Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Shades of Mercy is a sweet coming of age story dealing with young love and racial prejudice. The love story is fairly sweet, though somewhat troublesome as there seemed to be little oversight of Mercy leading to her sneaking off to be with Mick whenever she could. The racial prejudice was dealt with honestly which is sometimes painful to read. As someone who has always been taught to judge someone by their actions and not their race or skin tone, it can be hard to read how very nasty people can be to those who do not share their own race. It is truth, however, and therefore a necessary part of the book.

That being said, I had a hard time engaging with the characters. I found myself putting to book down in the slower sections (of which there were many), and had to force myself to pick it back up and read some more so I could review it. That definitely dropped my rating for it.

If you want a simple, and sometimes slow story of young love coupled with racism, then check this book out. You might love it.

I received a copy of this book from River North Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Apologies!!

My greatest, greatest apologies to my two winners.  I asked for addresses, but neglected to give an email.  Please email me at 1972booklover at gmail (dot) com with your mailing address to send your book.  I did try contacting you a couple of times, but it never would go through.  I've been battling a kidney stone for at least a week now, and that has kept me off balance and not thinking clearly from the pain.  I sincerely apologize.


Sandra

And the winners are......

Rachel K & Jasmine A.!!!!  Congratulations, ladies!!  Send me your address and I'll get your books in the mail to you!

I realize some may be wondering why there were only 2 winners when I had 3 books to give away.  Well, I had a brain-dead moment and did my giveaway over the holidays when people are busy with family, so we only had two entries.  Ah, well.  Next time I'll do a better job of planning my giveaways.

I hope you enjoy the book, ladies, and look forward to hearing what you think of it!

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.

Staying Alive: A Love Story by Laura B. Hayden

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I was interested to read the story of how this woman dealt with the unexpected death of her husband at a very young age. This is listed as a Christian book. It is not. The author is Catholic, and the beginning of it just made me feel worse and worse as she seemed to have no hope. Yes, I would be devastated if my husband died, but I also know I will see him again in Heaven. The book made me think of the verse in the Bible that says "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep [dead], that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." (1Th 4:13). What finished the book off for me was her not just swearing, but actually using the 'f' word!! I was horrified that this was listed as a "Christian" book! I did a super fast flip through the rest of the book and while the pages were flipping saw at least two more swear words. Needless to say, I did not finish this book. If I could give it no stars, I most certainly would. No only can I not recommend this book, I heartily recommend that you do not read it!

I received a copy of this book from BookCrash for my honest review. I also contacted them per the issues above before actually writing this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.