Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

Lydia Walcott's life in Ringle, Iowa, was far from easy. She was left in the care of her ruthless brother at the age of thirteen when her parents died. The only solace she found was with an older lady named Aggie Cuttler who befriended her and helped nurse her wounds whenever her brother became violent. Now at the age of twenty her brother Cyrus informs her that he has sold her to a man named Gus Botwright who is just as mean as her brother, and that she will have to marry him. When she refuses he beats her worse than he ever has. Lydia knows her only choice is to run away. With the help of her friend Aggie she winds up in the town of Cottonwood. Totally exhausted and unsure about what to do, she spends the night in a livery. The town doctor Sterling Graham spent the night in the livery as well. The story spreads like wildfire and the only way the two can save the doctor's reputation is for them to marry. Can Lydia and Sterling make the marriage work? What will Lydia's brother do to get her back, and will she ever feel safe?

"Healing Love" was a story that was hard to put down. Once I started reading it I was easy to be drawn into the lives of the characters. I could easily feel empathetic towards Lydia and her plight. Even after the mistreatment from her brother she never lost her faith. Her brother is such an evil person that I could understand why she felt the need to run away. Thank goodness, she had such a good friend in Aggie. As the story progressed I couldn't help but wonder what might happen to Aggie if Cyrus decided to pay her a visit. The undertone of the story really had me believing that God was at work whenever he put Lydia and Sterling together. As Lydia and Sterling began their married life I was able to see what a wonderful person he really was. There are several secondary characters that that really add to the story. One of my favorites had to be Mrs. Henderson, one of Sterling's patients. She was so kind to Lydia. "Healing Love" has all the elements that make it a good addition to historical fiction. Sophie Dawson blends together the elements of faith, romance, inspiration, and a bit of suspense together with a fast moving plot and wonderful characters to make for a top notch read. If you are a fan of historical inspirational fiction, then "Healing Love" is a must read for you!

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Abby Fraser eagerly awaits this special meeting with her husband. She and her husband Nick only spent a few days together before Nike was called away on military duty four years ago. And Nick will finally have a chance to meet his three-year-old son, Cam. You would think that a husband would be looking forward to meeting his wife, especially since it had been four years since seeing her. But Nick missed meeting his wife and son, not once but twice. Something that really bugged Major Geoff Richards. What would be more important than meeting his family for the first time in four long years? Christine Lindsay writes an intriguing and exciting story in “Shadowed in Silk” set in India after World War I. It is so well-written that it will keep you turning the pages. The main characters Geoff, Abby and Cam are unique and wonderful, and throughout the book I was trying to figure out how they would end up together. After all, Abby is a married woman. And Abby’s husband Nick seems to want it to stay that way. Nick was such a jerk, and really put his wife and son in compromising situations, though he really didn’t care about them at all. I kept wanting Nick to finally meet someone who would put him in his place! On the other hand, Geoff was concerned for Abby and Cam’s safety and tried to protect them.

Sometimes this book was very difficult to read, with the tension and fighting among the people of India. At times I couldn’t put the book down, because I was determined to find out what was going to happen next. I was scared for Abby and Geoff many times as so much was happening. All these make this an awesome book to read. I encourage you to grab a copy of this book to read and enjoy for yourself. I think you will find it interesting and intriguing. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish its pages.

Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite

"The Roman, the Twelve and the King" is the second book in Jenny L. Cote’s 'Epic Order of the Seven Series' for children. It is a story about a wonderful team of animals that God created and they are about to go out on a special mission. George F Handel, one of the greatest opera composers in the world, is about to find out that God has a special assignment for him and this team has been sent to help him, albeit hidden in the background so to speak. As the music is composed, the team goes on a journey from the birth of Jesus through His ministry right up to the resurrection and His ultimate glorification in heaven. This is when the King of England, who kept passing by Handel for other musicians, finally realized who the true King is, that being Jesus.

This is the first book of Ms. Cote that I have read and I just fell in love with it. There is just so much in the book that it is impossible to be able to tell one all about it. The adventures of the seven, which consist of dogs, cats, a mouse, a lamb and a mountain goat, will keep any child entertained as they follow along with them on their adventures. There are some parts in the book that are quite comical that will even make a child laugh but there is a serious side also. I enjoyed the way Ms. Cote presents the different varieties of speaking Scottish, French and German. I feel this is an excellent series that should be in every child’s home library. Not only do they learn about the Bible and the characters but they go along on an adventure as well.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

W. G. Griffith is a master storyteller. He delved into scripture and found one obscure character and turned him into the lead in this book. The man’s name was Malchus. From scripture we learn that he was a slave of Caiaphas, the High Priest. Malchus was there when Jesus was arrested. Peter pulled his sword and cut off the slave’s ear; Jesus touched the man and healed him. The High Priest was preparing for Passover; his slave Malchus was actually doing the work while Caiaphas gave orders. Malchus dreaded Passover; it was his lot to carry the money changers' tables into the temple. Six more months and Malchus’s debt to Caiaphas would be paid and he’d be a free man. He planned to leave but purposely had not told Caiaphas. There was a new Gentile female in the kitchen. The beautiful young woman caught his eye and he was at once smitten.

