Book review: My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela's Quandary

My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains:

Carmela's Quandary

by 

Susan Page Davis

*This post contains affiliate links

Quote:

"I don't understand why some people are so eager to hear about other's troubles." Deputy McKay

 pg. 70

Started: September 8, 2018

Finished: September 21, 2018

paperback 256 pages

From the cover:

A chance for escape takes two unlikely allies on a romantic adventure along a desert trail.

Orphaned at age twelve, Carmela Wade has lived a lie orchestrated by her uncle, pretending to be a survivor of an Indian kidnapping and profiting from telling her made-up story. But as she matures into adulthood, Carmela hates the deceit and longs to be free. On a stagecoach in Arizona Territory, Carmela and her uncle are fellow passengers with US Marshal Freeland McKay and his handcuffed prisoner. The stage is attacked. A chance to make a new life may suddenly be within Carmela's reach...if she can survive the harsh terrain and being handcuffed to an unconscious man.

Journey now to Tuscan, Arizona, and into the Superstition Mountains of 1866, where freedom will come at a high price for two determined individuals.

My Review:

This is the first book I have read in the My Heart Belongs series.

It was a light, easy read. I have to admit it was a big change for me. I've mostly been reading more thriller, dark, and mystery types.

This book was a total switch for me.

Normally, I do enjoy something lighter from time to time. This really was a sweet, innocent, well written, Christian fiction. Which is exactly want it was intended to be.

I can't say it was one that will go into my top 10 list.

I felt after reading the synopsis...that was pretty much it. That was the whole story, minus a few details. It sort of ruined the book for me. 

Everything was pretty much already there. Too predictable, no suspense...at all. I mean, you would think, wild west, captive characters, a stagecoach robbery, a lying uncle and the rugged terrain; there would be some action. I don't know,...just something.

I just felt like the whole book was drug out. A little back and forth with Carmela retelling her story to different characters as they showed up in the book, but nothing new.

And, the romance was too easy. The big, strapping Marshal, the damsel in distress....

Their time apart, hearts longing, and you guessed it...they make their way back together and ride off into the sunset.

Okay, I don't want to sound so harsh. It just wasn't for me.

I will say it was well written into short chapters. It had a few great characters( Mrs. Finney was my favorite). And, the good guys come out on top.

Overall, it was a sweet romance. Just don't be expecting any big wow moments.

I will check out the others in the series, just to see how they fair. 

Sometimes, it's nice to switch it up with something lighter. 

I would still recommend this book for those I know would enjoy it.

You can easily purchase a slightly used copy of this book,

My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains:Carmela's Quandary

or many of the other, My Heart Belongs books, from my link provided.

Book Review: The Priest's Graveyard

The Priest's Graveyard

By

Ted Dekker

Quote:

" Of course. Of course. There's nothing worse than injustice. I've always believed that those responsible for it should be brought to their knees even when they come in small, frail packages." ~ Danny pg. 129

Started: September 13, 2017

Finished: September 27, 2017

hardback cover, 360 pages

* This posts contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from the link, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
(TIA for adding to my book fund ;)

From the cover:

Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man, soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate bound by a perilous love.

Danny Hansen came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother's life. Now he's a priest, incensed by the powerful among us who manipulate the law for their own gain, uncaring of the shattered lives they leave behind. It is his duty to show them the error of their ways, even if he must put them in the grave.

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in the pursuit.

But when Danny and Renee's paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.

My Review:

I bought this book from ThriftBooks a few years ago but it had been put up and forgotten. I went through a huge  Ted Dekker phase and read about 5 of his books almost back to back. I absolutely love his writing style and amazing stories. I think I jut burnt myself out and moved on to something lighter and this book got forgotten. I'm so glad I found it and decided to read this one. 

It is a stand alone and I love that I wasn't getting in to a commitment...I have so many on my TBR list that I have slacked off on series unless, I already have the whole set.

Dekker did not disappoint!

As with all of his books, I was hooked from the first page.

He has an amazing way of saying just the right words to make you immediately ask the question, "What's happening here?"...and you have to keep going to figure it out.

Always action packed from the beginning.

In The Priest's Graveyard, it starts out with Renee asking a priest if he will listen to her, or rather Danny's confession, but only if he is 100% he will keep confidence and have time to hear the full story and hopefully understand Danny better. 

