Rescue Team by Candace Calvert
Reviewed by: Jennifer Roman
Genre: medical drama, chick lit, Christian, romance
Publisher: Tyndale
Publication Date: April 19, 2013

This installment of the Grace Medical series focuses on Kate Callison, the new ER director at Austin Grace. In additional to her own personal troubles, she has to deal with a dead abandoned newborn found in the ladies’ room, a slick lawyer who wants more than just a professional relationship, and a vigilante who writes to the newspaper to report the slightest mistake. She is hiding from her past and believes that she is no longer a worthy person, especially in God’s eyes, so she has lost her faith.

Wes Tanner, on the other hand, volunteers as a rescue worker and comes from a strong, God-fearing family. He has his own shares of heartache, but he has a good relationship with his Savior and uses that to get through both the tough times and the good. He finds something fascinating underneath Kate’s prickly exterior and hopes that he can help her reconnect with her Creator, knowing that everything else will fall into place once she accepts God’s love.

This book is written as an installation of a series, but it could easily stand alone. The story is a medical drama that uses a lot of medical terminology, but there are enough context clues so that those not familiar with the terms will understand what is happening. The characters are complex and interesting, and the storyline is perfect for fans of this genre. Romance readers will also appreciate the budding relationship between Wes and Kate, especially since they keep it appropriate. There is no sex involved; rather, they take the time to get to know each other. Kisses and warm embraces are the most racy things they do. Readers will not have any problem following this book even if they haven’t read the previous one. Fans of medical drama, romance, and just a good Christian story will be happy to read this book.

Rescue Team is written as in a Christian format, and for that reason it is appropriate for young adult and adult readers. There aren’t any inappropriate situations although some of the topics may be difficult for some people to read. There are no sexual situations and no profanity, so nothing should be offensive. This is a great read that really demonstrates people’s faith in God, so I highly recommend it.

Rated G: there is nothing in the way of sex, violence, or profanity.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall
Reviewed by: Jennifer Roman
Genre: Amish, romance, chick lit
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: April 2, 2013

In a continuation from A Season for Tending, Rhoda Byler and her brother’s family join the King brothers, Samuel and Jacob, and their Englisch friend Landon, in Maine. They are trying to set up a new community and orchard there after their previous orchard was destroyed by a tornado. This is the perfect chance for Rhoda to get a fresh start; her previous community believes she has evil powers because she can “see” events that are going to happen. It seems that things will be difficult in Maine, too, however. Jacob doesn’t move with the group because he has to go tend to some people he met during his Rumschpringe days, and even after he arrives, he has to leave to go back to see his friend. Samuel realizes he has feelings for Rhoda, so in order to keep them at bay, he avoids her and acts gruffly toward her when she is within sight. Worst of all, Rhoda encounters more problems with neighbors and has no support system other than God. She places her full trust in Him and knows that what is God’s will will be done, but it’s hard doing it alone.

There is a common misconception that certain groups of people do not face trials or tribulations in life, but as we see in The Winnowing Season, that certainly is not true. Christians still have problems. The Amish still have problems. They are much more like other people than is thought, as we see with Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob. They all believe in God and are faithful to Him, yet they have to deal with painful situations. How they do it demonstrates their character, and they are able to put their worries on God, knowing He will take care of them. This story has a lot more personal sadness in it than the previous one, but that does not diminish its value. The book is well-written with interesting characters and a great topic. Readers of Christian novels or books about the Amish will enjoy following the story of Rhoda and the King brothers.

The Winnowing Season is written as a book about the Amish and their simple, God-fearing living, and for that reason it is appropriate for young adult and adult readers. There aren’t any inappropriate situations although some of the topics may be difficult for some people to read. There are no sexual situations and no profanity, so nothing should be offensive. This is a great read that really demonstrates the Amish faith in God, and for this I highly recommend it.

Rated G: This book does not contain violence, sex, or profanity.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

The Dance by Dan Walsh, Gary Smalley
Reviewed by: Jennifer Roman
Genre: Christian, Chick Lit, Romance
Publisher: Baker Publishing
Publication Date: April 1, 2013

Jim and Marilyn Anderson have a lovely home, a business, prominent positions on the church’s board of directors, and three wonderful adult children. On the outside, things look perfect, but inside, Marilyn is miserable. Rather than being treated as an equal partner in her marriage, she is relegated to the status of a trophy wife who runs the household and does the chores. No matter how much she prays and no matter how much she tries to tell Jim how she feels, she is ignored, until she finally leaves him. Despite breaking a sacred marriage vow, she knows this is the only way to be happy. When Marilyn leaves, she proves her point because for the life of him, Jim can’t understand what’s wrong. As the story continues, readers see just how much Marilyn is hurting and how well she does on her own. She lives a Christian life and follows propriety, but her husband believes she has committed the ultimate betrayal. Only when Jim meets an elderly lady who owned the dance studio where Marilyn is taking lessons does he begin to see things from Marilyn’s perspective. In addition to teaching Jim to dance, the elderly lady teaches him life lessons that could help him to reclaim Marilyn’s trust.

