Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book typifies why I am thinking about phasing out reviewing "Christian fiction". Putting the label "Christian fiction" on a book does not make it so. There's nothing "Christian" about this book. Smoking, drinking, immoral behavior, a so-called "guardian angel" while almost no talk of God Himself, much less anyone even TRYING to live a godly life makes for a very poor book indeed.

The story line itself had some great promise, and there are some very sweet moments, but these are cheapened by the lack of any type of real Christianity, the selfishness of the two main characters--especially Huck--and a gratuitous attempted rape scene (which wouldn't have even happened if Huck had just been honest with her husband!). This is supposed to be a grand love story, but it falls very short. Huck and Gabe are so wrapped up in having a deep, loving, lasting marriage that is really becomes to the exclusion of all others. I also had an issue with the fact that their first "date", which was really all day and night, occurred while Huck was engaged to another man!

If you're looking for a secular love story, this might work great for you. If you're looking for a Christian love story, I'd advise you to look elsewhere.

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Press through "Blogging for Books" in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY TIME!! 3 Copies of "Shades of Mercy" to Give Away!

I have a treat for you!  River North sent me a copy of "Shades of Mercy" to read and review, as well as 3 extra copies to give away!!  I'm not only going to give these away through a Rafflecopter giveaway, but I would like any of the winners that are interested to review the book for me in as a guest reviewer!!  Make sure you enter today for your chance to win.  Winners will be picked randomly through Rafflecopter January 1st, so not a whole lot of time to get your entries in.  Have fun!!

 

"It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.

 When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself."

 

 

*I reserve the right to edit any reviews sent in for length or continuity only if necessary.  I will NOT post said review until the reviewer ok's any edits.

Little Book of Great Dates by Erin Smalley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great little book of ideas for dates for you and your spouse! Ideas of things to do, tidbits on improving your marriage, and even questions you can ask each other. Some things are so super basic that it did affect my rating a bit, but there's some good stuff in here. I like how it gives you an activity idea (or a list of ideas to choose from, sometimes an alternate activity, and then questions. For instance, for "A New Year's Date", it's suggested that with the idea of new goals and new beginnings you switch it up and have a breakfast date, or some other morning activity such as maybe taking a hike together. The questions to ask each other are "What are some positive goals we can set for our marriage over the next six months? The next year? How can we work together to achieve these goals? Is there a specific area you feel God wants us to work on together, as a team, to make our marriage the best it can be?" This is a nice little book for anyone wanting to strengthen their marriage, or just keep it strong.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.