The Priest assures her God can forgive anything, but Renee isn't so sure... this time.

Danny's confession, written out in a journal, describes how it all started. How he became the priest who claims the lives of those who have done evil and gotten away with it. 

It details how he became who he now is and the events he has been involved in.

Throughout the book, Danny and Renee's relationship takes many turns and their lives become more entangled. They become teacher and apprentice, friends, partners, and even foe.

Much of Renee's life has been forgotten or at the least regressed memories that her brain isn't ready to deal with just yet. Will Danny uncover her secrets and be able to help her through the memories...or will he help to destroy her and the life she is now building with him?

How will all these events play out and what are the final consequences? Who really gets the final say?

I don't want to spoil the story for you readers. So, ....READ IT!

I can only say good things about yet another awesome Dekker book!

Make sure you check out all of his great books over at Goodreads!

Have you read any of his books?
Which is your favorite?

Shop now for thousands of quality used mystery, thriller & suspense books starting at under $4

Book Review: In Plain View: Valley Of Choice(Book #2)

In Plain View

By~ Olivia Newport

Quote:

" What do you know about Karl Kramer's missing fertilizer? Or what do your friends have to do with it? ~ Annie pg. 187

Started: August 21, 2017

Finished: August 31, 2017

Paperback 361 pages

From the Cover:

Choosing the simple life has never been so complicated...

Nearly a year after her successful but unsatisfying high-tech life, Annie Friesen wonders if she can truly succeed at being Amish. A lucrative job offer, a red dress, and the shadow of an Amish woman looking for a husband create a vortex that clouds Annie's choice. Her parents seem determined to sabotage her efforts, and Rufus Beiler, the Amish carpenter who captured her heart, leaves room for doubt about their future. When an explosion brings Annie under suspicion, she wrestles with how her new values will manifest in her efforts to clear her name.

Meanwhile, Amish parents Eli and Franey Beiler struggle with their daughter Ruth's decision to live away from the Amish settlement and pursue higher education in Colorado Springs, and the attentions of Elijah Capp bring Ruth's path to a crossroads.

Facing decisions that can change their own  futures as well as the futures of generations, both Annie and Ruth unravel the past in order to bring the future into plain view.

My Review:

This story continues with Annalise(Annie) trying to simplify her life and herself along with continuing on her path to becoming Amish. She has given up her career, her car, and her modern technology and easy communicating with her family. She has moved into a small home and had all electricity removed. She is living simpler, but it seems her life is anything but simple.

She is struggling with the Amish ways and language. Trying to pretend that she isn't doing this all for a man, Rufus. She now has Beth, one of the Stutzmans' daughters who are staying with the Beiler's until their house is finished, to make her jealous and cautious around Rufus. She is competition. 

Her sister is in town for a visit and insists on tempting Annie to stray back to her old ways.

Annie still has her suspicions about Karl Kramer and now with the explosion a whole new set of problems between the Amish and English people.

This story is just spinning out of control in circles. I cannot get a grasp on what this story is about or how it is supposed to play out. 

This is book # 2 and it is the same as before. Too many "mini stories" trying to fight for a place in this one book.

again, there is the historical, genealogy aspect with the first set of Bylers. Annie has kind of dropped off on her research in this book, yet the chapters still keep flipping from present to past.I honestly would have preferred the entire series to be solely about the post Revolutionary War Bylers. It seems to have more character and believable story line.
I am finding the "Annie story" to just drag out and never really go anywhere!

I have actually already started the third and final book and it pretty much seems the same.
And now, they have added yet another Amish family who have moved into the town and already seem to be bringing trouble with them. As I've said before, I will stick it out and finish this trilogy.
Hopefully, the conclusion will finally bring some answers to this puzzling saga!

Happy Reading!

Review: Accidentally Amish: Valley of Choice book #1

Accidentally Amish

by Olivia Newport

Quote: " If you set aside your pride, you'll admit you were frightened last night. You're used to solving problems, but you're in a predicament you don't know how to get out of." ~ Rufus Beiler 

(pg. 36)

Started: August 14, 2017

Finished: August 21, 2017

paperback/ 368 pages

From the Cover:

Torn between two cultures...