This is a great book that will surely resonate with many couples. It’s written primarily for women but men can also learn from it. The characters, even though they are conflicted, are likeable and relatable. The scenarios are believable and relate to so many people. What’s amazing is that the book is written by two men, yet they capture a woman’s perspective so clearly. It’s almost as if they are truly seeing the world through a woman’s eyes. The book has strong Christian undertones and emphasizes the way to living a Christian life and marriage. There is an interesting part of the book that addresses that not every church and congregation truly live the Christian life. When the church leaders find out that Marilyn has left Jim, rather than trying to comfort them, the leaders tell Jim to “fix” Marilyn so that things don’t look so bad. When Jim points out that surely other church leaders have had marital problems, the leaders respond that they put the people in their places. Marilyn has always felt uncomfortable with this church, and when Jim has a conversation with the leaders, he starts to understand her perspective. He knows that God supports people even in their times of despair instead of chastising them, as his church board has done. Readers may even relate to this situation but can take comfort in the fact that not all churches are like this, as they can see when Marilyn and Jim find new and more caring churches.

The Dance is a quick and easy read and therefore is suggested for both adults and young adults. There are discussions on marriage and temptation, but there is nothing offensive such as sex, adultery, profanity, or violence. Readers will find a good story told in many different perspectives. They will read about what makes a good, strong Christian marriage and family. I loved this book and highly recommend it to readers of this genre.

Rated G: There is nothing that would be considered offensive in this book.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

Though my Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof
Reviewed by: Jennifer Roman
Genre: Christian, Chick lit, historical fiction
Publisher: Multnomah
Publication Date: April 2, 2013

This book is the sequel to Bischof’s Be Still my Soul and finds Lonnie and Gideon happily married with baby Jacob until Lonnie receives a letter from her father saying that her mother is gravely ill. Gideon, Lonnie, and Jacob leave their home with Jebediah and Elsie to visit Lonnie’s mother, only to find out that the letter was just a ploy to get Gideon to come “home” to face a sticky situation. In his previous “wild oats” days, he casually married Cassie Allan, but signed papers to annul the marriage. He left the papers with Cassie to sign and then file, but in a last-ditch effort to save her reputation, she did not file the papers. Now Gideon is expected by Cassie’s parents and the local clergy to honor his commitment to Cassie. Stunned, Lonnie decides to head back to Elsie’s and Jebediah’s to regroup. Gideon and Cassie stay in a shack on his parent’s land despite his wanting to end the marriage to Cassie. No matter how much he tries to emphasize his love for Lonnie, Cassie will not relent. Tensions are high and Gideon wants nothing to do with Cassie. As time goes on, however, he is able to tolerate, and even create a soft spot, for her in his heart. Knowing the promise he made to Cassie and to God, he knows what he has to do. The whole situation makes his faith in God waver, but it is still there.

Meanwhile, Lonnie keeps moving forward back at their old homestead with Elsie and Jebediah. Jacob is growing like crazy and Lonnie starts making soap as a side business. She befriends the new pastor and makes a very definite decision about moving on without Gideon, no matter how much it hurts. The whole time, Lonnie knows that God will lead her in the right direction and show her what she is supposed to do with her life. Despite a difficult time, Lonnie’s faith never wavers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and eagerly awaited the second. I was not disappointed; the characters grow and we are able to see them deal with their internal struggles. Gideon has grown and matured and really established a strong faith in God, but since it is new, it is not infallible. Despite his troubled past, he is likeable and I find myself rooting for him to reach his potential. Lonnie is strong and independent despite all that has happened to her, and she continues her strong faith in God. Readers can’t help but want these two to work through their struggles so they can be together. There is another book to come so there is no definite resolution, and we can see new arcs starting in this book. Though my Heart is Torn is just as good a read as Be Still my Soul, and I look forward to finding out what happens to Gideon, Lonnie, and Cassie.

