Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This is the first fantasy book that I have read as an adult, and I have to say...I LOVED it!!  Veiled Rose is the second book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series.  This story details how Prince Lionheart (Leo) and Rose Red met as children, and weaves a tale of unexpected friendship.  Rose Red is considered a monster by the villagers, so she wears a veil to cover herself and hides in the forest.  Leo does not see her in that way, and only sees the true friend that she is.  They go on many adventures, one of which is to catch the "monster" that is hiding somewhere in the mountains.  The monster is very real, and both of them will go on their own quest to defeat it.  I would have liked to have read the first book in the series, but it was not necessary since this book definitely stands on its own.  Give this book a try, even if you never read fantasy, because this story is beautifully written and captivating.

I received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest, unbiased review.

Earthen Vessels by Matthew Lee Anderson

Earthen Vessels is about realizing that your actual physical body is an important part of worship to God.  I don't exactly agree with all of the statements that the book makes, but the author does give a good platform for discussion.  This book discusses such topics as tattoos, pleasure, and homosexuality.  Some of the other topics didn't seem to have much to do with the body at all.  I really didn't care too much for this style of writing because it was a bit boring, and just seemed to graze the surface instead of going deep.  I can't highly recommend it, but it does have some good qualities.

I received this book free from the publisher to write an honest, unbiased review.

Inside Threat by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

Inside Threat is not the style of book that I would normally read,  but I thought it sounded interesting and decided to give it a try.  It has a great story, great plot, and suprising ending.  I am so glad that I chose this book!  Riley Covington is a Christian,  professional football player and former counterterrorism agent.  He was in love with Khadi Faroughi, a Muslim woman, that he worked with on the counterterrorism team. Khadi becomes a hostage of a homegrown terrorist organization, and Riley comes to her rescue.  Riley faces his feelings for her, and Khadi faces the truth about her faith and the one True God.  This is a fast paced, action packed thriller that you will have a hard time putting down.   I received this book free from the publisher in order to write an unbiased, honest review.

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

If I could describe this book in one word, it would have to be "thrilling"!  The book kept me guessing until the end...and then honestly, it still left me guessing.  Jaimie Piper is a 12 year old foster child that has moved around from home to home, never fitting in anywhere.  She has a special gift that is also her biggest problem.  She can sense evil.  Running for her life, she goes to one of the only people that she can trust, Crockett Grey, her teacher.  Crockett has his own demons that he is dealing with, and Jaimie just adds to the mix placing him in a terrible situation.  This book has layer upon layer of mystery, intrigue, and secrets that even involve the Vatican.  I want to write more, but I don't want to ruin any of the surprises for future readers.  I loved this book and highly recommended it!

I received this book for free from the publisher to write an unbiased, honest review.

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

I thought this was a very interesting story about three young Italian immigrants living in Boston.  Julietta is a headstrong, rule-breaker who has plans to do as she pleases, and love who she pleases.  Annamaria is the ultimate "good girl" who always does as she is told, and knows her place in her family.  Luciana is struggling with her fall from fortune, and trying to survive the assassin who killed her father.  All three young ladies come together at Madame Fortier's dress shop, where they work on the third floor using their talents to create gowns for the wealthy.   Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana overcome their fears, turn to God, and realize the plans He has for their lives in very different ways.  There is a history lesson to be learned from this story on how Italian immigrants were viewed in the early 1900's, along with a fantastic tale of romance, danger, faith, and family all rolled into one.   I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and storytelling, and would recommend this book to my friends!

Bethany House Publishers sent me this book for free so that I could write a non-biased review.

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate

Larkspur Cove is a fantastic read!  Andrea and her 14 year old son have returned to her childhood home in Moses Lake, Texas after suffering through a rough divorce, not to mention a deep humiliation caused by her ex-husband in her former church.  She lived the "perfect" life back in Houston, and is hurt that God was not there for her during her turmoil.  In all actuality, she has turned her back on God and deprived her son of a relationship with Him as well.  Through meeting Mart, who has baggage of his own, and her new job as a counselor for CPS referred cases, she finds her way back to the God that never left her or forsake her, but led her through her pain and grief to find joy and meaning on the other side.   There are so many wonderful characters in this book that have their own unique imprint on the lives of Andrea and Mart, but none greater than Len and Birdie.  Through this story, the reader will look at Len not just as a slow-witted, hygiene challenged old man, but as a caring and compassionate person who has much to give and share with his granddaughter, Birdie.  Birdie has been through too much in her short life, and the only safety she finds is with Len.  I highly recommend this book!  It made me think twice about judging outside appearances and really looking at the heart of a person.
I received this book free fron the publisher in order to write a review.  The opinions expressed are my own and I have not been asked to write a favorable review.

Deeper into the Word: New Testament by Keri Wyatt Kent

Deeper into the Word: New Testament is a wonderful tool to use when diving into your bible.  There are 100 words that are shown within scriptual passages, and they are broken down and explained by examining it in Greek, and the original meaning of the word is unearthed.  New light is shed on passages that have been previously read, and a deeper and richer connection is made to the Word.  This book has been very helpful and interesting to me.  I've read it alone, and have also gone back to it when studying the scripture.  I would almost describe it as a reference/devotional book, and I think it would be very useful for readers of all levels. 
In the back, there is a Greek index and also an appendix of websites that are useful for bible study.  This is a fantastic book!

I received this book free from the publisher in order to write a review.  I was not obligated to write a positive review, only to write my own opinion of the book.