When software creator Annie Friesen needs to protect her intellectual property from her scheming partner, she escapes the chaos of Colorado Springs for the hospitality of an Amish family in the San Luis Valley. Annie's own ancestral connection to early Amish settlers unfolds in a story within a story, and her worlds collide...

especially when she feels an attraction to her host, Rufus Beiler.

A cabinetmaker by trade, Rufus has troubles of his own. Because of a competitor's false accusations, his business is in jeopardy. and so is his family, ever since his sister, Ruth, left the Amish community in a shroud of questions.

Now Annie, an outsider, begins meddling in affairs that don't concern her. When Rufus tells her she can't continue to hide among the Amish forever, Annie is torn. Will she return to her accomplishments in the high-tech, modern culture of Colorado Springs or remain with Rufus and the humble simplicity of the San Luis Valley Amish?

My Review:

I'm sad to say I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to. I bought all three in this trilogy(luckily) as a set at Half Price Books. I was kind of excited, as you never find a whole set at these secondhand thrifty shops. So, I jumped at the chance. I think I paid like $8 for the set.

Anyway, I usually enjoy Amish books. They are great easy reads and have great messages or spiritual insights. I love getting caught up in the easy, humble lifestyle they live with such purpose. I truly am fascinated by so much of their religion and lifestyle. The history of their way is enough to get me hooked reading almost anything Amish.

I honestly think what threw me off on this book was the new, modern, contemporary side of it. I just couldn't get into Annie's whole high-tech software life and them jump over to the farm  making cabinets and milking cows. It just didn't come full circle realistically for me.

There was way too much going on in this one short book. 

From Annie running from her problems, Rufus and Tom dealing with their own troubles, Ruth showing up in the story and going back and forth. Then there was back and forth between two towns("Amish town" and "Annie's world") and then we have her doing the genealogy to find the Beiler/Byler connection and the story jumps back in time to the late 1700's.

It really was way too much.

Just when I would get interested in one "good" part, it would zip over to a totally different"story".

I did start to like the characters and the historical part was definitely my favorite.

I only gave this book 3 stars. 

I believe it had great potential; just too much for one book.

I'm really hoping the second and third books get a little less chaotic in the story line and stick to a few major characters, instead of pulling in so many and so much.

Here's hoping! On to book #2,  In Plain View.

Happy Reading!

Review: The Last Sin Eater

The Last Sin Eater

by Francine Rivers

Quote: " Of myself, I'm saying nothing. I'm telling you what the man of God told us. There is only one Lamb of God, and he is Jesus Christ. We've no need of a scapegoat anymore. We need him." ~ Fagan pg. 247

Started: Feb.6, 2013

Finished: Feb. 19, 2013

paperback/ 324 pages

From the cover:

All that matters for Cadi Forbes is finding the one man who can set her free from the sin that plagues her days and nights... the sin that has stolen her mother's love from her and made her wish she could flee life and its terrible justice.

She knows it's forbidden, that doing so will bring curses down on her- but something deep and instinctive moves her, against all dire warnings, to find the "sin eater".

Before their journeys are over, Cadi and the sin eater must face themselves, each other- and the One who will demand all from them in exchange for the answers they seek.

My Review:

This is my first Francine Rivers read. I did like this book, however I did not love it. While it is considered an adult, Christian novel I found the book as a whole too drawn out as if the author really thought we needed so much repetition to hold our suspense and keep us reading. To me, it was dragged out into what could have been a great story if wrapped up in 200 or less pages. It seemed like I should have been reading aloud to my 9 year old and asking questions at the end of each chapter. e.i. "Do you understand why this and this happened?" 

Maybe it is because the story is mostly told from Cadi's point of view. I'm not sure.

Again, it had the most wonderful message, just not written to make the story "wow" me personally.

4 Stars* simply for the message aspect.

Review: The List

The List

by Robert Whitlow

Quote:  " The inn hasn't changed much, and neither has the List, but something makes me think change is coming." ~ Eicholtz pg. 129

Started: July 9, 2012

Finished: July 19, 2012

paperback/ 394 pages

From the cover: 

Fresh out of law school and full of hope for the future, Renny Jacobson is stunned by his father's sudden death- and then by the terms of the will: the elder Jacobson has left the bulk of his considerable estate to charity. For his only son, he has left nothing more than the contents of a safe deposit box and interest in a company no one has ever heard of- the Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd.