This book is easy to read and therefore is suggested for both adults and young adults. There is no profanity or discussion of sexual situations. While there is no outright violence, the book does portray the harsh life of Appalachia in the early 1900s. Still, the book should be suitable for most readers from teen to adult.

Rated G: There is nothing objectionable in this story.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

A Season for Tending by Cindy Woodsmall
Reviewed by: Jennifer Roman
Genre: Amish, Christian, Chick Lit
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: September 18, 2012

Rhoda Byler, a member of the Old Order Amish, is a gifted gardener who raises all kinds of fruits and herbs and sells her canned goods at a successful roadside stand in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She also has a “sixth sense” about things that are about to happen; unfortunately for her, people mistake her intuition as witchcraft and report her to her church elders. As a result, her elder convinces Rhoda’s father to destroy her herb garden and campaigns to have her berry bushes destroyed. A few towns away from Rhoda, the King brothers, Samuel and Jacob, face financial ruin in their apple orchard. After a few bad seasons and inclement weather, they need help. They come up with a great idea to save their business: they ask Rhoda to help treat plants organically for pests and to can the apples that are not suitable as “eating apples.” There are several problems with this proposed arrangement, and the young people must decide the best way to handle it. Being a female, Rhoda is not supposed to have a main position in a business with a man, and she and Samuel butt heads on everything. They cannot even agree on a joint logo. To preserve their businesses, however, they agree to give it a try. Since this is the first book in a series, there is no clear resolution, so I can happily look forward to the next adventure of Sadie and the King family.

This book is interesting because it explores many facets of the Old Order Amish community. While the Amish have their own way of doing things, they still face many challenges and situations that we non-Amish face. How they handle it, always turning the other cheek and doing everything to glorify God, is what makes the difference. Despite some people causing trouble for others, the community is very tight and loving, and it’s refreshing to see positive relationships. I enjoyed this book for its main characters and for its developing secondary characters. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

There are some mature themes, but nothing blatantly offensive.

Rated G: There is nothing that should offend.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

Jennifer Roman

Jen is a lifelong book lover. When she is not working or sleeping, she can usually be found reading something. Nothing makes her happy like snuggling up on the couch with a good book, a blanket, and her Labrador Retriever, Daisy. She loves mysteries and suspense, but will happily read just about any genre. She refers to her love of books as a “sickness,” and has stacks and stacks of books waiting in the wings to be read. Jen is a strong supporter of her local library and highly encourages others to support their libraries.

When not reading, Jen can be found crafting, playing with Daisy, volunteering, or spending time with her friends. Jennifer is married and lives with her husband Steve, her cat Roberta, and Daisy in North Canton, OH.

Glorious Illusions, by Lisa T Bergren
Reviewer: Jen Roman
Genre: chick lit, romance, Christian
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: 6/1/2012

Cora Diehl arrives to her small town in Montana after finishing a year of teacher college, only to find her father has had a severe stroke. Unwilling to let her family’s farm fail, she takes to the fields to plant and care for the animals. After another stroke, her father is worse. A wealthy stranger arrives and introduces himself as Wallace Kensington, Cora’s biological father. He insists on taking Cora’s father to one of the best hospitals in the area. In the meantime, Cora is told she will go on the Grand Tour with Kensington’s other children, whom Cora has not met. Of course she would rather stay with the father she has known all her life, but her mother talks her into the trip. Cora’s half-sisters and brother want nothing to do with her because of her parentage (it’s 1913) and their traveling companions, the Morgans, feel the same. Fortunately, the assistant bear befriends Cora and helps this innocent young farm woman to fit in with high society in Europe. There Cora must rely on her own strength as well as her faith in God to get through the trip and discover where she belongs.

Cora is a wonderful main character because she is strong, independent, and God-fearing. She cares deeply about her parents, but after learning their shocking secret, she still struggles with how they could “betray” her in such a manner. She at first is afraid of her half-siblings, but she learns to stand up to them instead of hiding behind her “disgraceful” past. Will, the bear, is intelligent and caring, and appreciative of so little. He is humble while his charges take for granted what they have. The other Kensingtons and the Morgans provide eye-rolling moments because it’s hard to believe they act the way they do. The story definitely illustrates how Cora strengthens her relationship with God and herself in order to grow. The only disappointing part is that the story ends before the Grand Tour is over, so we don’t get to find out what Cora does next or how her father is. Since it is a series, however, we will hopefully find out in the next book, which I am very much looking forward to reading.

Because this book deals with mature themes, it is not suggested for younger readers.

Rated PG: The novel discusses illegitimacy and contains adult themes. It also includes some violence.

