Diva NashVegas by Rachel Hauck

This was my first exposure to this author. I really enjoyed the tone of Hauck's writing - at least in this book. I actually won this book in one of Katrina's book giveaways.

This was a light and enjoyable read about a famous singer and the unraveling of her past before her fans. I found that it showed how we need to forgive ourselves and slow down on occasion. The main character, Aubrey James, has become a famous country singer after the death of her famous gospel parents as a child. The story follows the decisions she makes to find her way back to God, reconciliation over her past and her true love.

I can never hate a good love story. Not a memorable book, but enjoyable.

Thanks for reading.

Forever by Karen Kingsbury

This is the final book in the Firstborn series. Kingsbury loves these characters as she writes about the struggles of each and how by God's grace they are redeemed over and over again.

This book ends one chapter of the Baxters lives. It helps Dayne and Katy see the importance of forgiveness - even when it does not make sense. Luke, Dayne's brother, struggles with this the most. He is headstrong in understanding his relationship with this unknown brother of his. Kingsbury uses this character to show how we fight against God and ignore all that we know about Him.

As always, I enjoyed the story and couldn't put it down. I have found a connection with these made up characters and always learn something new about God.

The Proposal by Angela Hunt

I am on this Angela Hunt phase of reading. I just got some Kingsbury, so I will go back to her soon. Hunt’s books are always so different. I am never sure what to expect. I am impressed with her writing ability – like I am such a great judge? This book was more of a suspense novel as the reader continuously pulled for the underdog and hoped that the big mafia would not win.

The story begins when the main character, Theo, is mistaken for another famous author. She comes upon the topic that would make her a great author – the link between abortions and breast cancer. It turns out that women that abort their first pregnancy have a 50% greater chance of getting breast cancer than women that don’t. The pro-choice camp wants to keep this secret so that “fetal tissue” can continue to be used for research. It is a twisting story with lots of unexpected turns. I would call this a disturbing page turner – definitely not for the faint at heart.

I would recommend reading this. It hit close to home since the research for this book is real. There really is a link between the two. Why don’t we hear about this? Could this story be why? Is the media covering up the truth? These are thoughts….

Thanks for reading.

Bad Heiress Day by Allie Pleiter

This is a book that I just pulled off the library shelf and looked like a light and fun topic. The book was an easy read, but not especially deep. This is what I was looking for after a couple of deep reads before this. Pleiter did a great job of developing the main character, Darcy, and transition of her new and old friendships after the death of her father. She has the surprise of becoming the recipient of over a million dollars and requested to "give it away". This book takes a few interesting turns as she struggles with following what she believes is the call of God and honoring her husband and friends.

I enjoyed this book. Nothing fantastic, but a great diversion.

Blessings.

The Memory Keeper by Kim Edwards

This book by Edwards did not move me. The story moved too slowly for me without a lot of hope that the ending would be good. I lost hope of a true reconciliation about 3/4 of the way through.

I think that I could not relate to the characters or their situation - it was so labored. New characters were introduced, but never seemed to make any difference in the main characters lives. It was just like reading a journal without much change in the hearts of the characters. The main story idea was intriguing, but I lost interest when the story just kept going. I would not recommend this book. The ending really was unsatisfying for me as a reader.

Thanks for reading