November 2008
Literature that Inspires Thankfulness
By Angela Etheridge and Wendy Keel
The upcoming holidays are a reminder to appreciate the gifts and
wonders we experience in our daily lives, but a great book can be a
wonderful reminder to be thankful for what we have any time of the
year. If you are looking for a fantastic book with lifelong lessons certain
to keep you hooked and inspire thankfulness, consider reading some of
these memorable books recommended by TRRC reviewers:
A TIME TO EMBRACE by Karen Kingsbury
Recommended by Elissa
It's the ongoing story of a couple who found themselves on the brink of
divorce but through the strength of their love, for God and each other, were
able to rebuild their life together. It reminded me of how precious my family is
to me and how my faith keeps my life centered. I am very thankful indeed
this year, that with all the hardships the country faces, my family and I are
stronger than ever.
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WINDS OF THE STORM
Beverly Jenkins
ISBN# 0-06-057531-X
Avon
May 2006
Historical Romance
Quite literally hanging precariously onto life in a wooden barn, Archer Le Veq
is more than grateful when a redeemer arrives just in time to save him but is
thoroughly shocked to find his savior happens to be a beautiful, mysterious
woman known only as “the Butterfly” in the Underground intelligence
movement. Immediately intrigued by her cleverness, strength and wit, he is
disappointed when they are forced to part ways. Eight years later, in 1871,
the Butterfly, Zahra Lafeyette is the one shocked when she once again
crosses paths with the unforgettable hotel owner. In disguise as a New
Orleans madam, working as a spy for the government and Underground
leader Harriet Tubman, she is relieved when he doesn’t seem to recognize
her but is troubled by the ever growing attraction between them.
Archer is determined to break down the walls between him and Madam
Domino. Despite her illicit career, he feels drawn to her in ways he never
has to another woman. Both working hard to ensure the safety of the freed
slaves and eliminating the threat of the “death books” turning them into
victims, they turn to each other during harrowing times for comfort and
support. Zahra is not sure how much longer she can resist falling for the self-
assured, headstrong gens de coluer, who is beginning to put together the
pieces of Domino’s past. Will his discovery destroy her mission, and
jeopardize their very lives, or will Archer finally be able to find happiness with
his elusive Butterfly?
I say it time and again but there is no other historical writer like Beverly
Jenkins! The depth of research she covers in each book is incredible and
no other author that I know offers African American history in such rich
detail. In her latest offering WINDS OF THE STORM, she brings back the
dashing, debonair Le Veq brothers (the Brats and Raimond from Through
The Storm), along with their mother Juliana. However, this time Archer finds
himself in a test of wills, going toe to toe with a woman who isn’t afraid to rise
to any challenge. A truly admirable heroine, Zahra is hard edged, spirited
and distractingly beautiful all at the same time. Together they prove an
irresistible force- seductive, sexy and sharing love scenes hotter than Macy’s
Fourth of July fireworks! Jenkins is a brilliant storyteller and historian, and I
never fail to be impressed by her flawless original style. Each book just gets
better and better so I’m highly anticipating her next release in November. If
you’re looking to learn more about real black history and the contributions of
African Americans during the Civil War, as well as being swept away on a
breathtaking adventure filled with steamy romance, or if you just want to be
transported to another time for fun and excitement, look no further. With
Beverly Jenkins, you can’t lose!
Review by Elissa Kyle
Rating: 4 ½ plugs
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THE WIFE OF REILLY
By Jennifer Coburn
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Romantic Comedy
ISBN#: 0-7582-0626-7
All Prudence Malone planned to do was attend her college reunion, visit her
old campus and catch up with girlfriends during homecoming weekend. She
never dreamed she’d run into her college sweetheart, fan the flames of a
love long buried and end up engaged! She’s the happiest she’s been in
years with the exception of one problem- her husband, Reilly.
Instead of just divorcing Reilly and moving on with her new life with Matt, she
decides to find a replacement for herself- a new wife for Reilly- to make sure
he’s happy. Enlisting the help of her three wacky but loving best friends,
Prudence sets about trying to fix the madcap situation she now finds herself
in without letting Reilly and Matt find out about each other. Chaos abounds
and the only hope she has in the end is staying sane and discovering who
she really is in the process.
I absolutely LOVED this book, from page one to page 345! Jennifer Coburn
is charmingly engaging and utterly hilarious as the voice of multifaceted
heroine, Prudence. The story is a pure roller coaster ride of uproarious
outrageousness, from Pru and her friends putting together a lively
newspaper personal searching for the right woman to the “Won’t You Be The
Wife Of Reilly?” party they throw for the women who have responded,
complete with mugs and heart shaped chocolates with Reilly’s photo
imprinted. Many people have had the question “what if..?” about past loves
but never get the chance to find out the answers. Well, Prudence seizes her
opportunity with both hands and lets the reader live vicariously through her
experiences. I like the realism wrapped within the crazy premise, where the
characters are held accountable for their actions thereby making them
believable. THE WIFE OF REILLY is a totally delightful book that will have
you laughing out loud and enjoying every minute. I would be thrilled to see
this on the screen (small or big)!
Review by Elissa Kyle
Ratings: 4 and ½ plugs
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The Noble Fugitive
By T. Davis Bunn & Isabella Bunn
Genre: Inspirational
ISBN#: 0-7642-2859-5
Bethany House
Release date: September 2005
Two wounded hearts, two broken spirits, each seeking refuge and direction
in the storm of life, intertwine on a collision course with destiny. The
youngest daughter of a wealthy Venetian merchant, breath taking Serafina
Gavi follows her wayward heart and runs from her family en route to the
Americas. Trying to reunite with a lost love, she ends up in England and in
servitude at her aunt’s residence, Harrow Hall. She is emotionally decimated
when a stunning treachery is revealed and withdraws from the world around
her.
John Falconer is on a mission from the Lord- to aid the end of the cruel
slavery trade taking place, breaking anti-slave laws in Britain. The evidence
the intimidating ship captain possesses is controversial and a price is placed
on his head. Knowing full well the peril he faces in his journey, he presses
on to carry his message to The Parliament and encounters a God-fearing
family who, ironically, need his protection. They find a safe haven in Harrow
Hall, where they try to piece together the identity of the person wanting John
dead.
A wordless emotional pull draws John to Serafina, tempting him with dreams
of love he knows can never be. Serafina is equally intrigued by the gentle
giant, finding a character and depth she’s never seen in any other man.
They embark tentatively on the path of friendship, forging the bonds of
affection and trust. As they help each other recover from past hurts, their
situation grows more dangerous by the hour and only by embracing God’s
mercy and love do they find the peace they’ve been searching for.
I have to admit I had my doubts when I first picked up The Noble Fugitive. I
wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get involved in the story line, with its detailed
historical setting. Needless to say, I started reading and immediately
became hooked. I found Serafina and John to be rich, emotionally intricate
characters who touched me on every level- romantically, spiritually, and
psychologically. The depth of sentiment expressed throughout surpassed
every expectation. Their relationship was at once fragile and caring yet
passionate and layered. T. Davis Bunn and his wife Isabella have given us a
true gem with this powerful, compelling tale of inspiration and God’s mighty
love. I am eagerly anticipating the continuation of John and Serafina’s story
in The Night Angel coming in 2006.
Review by Elissa Kyle
Rating: 4 plugs