Book was obtained from the publicist. Thank you!!

ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Jen Roman is a lifelong book lover. When she is not working or sleeping, she can usually be found reading something. Nothing makes her happy like snuggling up on the couch with a good book, a blanket, and her Labrador Retriever, Daisy. She loves mysteries and suspense, but will happily read just about any genre. She refers to her love of books as a “sickness,” and has stacks and stacks of books waiting in the wings to be read. Jen is a strong supporter of her local library and highly encourages others to support their libraries.

When not reading, Jen can be found crafting, playing with Daisy, volunteering, or spending time with her friends. Jennifer is married and lives with her husband Steve, her cat Roberta, and Daisy in North Canton, OH.

Home Front, by Kristin Hannah
Reviewed by: Jennifer Roman
Genre: Chick Lit/Military Women
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: January 31, 2012

Orphaned during her teen years by alcoholic parents, Jolene quickly learned to take care of herself. Upon graduating from high school, she joined the Army Reserves and learned to fly a Black Hawk. There she gained confidence, a new family and a best friend, Tami. After marrying her husband Michael, an attorney, she had two daughters, and even though her marriage was strained, she enjoyed her life and her position in the reserves.

All of that changes the day her unit is called up to go to Iraq, and she and Tami fly rescue missions in the desert. During one of those missions, their helicopter is shot down, and Jolene returns home without one of her legs. Because of the injury, she is forced into medical retirement. She returns home to a family who doesn’t know how to respond to her and to life without a leg and without a career. Jolene and her family have to learn how to accept and experience grief.

Michael was never supportive of Jolene’s career choice, and this is apparent throughout the story. He realized just what his wife was doing when he was asked to defend a client with PTSD who was accused of murdering his wife. Seeing some of the same behavior in Jolene that he saw in his client helped Michael to understand what Jolene was at the very core. Her children, Betsy and Lulu, had to learn to let their mommy heal while figuring out a new way of life, and Jolene had to learn that she needed to not let her emotions be so controlled. The family struggles with several issues, but in the end, learns how to cope.

Readers will enjoy Jolene’s spunk, positive attitude and determination, and will appreciate what she has done for her country. While this is not one of Kristin Hannah’s best works, she does a good job of creating a tough scenario where many people can relate. There are some scenarios and situations that are not quite plausible, but if one suspends belief a bit, she or he will enjoy the story.

Due to some graphic violence and profanity, this book is not recommended for young readers.

Rated R: There is graphic war violence and great detail about injuries. There is a liberal use of strong profanity.

Book provided by the reviewer. Thank you!

Heart Echoes by Sally John
Reviewed by: Jennifer S. Roman, Radiantlit.com
Genre: Christian family fiction, chick lit
Publisher: Tyndale
Publication Date: March, 2012

Teal Morgan-Adams’ experience of being stuck in traffic during an earthquake sets off a series of emotional events: her husband is injured when boxes fall on him, her daughter Maiya is secretly seeing an older boy who is a juvenile delinquent and as a result, Maiya is suspended from school for five weeks. In addition, Maiya wants to know who her biological father is. Even though she and her stepfather have an amazing and enviable relationship, she needs to have her questions answered. In her quest to find out who her father is, she learns that instead of abandoning her, as Teal originally lets her believe, he never knew of her existence. All of these incidents cause Teal to take Maiya with her to her hometown in the Pacific Northwest, where she faces all the memories and difficulties that drove her away in the first place. In the process, however, she grows closer to her half-sister Lacey and to Maiya.

Heart Echoes is a contemporary drama that plays out in different and interesting twists; on the other hand, it is a sappy novel that emphasizes the importance of family. In the end, the story illustrates Teal’s growth both emotionally and spiritually from the time she leaves her hometown as a pregnant single woman to the professional, God-fearing, married mother she is when she returns to Cedar Pointe. Being a Christian, she knows she needs to have God in her life in order to face difficult situations, but it takes her a while to fully give over to Him. Once she does, it’s as if all things fall into place.

This story is not the most original one as it’s fairly predictable and has a happy ending, but it is good at showing people how they can avoid major life mistakes. Readers are able to see how Teal, in thinking she is doing the right thing, actually causes more harm in the long run. Heart Echoes does accurately reflect on how families are today. Not everyone lives with two parents and a sibling in a house with a white picket fence and a dog, and Sally John makes a strong case for being honest. By leaning on God and listening to her heart, Teal is able to be honest with those she loves and with herself.