“And Jesus said, “Do what you have come for.” Then they came forward to seize and arrest him. One of the disciples, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear. Jesus therefore said to him, “Put down your sword; for all those that live by the sword, shall die by the sword.” Having said this, He touched the slave's ear and he was completely healed. The slave’s name was Malchus. John 18:10; Matthew 26:50-52.

After all he saw, Malchus sought truth and answers. The focus in this book is not on the crucifixion or Christ but on how Malchus changed after he witnessed the arrest and the crucifixion. "Malchus" is a fascinating read. I found myself in tears more than once as I watched history unfold through Malchus’s eyes. After living in Caiaphas' home Malchus was unsure of what he believed. He questioned the things his father had taught him. However, once he was touched by the true Master’s hand he began hunting for answers. This book is easy to read and understand yet it is never elementary. While it has strong Christian undertones, it is never preachy. Griffith also exposes the abuses of the religious leaders. This is the second book I have read by Griffith and I am sure it won’t be the last. I hope he will continue writing from the Christian perspective.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

There are many myths about Mary Magdalene. From the Scripture we know she was plagued by demons. Our Lord Jesus healed her and she followed him, was devoted to him and was one of his disciples. She was the first to see Christ after the resurrection. Nowhere in the Scripture does it say she was a prostitute. There are several Marys mentioned in the Scripture; it was a common name, hence many have tried to lump them all together into one female. Diana Wallis Taylor has wisely seen through the myth and created a novel centered on the life of Mary Magdalene. "Mary Magdalene" is a fictional story based on the real life character Mary of Magdalene. As can be expected in a fictional novel, the author has used poetic license. Our tale begins with twelve year old Mary in a harbor awaiting her father’s ship. It was unusual for a female to be educated but her father thought it was important and made arrangements for her to study the Torah. Mary began having nightmares, severe pain in her head and seizures. Her parents sought help from the High Priest but only the true Lord brought her relief. After three years of marriage Mary was still without child. In that age to be barren was to be nothing.

There is so much more to this story than I can possibly put in a summary. This is a must read book. Taylor is a master storyteller; she brings her characters to life and they march off the page into the reader’s heart. "Mary Magdalene" is my favorite of all her books and I have enjoyed all of them. She has the ability to take a historical figure and recreate their life in a way few authors can. I particularly liked the way she began this story with Mary at twelve years of age. She brings Mary through many of the trials people faced in that day namely, illness, addiction, death, barrenness and possession. Then she met the one true healer, Jesus. Diana Wallis Taylor is a talented writer and at the top of my favorite authors list. I look forward to her next book.

Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite

Catherine West's writing instantly pulled me into this story and made me feel a part of the characters’ lives. A dramatic story in a time when the world was torn, a raging Vietnam War was happening and the lives of those serving AND those on the home front were forever changing. This story was absolutely emotional for me. I was happy one minute, and crying the next. With events that were suspenseful and events that heart-breaking, this story was superbly written and intensely gripping.

A story of Kristin, a young journalist among the raging Vietnam War, meets Luke, a photographer among the raging war. Both of them are completely opposite, yet the mysterious and handsome Luke proves to be too hard to resist for the young journalist. Together, they battle the war to get their stories, and they battle their hearts.

Yesterday’s Tomorrow is a true romantic, suspenseful, agonizing story of a time gone by. A time when relying on God was the center of everything. Yesterday's tomorrow is today's promise.

I truly, truly recommend this novel. It's filled with so much emotion, so much adventure, and so many wonderful characters that are complex yet become your friend. Grab a copy of this book now, and lose yourself among the pages. Feel yourself take the ride of your life in a war torn country, and feel the romance that can blossom in the heart of tragedy. I can't wait to read another story by this fabulously talented author. This is going in my list of books to read again and again! Well done, Ms. West!

Reviewed by Rita G. for Readers' Favorite

Martha, A Novel by Diana Wallis Taylor is about the Biblical Martha.
After the death of her mother, Martha took on the care of the household and her family: her brother Lazarus, her sister Mary, and her father. She was always the caretaker, leaving her to wonder when she would find time for her own life or for love. They were a faithful Jewish family, believing the Messiah would come one day. And one day He did come to their house!

