Book Review: "Unfailing Love: Psalms in the Key of my Life Volume II: Psalms 51-100" by Carol Shelton Moye

I downloaded "Unfailing Love: Psalms in the Key of my Life Volume II: Psalms 51-100"  as a freebie on Amazon.com earlier this month.  The author recently asked for people to review it on the CrossReads Reviewers group and since I already had it, I offered to review it.

I thought that it was going to be a type of commentary book about the Psalms, but I was wrong. Carol Shelton Moye sort of reworks the psalms into more current themes and settings.  She uses the overall idea of the psalm to share how she was able to apply it to her life.  For example, she has several that are regarding civil rights type issues.   She states that she isn't trying to write a Bible translation, but rather to "write responses to each of the Psalms, using poetry and song."  As with the Psalms, themselves, I related to some of the chapters in the book more than others, but liked the idea very much.

You can buy a Kindle edition of "Unfailing Love Psalms  in the Key of my Life Volume II: Psalms 51-100" from Amazon.com for $4.99

• File Size: 335 KB
• Print Length: 94 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1494870207
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: CaroLana Publications (April 24, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00JXVZAJI

Book Review: Lucy's Mansion by Deanne Durrett

I was given a free eBook copy of "Lucy's Mansion" by the author in order for me to write a review.  "Lucy's Mansion" is the 2nd book in the "Ordinary Days in Myrtle Hill" series and starts where "The Rogue Trust" leaves off.

I did not read "The Rogue Trust" prior to reading "Lucy's Mansion", but I feel that Deanne Durrett did a good job of recapping the events that took place in the first book of the series so you didn't feel totally lost while reading "Lucy's Mansion".  It probably would be better to read the 1st book first, but it wasn't that bad not having read it first, either!

Becca McGee is just an ordinary woman, a high school history teacher, raising her 12 year old daughter alone after the death of her husband.  That is until she becomes the benefactor of a trust (in the book "The Rogue Trust") The attraction with lawyer J.T. Harrison that started during "The Rogue Trust" continues to build and Becca wants to act on her feelings but is held back by her daughter.  Amy K keeps saying that second marriages are bad for kids.

J.T. Harrison wants to move forward with Becca, but is afraid of another broken heart. He needs to win Amy K over, but another man is also wooing Becca.  Is he too late to win her heart?

While dealing with their feelings for each other, they also face the difficulties that face the woman's shelter which is being housed in Lucy's Mansion.  Will they be able to get around the zoning restrictions and keep the women in their new home?

"Lucy's Mansion" is a good Christian novel without profanity or any physical "liaisons" other than holding hands, hugging, and kissing.  Other than Amy K, I don't recall ever being told what Becca or J.T. looked like, which made it hard for me to imagine them.  The story was written well (other than the typos I found, which are fairly easy to fix in an eBook format) but it wasn't "gelling" with me as much as some books do.  I'm not really sure why, but I didn't feel compelled to sit and read the book in one sitting as I do with some books.  It wasn't like I didn't want to *not* finish the book, though, as it was a nice story with believable characters. One thing that made me wonder was: what was up with the daughter's name?  Amy K ?  Is K her middle initial?  Why was it there? This may have been covered in the 1st book, but I did find is sort of odd.

"Lucy's Mansion" is available on Amazon.com for $2.99.

• File Size: 1716 KB
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00H4FLIBE

UPDATE:  The author contacted me and told me this:  "You are right, Amy K's name is explained in Rogue Trust and Becca and J.T. are described there, too. It's hard to know how much to include from the first book when writing the second."

Book Review: At the Edge of a Dark Forest: A Modern-retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Connie Almony

Through CrossRead Reviewers, I was able to get a free ecopy of "At the Edge of a Dark Forest: A modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast (Fairwilde Reflections)" from the author so I would be able to review it.  

Cole Harrison is an Iraqi war veteran who came back broken and disfigured.  He hides behind his ugliness believing it now shows the true man he has always been inside.

Carly Rose comes to live with Cole to fit and train Cole in the use of her new line of prosthetics, hoping he will invest in a new start up company. 

Carly soon sees that there is a kind and generous man, who she finds herself having feelings for, hidden under the layers of pain and alcoholism.  Can she help Cole realize that the only one who can save him is God Himself?

I enjoyed reading "At the Edge of a Dark Forest".  I chuckled how the characters joked about themselves being a "Beauty and the Beast" story and how Cole even gave Carly the nickname "Beauty".   Cole also discounts himself as a good romance novel hero, when he is the hero in a romance novel!  It was just a little twist that I enjoyed.  The book wasn't overly long, but I didn't feel that detracted from the story at all.  (Just made it easier to read in a quicker amount of time!)  

 "At the Edge of a Dark Forest" is available on Amazon for 99¢. 

• File Size: 1222 KB
• Print Length: 210 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1495464350
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00IIVIYH4

Book Review: "A Place to Call Home" by Merrillee Whren

I was given the opportunity to review a free eBook version of "A Place to Call Home" through CrossReads Reviewers by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Kurt Jansen has just gotten out of prison after serving 6 years.  He has been working on giving his anger at being unjustly accused of killing his wife to God and Steve's prison ministry has given him the hope that maybe he can get a job doing what he loves--restoring old homes.  He needs a job so he can hire a private investigator to find the real murderer and a lawyer to get custody of his twins.