Rated PG 13: Heart Echoes, with a hint of profanity, addresses premarital sex and drug use. It may not be appropriate for younger readers.

Night Road by Kristin Hannah
Reviewed by: Jennifer S. Roman, RadiantLit.com
Genre: Chick Lit
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date:  March 22, 2011

Lexi Baill has been in foster care so many times she’s lost count.  Her alcoholic mother makes periodic stops to take custody of Lexi, only to go on a binge and disappear again, leaving Lexi in yet another foster home.  As a result of her addictions, Lexi’s mother dies when she is just seventeen and she fears she will go into yet another foster home.  Her social worker surprises her by telling her that she has an aunt living in the Pacific Northwest who is willing to take custody of her.  Her aunt is by no means wealthy, but she loves and cherishes Lexi, who is happy to have someone love her.

On the first day of school in her new town, she befriends a young girl sitting all by herself at lunch.  Mia is the quiet, reserved part of a set of twins. Her brother, Zach, is outgoing and popular.  Mia and Lexi become inseparable, and even though she has feelings for Zach, she ignores them out of respect for Mia.  Eventually Mia learns of Lexi’s feelings and gives the two her blessing.  It’s their senior year of high school and everything works out perfectly, until the three go to a party and get drunk.  Mia decides to drive the short way home, but she crashes the car and Mia dies.  She takes full responsibility for the accident and ends up spending five years in jail.  The rest of the story deals with how Mia’s family processes her death and how Lexi and Mia’s family treat each other afterward.

Bestselling novelist Kristin Hannah writes provocative and heart-wrenching stories, each with their own issues and challenges.  Every story is based on a charged, difficult subject, and she manages to throw a wrench into the system so that readers will be even more intrigued.  In this case, not only is Lexi in jail, but she gives birth to Zach’s baby.  She believes it is in the best interest of the child to give full custody to Zach, whose family will help raise the little girl.  Readers are easily torn between blaming Lexi for driving drunk and feeling such pain for her losses.  Kristin Hannah winds up a good story with not necessarily a perfect ending, but an acceptable one.  Life doesn’t usually end up with the perfect, storybook ending, so this is probably more true-to-life anyway.

Night Road deals with mature themes and may therefore not be suitable for younger readers.  There are some curse words and sexual situations.  There are scenes in which underage students drink and smoke marijuana, and of course there is violence in the tragedy of the accident.  Because of these themes, readers who are not tolerant of difficult situations may want to steer clear of this book.  Readers who are able to handle such adult themes will enjoy a sad but eventually hopeful novel.

The Wedding Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel  by Jennifer Chiaverini
Reviewed by: Jennifer S. Roman, Radiantlit.com
Genre: Chick Lit, historical fiction, romance
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publication Date:  November 11, 2011

The latest installment of the Elm Creek Quilters series, The Wedding Quilt, takes place approximately twenty-five years in the future. In this novel, friends and family from near and far congregate at Elm Creek Manor to share in the happiness of Sarah and Matt’s daughter, Caroline, as she prepares to get married. Rather than spending the majority of the story on the wedding, however, the readers get a chance to “catch up” on some of the guests and their background stories. Readers certainly get to indulge in the fun of a wedding, but they also can answer the question “whatever happened to…” in relation to many key characters throughout the series. In a way, it’s like a reunion we didn’t know we were attending.

At first, the whole story felt disjointed or “missing” something. While Chiaverini makes an effort to indicate that the story takes place twenty-five years in the future, it still feels as though bits and pieces of certain story elements are missing since the previous books. Fortunately, if one gives it the time and attention to continue, the reader will find the stories of various previously-known characters to be interesting and fun. Some tie into local central Pennsylvania history, while others are just fiction.  Best of all, we get to read about a surprise at the wedding: a secret gift Sylvia had set away for each of Sarah’s twins before she died. Of course, the story has a happy ending.

Despite the initial confusion, the book quickly welcomes Elm Creek fans to another installment of the beloved characters. As usual, Chiaverini keeps things clean and family-friendly. Even characters who have disagreements do not demonstrate violence, and there are no sexual undertones or vulgar language. People who love quilting, historical fiction, or even just a good story will be happy with this book. Older teens will be able to read the story without parents worrying about offensive content.

The only shortcoming is that the chapters are very long, so if reading this book before bed, the reader may have to stop in the middle of a chapter. While not terribly upsetting, it does create a bit of frustration for some people who just want to find a good stopping place. Still, the Wedding Quilt provides enough entertainment and stories of friendship to keep its readers happy.