Scripture tells us Martha was busy preparing a meal and making her guest comfortable while her sister Mary sat at his feet listening. Martha asked Jesus to tell her sister to help. Her brother Lazarus died and was raised from the dead. Through the Holy Scriptures we know that the family was very close to Jesus when he walked on earth. Martha: A Novel demonstrates how her encounter with the Lord affected her.

Through this book we experience the resurrection through a whole different light. Taylor stayed true to the scriptures and yet brought out points I had forgotten.

Diana Wallis Taylor has a gift for bringing Biblical people to life. She gives them great depth and helps contemporary people to understand them. The world they lived in was so different from ours, and yet Taylor manages to recreate that world on the pages of her book. This is a delightful read, filled with inspiration. I'd read Martha's story in the Bible but had never truly felt the depth of her role. Martha is a Christian novel that will thrill Christian readers. I did not want this book to end. I see Martha in a whole new light...Taylor opens the Bible to all.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Keeper of the Ark begins in modern times as the narrator reaches Ethiopia and finds St. Mary's of Zion Church where the original Ark of the Covenant is kept. Why in Ethiopia? Because when Moses was still an Egyptian general, he was married to a Nubian princess as a price for keeping Egyptian troops from storming King Kashta's fortress at Saba. The Nubian princess, Tharbis, loves Moses and follows him and the Israelites out of Egypt years later. Tharbis and Moses reunite years later, and Tharbia gives birth to their son, Jonathan, who secretly carries the original Ark of the Covenant back to the monks on the Island of Tana Kirkos. Eventually the Ark is transported to Ethiopia where it remains as this novel begins. Tharbis and Moses' descendants play important roles in the life of King Solomon as the story recounts numerous Biblical characters. The coming and crucifixion of Christ Jesus is detailed, and the last part of the story goes into future times when organized religions take unexpected turns.

The Keeper of the Ark covers many, many centuries of Biblical history, often from the perspective of those who were a part of it. The dialogue between characters is well developed and hand-drawn sketches at the beginning of many chapters adds to the text. A map of ancient Egypt, Ethiopia and the land which would become Israel is included, but a timeline of Biblical characters would have been a valuable addition. It would be welcomed by readers who might be overwhelmed by the number of people in this story.

The last few chapters go into future years of religion on Earth, and readers of certain religions may be offended by what transpires. Footnotes throughout all chapters as to Biblical sources might lend authenticity to readers unfamiliar with religious history.

Reviewed by Carly Kendall for Readers' Favorite

I am no stranger to Jenny Cote's books. I have been on adventures with Max and Liz before, and I knew Jenny's new book, The Prophet, the Shepherd and the Star, was going to be another fantastic adventure. Jenny's books feature Max and Liz, a Scottish Terrier and a black cat, along with a cast of entertaining animal companions who live out actual stories from the Bible with amazing accuracy. The Prophet, the Shepherd and the Star starts out where the last book, The Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe left off: telling the nativity story.

Even though this book is intended for juvenile readers, the big kid in me can't help but love this book and the other books in this series. I found myself laughing out loud and learning as the familiar story of the nativity is told in a wonderful and entertaining way. It was so nice to see some of my favorite animal characters from previous stories, and I was delighted to meet the new characters. Jenny writes with a terrific humor that keeps kids and adults laughing and entertained.

I was not disappointed by any aspect of this book. It is a very long book, over five hundred pages, but it reads very fast and is very difficult to put down. I was actually happy the book was that long because I just didn't want it to end. Parents can feel very confident in giving their young ones this book to read, but they may want to read it first, because why should kids have all the fun? I loved every moment of this wonderful story. It is another winner by Jenny L. Cote!

Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was given a huge role and responsibility; one that she and her family were shocked by and unsure of at first. Laura J. Davis in her novel, Come to Me, takes us to the home of Mary years after she is chosen to carry and birth Jesus, the Savior of the world. Mary shares her story and the story of Jesus with disciples who come to visit her, and it is recorded by them. Mary begins the account by discussing her home life and her relationship with Joseph, the man she is to marry. Mary takes her audience through the days leading up to Jesus's birth, including her visit and stay with Elisabeth who births John during this time; the trip to Bethlehem and birth in the stable; and ending with Jesus's death, resurrection and then ascension into heaven.

This account of Jesus is unique and so personal, as it is being told from his mother's perspective. Davis has a true gift of writing as she ties in details of living back in Biblical times, creating realistic scenes. Also, the characters come alive on the pages and are filled with emotion and life. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I like the angle that is taken of Mary sharing this story and reliving each event herself. While reading, I felt like I was there with Mary and the disciples, sharing their food and hearing from Mary herself this amazing, timeless story.