Molly Finnerty needs to have her Victorian home restored to open a bed and breakfast.  Steve recommends Kurt.  She isn't sure she should hire a man convicted of killing his wife.  She's been blind to people's real personalities before.  As she grows to trust and believe Kurt, she holds her own past a secret.  How would he react if he knew she didn't serve any time for something she was guilty of when he served 6 years for something he didn't do?

They find themselves drawn to each other, but feel that they can't start a relationship.  Will they be able to find a place to call home?

"A Place to Call Home" is an inspirational/Christian romance and there are frequent mentions of trusting God and praying as well as going to church.  I really enjoy this in a book.  Also, the characters only ever kiss.

I really enjoyed the book and felt drawn into the characters' lives.  I found them to be believable and true to life.

• File Size: 433 KB
• Print Length: 209 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Merrillee Whren (April 13, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00CCTO9BS

You can buy an eBook version of the book for $3.99.

Book Review: "A Light in the Darkness" by Staci Stallings

I was gifted the 3rd book in the Faith Series, "A Light in the Darkness"  by Staci Stallings.  This book follows Holly Jacobs as she heads to California to her mother's latest fiancé's vineyard.  It also starts right where the previous book ends like "A Piece of Heaven" did.  It just isn't as obvious as it only ties to Rebecca mentioning at the end of "A Piece of Heaven" that Holly was in a limo on her way to Napa.  "A Light in the Darkness" starts with Holly in the limo hanging up her cell phone after talking to Rebecca. 


We met Holly in the 1st book of the series, "A Work in Progress" and learn that she has had a rough past with her mother moving from one guy to the next always working to "improve" her life.  Holly is never sure how long the latest relationship is going to last and has a hard time letting herself get attached to her current situation since she doesn't know how long it will last.  Once at the vineyard, Holly meets Gabriel Cabrales and is drawn to him and the peace he exudes.  


Gabriel on the other hand would like her to leave him to his quiet time of prayer while he weeds.  He is struggling with what he's supposed to do now that his father has had a heart attack and he's in charge of the grounds crew, but he really feels he's supposed to be going to college. But while reading the book "True Power and Real Peace" he feels that he needs to be a reflection of God's light to Holly. 


Holly starts helping Gabriel weed in the mornings and gives her life to God.  She starts to stand up for herself and realize she doesn't have to bow to her mother's wishes anymore.  When Gabriel's life careens out of control, it is her turn to be strong and help him.    When the summer is over, will they be able to step out in faith and trust that God has a plan?




This book is the most permeated with spiritual dialog of the three books in the series. They deal with spiritual warfare between demons and angels and banishing demons and fear.  What Gabriel reads in "True Power and Real Peace" is given in the story so we can read it, too.  I found it interesting that it is an actual book that you can buy, written for Gabriel in the story!


Staci Stallings' characters are always so believable and real.  I could relate the best to Rebecca in "A Work in Progress" since she is the most like me, but I'm sure that other people relate equally well with the other characters. 

• File Size: 951 KB
• Print Length: 399 pages
• Publisher: Spirit Light Publishing (May 25, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0052NW97C

"A Light in the Darkness" is available for $6.99 in a Kindle edition book.

Book Review: "A Work in Progress" by Staci Stallings

I was once again blessed with the opportunity to read a Staci Stallings book.   "A Work in Progress" is listed as a "New Adult Contemporary Christian Romance Novel"  which basically means college students!  I have enjoyed every book I've read that Staci Stallings has written and "A Work in Progress" was no exception.


Rebecca Avery has had a crush on Eric Barnett ever since she bumped into him (literally) in the Student Union.  She soon discovers she is in the same psychology class as him and looks forward to Tuesdays when she can sit in front of him and spend time with him (even if he doesn't know she exists).   She has never been a "beautiful person" who has it all together and longs to fit in like they do.

Eric Barnett feels like an extra wheel whenever he hangs out with his friends since they all have a "significant other".  He thinks he needs to find the perfect girl to fit in with them and feel like he belongs.  Enter Holly. She seems to be the perfect girl for him, but she doesn't seem interested in him and stands him up for a date, which leaves him having to go out with her roommate.....Rebecca Avery.

As Eric and Rebecca spend time together working on a project for psychology class, they become friends.  They start to realize that their worth has nothing to do with them and everything to do with God and how He sees them. Will Rebecca be satisfied with just being Eric's friend and will Eric realize that there is more to Rebecca than meets the eye?

I really related to Rebecca (right down to the name! ☺) in how she feels like an outsider and not one of the "beautiful people".  I have done many of the things that Rebecca did while in college (like sitting in the hall to avoid your roommates).  I had a hard time putting the book down and ended up staying up until midnight to finish it.  

I really liked the faith aspect of the book and how the characters learned they needed to know God personally.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes clean romance stories. 

You can buy an eBook version for $6.99.

