares biblical truth.

I highly recommend this book to all who are desiring a freshness in their spiritual life. It would also make a great gift. Rise and Shine is available through http://www.amazon.com/  and wherever you purchase Christian books.