Harvest of Rubies

In an attempt to win her fathers love and attention, young Sarah taught herself to read and write in a culture where the average person isn't literate. Discovering she has a talent for picking up languages, her cousin, Nehemiah, encourages her to become a scribe for Queen Damaspia.
Sarah spends much of her time seeking the approval of those around her, trying to prove her worth. When she does the Queen a great favor, her reward turns her life upside down. Sarah must learn that her self worth shouldn't be dependent on those around her and to place her trust in the God of her people.
The characters in this novel are rich and life like. I thought the story line excellent, since there was plenty going on to make it interesting, and yet not to dramatic. Best of all, Sarah's relationship with the Lord is very personal. I look forward to the sequel!

Eight Fears

1. That the bats will invade our attic again. Thankfully, we have made it over a year without their returning, so I think we sealed their entrances.:D

2. Dropping my Kindle in water. I would probably cry if this happened.;)

3. Things continuing on as they are now. Especially in the political sense...

4. Not being able to taste. Can you imagine how boring life would be if you couldn't taste chocolate? :D

5. To die without having seen more of the world.:D

6. Passing out at a very public place in front of a ton of people is up there on the list of things I would rather not do.;)

7. I'm always terrified that I will find someone hiding out behind the shower curtain.;)

8. To have lived without fulfilling my full potential.

The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage

The Best Advice I Ever Got On Marriage is a collection of advice that different Christian couples have either received, learned through their own marriage, or read and applied to their marriage. Each chapter is written by a different couple, most of which are well known Christian authors who have written their own books on marriage. This book is a wonderful blend of stories, advice, and practical ways to apply the knowledge to one's own marriage. I think it would make an excellent gift, whether for newlyweds who are trying to set Godly patterns in their marriage or couples who have been married a while and want to take a look at how they can improve their marriage. Most of the couples who contributed have been married for quite a while, although there is a good blend of age differences. When you want solid marriage advice, you ask a couple who has been through several seasons, so I think its good that most of the couples have been married at least 20 years.
I highly recommend this one!

Cuts Like a Knife by M. K. Gilroy

Kristen Conner knew what she wanted to do with her life from a young age: follow in her dad's footsteps and work for the Chicago Police Force. Her dream job starts to take over her life and friendships when a serial killer comes to town. The "Cutter Shark" is unlike anything they have ever come up against before, since he has wrecked havoc on several cities, leaving almost 50 dead.
Written in first person, I thought the author did an excellent job at getting inside both a detective's and a criminal's head. I thought that the characters were well developed and enjoyed the banter between Kristen, her family, and co-workers. Kristen has a hilarious sense of humor that makes her quite likeable. The story is fast paced and thrilling, keeping you on the end of your seat till you turn the last page. I'm looking forward to the next book!

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt

Chase Caldwell left Sycamores to his descendants in an unusual way: they were allowed to keep the place for 50 years, but then it would go to the county. Fast forward 44 years, and Sycamores is now the home of Darlene Caldwell Young and her sister, Nolie. The two sisters have weathered a lot of heart ache in the family home, but things are about to come out in the open when their Broadway star sister, Carlene, comes home for a visit.
It took me a while to get into this book, since the characters seemed a bit unusual and hard to relate to. Once I got into it though, I found the story line interesting and well worth it!

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson

How far would you be willing to go to recover 10 million? Jared Neaton never had to ask himself that question until he is approached to represent a client who is trying to discover why her deceased father had a deposit slip for over 10 million in a safety deposit box. Left with a depleted bank account after his last big case went south, Jared decides to help Erin Larson out as a means to redeem himself and prove he isn't like his father.
Fast pace and original, I loved this book! The author did a fabulous job of providing details and yet didn't let the story become bogged down with excessive details. I think the story is all the more well written because the author is a lawyer himself, so he writes about what he knows. The characters were well developed; really the only thing I didn't care about with how the villain was dealt with in the end.
This story has a wonderful, gentle message about forgiveness and God's love. I look forward to reading more books by this author!