I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: "The Ultimate Guide to Kindle Publishing Using Microsoft Word" by Rev. Allen Smith

I have been wondering what I would do when I finally finish one of my novels and how I would go about getting it published.  Then I came across the opportunity to review "The Ultimate Guide to Kindle Publishing Using Microsoft Word" by Rev. Allen Smith.  It was exactly what I needed to answer my questions!  Rev. Smith gives instructions step by step for what to do after you have finished writing your book up to getting it published on Amazon as a Kindle edition book.  He includes illustrations throughout the book to show the different steps. He also gives hints about publicity and marketing.  It will be an invaluable asset when I am ready to actually publish a book.

I did have some issues with typos and punctuation throughout the book, but as I received an advance copy for free in exchange for my honest review, I'm sure that these will be taken care of before it actually gets published.

Book Review: "Reunion" By Staci Stallings

After finishing "Dreams by Starlight", I was excited to learn that there was a sequel.  I was gifted a copy by Staci Stallings in order to review it.

It is 10 years since Jaylon and Camille shared their dreams under the starlight under the tree at Jaylon's Grandma's old house.  Camille has gone on to become the lead designer as an aerospace engineer and Jaylon has a life that seems perfect.  They both regret that time has drawn them apart, but figure that it is the past and best to forget it and move on with life.

After meeting up at their 10 year high school reunion, they realize that they have fallen into old habits of trying to please everyone else and not being true to who you are.  Will they be able to find what their dreams really are before it is too late?

Even though "Reunion" is a sequel, it did give "flash backs" about some of the events from "Dreams by Starlight" so readers could get a general idea of what was going on without first reading "Dreams by Starlight".  I think that you are more "invested" in the anguish that they feel by first reading the journey it took to get them together that takes place in "Dreams by Starlight" however and would recommend reading them in sequence.

I was pulled back into Jaylon and Camille's story and agonized with every heartache they experience.   I confess, I shed tears as I read the story, the emotions just felt so real.  I am glad that I got to spend more time with my friends Jaylon and Camille & Nick and Lexie.

This story had the characters seeking God's guidance more than the first one, and I liked that.  I highly recommend this story!

You can buy the eBook version of "Reunion" for $6.99 and a print book for $14.38.

Book Review: "Dreams by Starlight" by Staci Stallings

Camille Wright is a dedicated student with great grades and dreams of going to Princeton to study to become an aerospace engineer.  But the guidance counselor thinks she needs a more rounded class schedule to be appealing  So he signs her up for drama class which is Camille's greatest fear since it's hard to be invisible on stage.

Jaylon Quinn has been the center of attention for his whole high school career.  He didn't care who he stepped on to get to the top as long as he got there.  

That is until Camille and Jaylon are paired for an eye contact exercise in drama class and they start questioning where their lives are taking them.  They realize that the person that everyone sees isn't always the real person at all and they have to stand up for who they truly are.

"Dreams by Starlight" is a YA (young adult) book.  It is set in high school and the characters deal with issues relevant to high school students.  This makes it very relevant to the YA audience.  Even though I am 20+ years out of high school, I could still relate to the characters and the feelings that they felt of wanting to feel invisible and trying to figure out where life is supposed to be taking you.  I did not feel like the story was below me or childish in any way.  I really enjoyed reading "Dreams by Starlight". The characters had real depth of character and if felt like you were there in high school with them. 

Staci Stallings is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!  

You can buy "Dreams by Starlight" in eBook format for $6.99 or print form for $15.27.

I was gifted an eBook copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: "If You Believed In Love" By Staci Stallings

I was gifted a copy of "If You Believed in Love" by the author, Staci Stallings through CrossReads Reviewers in exchange for my review.   

This is the book description:  

Jonathon Danforth has checked out of life. Stinging from an unimaginable loss, he has withdrawn from life, wanting only to live out his existence with as little interference as possible. However, when his sister talks him into auditing an English Literature class at the local community college, he reluctantly accepts the invitation to abandon his lonely apartment. Intent upon making an appearance for his sister’s sake and then disappearing for his own, Jonathon sulks into class. But when he meets Elizabeth Forester, the professor, Jonathon learns there is more to life and to love than he ever could have imagined.

I found myself very into the story and felt as if I was sitting in Room 103 along with Jonathon and the rest of the students as Elizabeth helped them find the meanings in classics like Browning and Austen.  I thrilled at every advancement and was saddened by every setback.  I found it sort of funny how as I sat there reading the book and feeling like the people were actual people, the characters in the book were discussing the fact that the characters in the books they were reading seemed like real people!   

"If You Believed in Love" was a little more edgy  than I'm used to reading.  It didn't tell anything graphic or vulgar, the characters' back stories just had them "going farther" than they should have in my opinion.  The relationship between Jonathon and Elizabeth was pure and "Victorian", which I liked.  

Staci Stallings has done an excellent job of writing a story that is realistic and entertaining.  I had to keep reading it straight through so I could know how it all worked out!   It also inspired me to keep working on my own novels. 

You can get a copy of "If You Believed in Love" from Amazon for $8.82.