The Offering

Mandy Lisandra thinks she stumbled on the perfect answer to her family's tight finances, being a surrogate mother. Thinking it will enable them to save for a house and for her to be able to go back to school, it seems like the perfect solution. But, no one expected her to lose her husband right before the birth of the little boy. Or, for her to accidentally give away her own son. Caught between longing for the son she and her husband talked of having and shattering the dreams of a couple unable to have their own children, Mandy must face her own past in able to make the right choice for her little boy.
While this story was interesting and well researched, felt like it dragged on a bit. It was interesting to learn more about surrogacy though!

Healer of Carthage

Over 20 years ago, Dr. Lisbeth Hastings mother disappeared while her husband was working at a dig. No one ever found out what happened to her. Years later, Lisbeth is attempting to follow in her mom's footsteps by becoming a Dr. when she gets a letter from her dad that he may have found his wife. Unsure of her father's mental stability, Lisbeth rushes to the very last place she ever wanted to return.
While exploring the mysterious cave in search of answers, Lisbeth finds herself thrown back in time to 3rd century Carthage, a place filled with political intrigue and under cover Christianity. With a mysterious illness threatening the city, Lisbeth attempts to put her doctoring skills to work without the use of modern day conveniences to help her out.
While I liked this book and the idea behind it, I have to say that I was surprised with some of the language and corruption. Do I think that is how things were back then? Most likely, though I think that some of the gritty details were unnecessary. That said, I do think the book was well written and interesting. The ending was a bit muddled, especially when you discover that it is set up for a sequel.
I give it a four out of five.

Siserchicks Do the Hula

Laurie and Hope are best friends (aka Sisterchicks) who decide to celebrate their fortieth birthdays with flair: take a trip to Hawaii! What better place to celebrate the milestone than the land of luaus, surfing, sunshine, and sun? And that is only the beginning of their adventure! Embracing the Creator and His plan for their lives is part of the fun!
I love this series and the message that it has about living life to its fullest! This series is a fun one.;)

Forgiveness

This nifty little book by popular song writter Matthee West tells the stories of multiple people who have had to go through hard situations and lean on God to learn to forgive. Going through with scriptural references to back up thoughts and the stories, this little book is a wonderful tool to have on hand. I like that Matthew West was inspiredby one of the stories to write the song "Forgiveness". It made the song all that more special to read this book andb Renee's story about forgiving the drunk driver who killed her daughter and a friend in 2002.
I would recommend this little resource!

Last Light

What would happen if all electronics around the globe failed simultaneously? If our way of life could no longer continue on due to everything we know being stripped away? In the Restoration series, popular author, Terri Blackstock explores those possibilities.
Doug and his daughter, Deni, are on their way home from a trip to Washington DC when the world goes silent, and planes begin to drop from the sky. Are they under some sort of terrorist attack? As they struggle home to see how the rest of the family is, they find that Birmingham has changed drastically. The once safe southern town is now filled with crime, including a murderer in their own neighborhood. As the family struggles to survive, they must also figure out who they can trust and how to be a light for Christ in a world gone dark.
I've read a few of Terri Blackstock's other books, and while they were good, I think she out did herself with this novel! The story was creative and kept me on the edge of my seat, not to mention very well portrayed. The Branning family is one that we can all relate to. I loved reading about their struggle to step out of their comfort zone and put action into their faith! This series has an important message to all of us on living totally for God, even (or especially) when times are tough.
I will be getting the other books in this series soon to see what happens to the Brannings!

Sisterchicks on the Loose

In the first book of the Sisterchick series, long time friends Sharon and Penny decide to go on an adventure to find Penny's aunt in Finland. At first, Sharon is reluctant to go on such a trip, after living a quiet life with her childhood sweetheart and four kids. Encouraged by her family and realizing she doesn't want to live life without going on a few adventures makes her realize that Finland is just the thing for her.
Reading this novel made me want to set off on an adventure of my own! I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed reading their adventures. I can't wait to start the next one!

The Restoration Series

The Anderson family seems to have it all, when you are on the outside looking in. But, when Jim comes home and discovers that his wife has walked out, he can't understand what could possible have gone wrong in their lives. As he seeks to really listen to his wife and put her needs first, loving her as the Bible talks about, he discovers a relationship he never thought possible.
Based on the principles behind The DNA of Relationships, this series is not just about marriage, but about other relationships as well. Exhibiting through fiction how we can improve those relationships.



In the second book, the Anderson family has weathered some storms and come through. When Jim's son, Tom, looses his job, he keeps it a secret for over 5 months. Hoping to find another IT position before his wife and family find out, he tells lie after lie, little realizing the damage that is being done. When things blow up, he must face the problems he has caused in his marriage as well as those he has with his father.

Both of these books are excellent! I like that they are taking information from a non-fiction book and applying it to fiction, to give one examples of how to improve relationships. I look forward to the next book and seeing where the Anderson family goes from here!