  When Renny, in rapid succession, encounters lovely Jo Johnston, meets the members of "The List" and discovers the staggering value of his father's mysterious bequest, his hope is resurrected. But why is Jo, to whom he is deeply attracted, so reluctant for him to claim his rightful share in the windfall?

  Against Jo's advice, Renny accepts his inheritance and discovers there is more to the Covenant List than meets the eye. "There is a power in the List," Renny's new business partners advise him. "Let us show you how to use it for your good."

  Renny feels the power of the 140-year-old covenant- feels it and wants it for himself. But when his life and Jo's begin to unravel, he is forced to face the truth: the power residing in the List is not a force for good, but for unimaginable evil...

  And nothing short of a miracle will save them from its grasp.

My Review:

 My first thought after finishing this book was.."reality check". It seriously is a wonderful, well written book. Again, while this is a work of fiction, it also has very real "emotional wars". Maybe it is God's way of putting things in the right place at the right time, or maybe it's just my way of dealing, coping. I'm going through a lot of my own "emotional wars" right now and this book was a great tool for me to review, rethink, and re-prioritize. While what I'm going through is far off from the plot to the book, we all have something we need help with. Some part of ourselves we are either unsure of or unhappy with. For many Christians we lapse, or even fail completely at letting God lead while we follow as we are taught to do. 

This book takes us through Renny's journey from the very beginning. For me it was a reminder that we aren't alone. Most will struggle with, question and even defy what is meant to be. Free will can be a very dangerous thing. Sometimes even more so for those unsure of so much in an evil world. 

Awesome book! 5 stars!

Review: Love Finds You..in Sugarcreek, Ohio

Love Finds You...

in Sugarcreek, Ohio

by Serena B. Miller

Quote: " This isn't our home Bobby. We have to move on."~ Joe pg. 51

started: Feb 10, 2012

finished: Feb. 13, 2012

From the cover:

 Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel- Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious. Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts'- and her own- growing affections for him?

My Review:

  I loved this book. I think it would have to be a combination of the Amish, which I truly enjoy learning about, the fact that it is set in Ohio, and the great story line that includes crime, devotion, and Christianity. This book was very heartfelt and so warm. I have learned that Sugarcreek is in fact a real place and now am planning a spring trip to visit. Although the characters and story are fiction, I feel it is an accurate description of the town and people.

I really liked Rachel's protective side. It shows how devoted and compassionate she is despite her hard, policewoman side. She is, either way a "go get em'" type. She doesn't wait around for others to figure things out or pass the job off to another. I feel this shows the hard work ethics and dedication one may get from growing up in an Amish setting. 

  I will give this book 4.5 stars

Review: Child of Grace

Child of Grace

Lori Copeland

" Neither do I- It sounds ugly and devastating, but I think we have to, hon." Cora pg. 52

started-Jan. 17, 2012

finished- Jan.19,2012

From the cover: "To E.J., her hometown was just a stop along the way..."

E.J. has built a successful career for herself, but is struggling with an unwanted pregnancy. She runs home to Cullen's Corner with her own intentions, yet in the quiet of her hometown she reconnects with family and God and discovers His plans for her life.

My Review: This book(for me) was a nice step up for Copeland. She seems to have an easy-read, typical style about her. Which is fine, that's her style of writing. I do feel this story had a good moral message and showed real feelings about the choices and decisions we may face. I like that it wasn't just a " he loves me, he loves me not" type of story. It showed a woman facing real problems in a real world. The characters were warm and realistic. I think Cora was my favorite. She reminds me a lot of my own Grandmother and the role she plays. She is a genuine, caring person and most of all, a woman who knows what she believes and isn't afraid to show it. 

Total rating: 4 stars

Review: The One Who Waits For me

The One Who Waits for Me

By Lori Copeland

Quote: "They are men. There's no such thing as kind men. How many times do I have to remind you?" ~ Beth Jornigan

started on Oct. 28,2011

ended Nov.1,2011

From the cover:

 He touched her heart as no other man ever had...

Would she be willing to wait for him?

Summer 1865- In the months just after the end of the Civil War, old ways of life are changing in the south. At a plantation in North Carolina, three young women are determined to leave everything behind for an unknown future without an evil uncle or cousin.

But Beth Jornigan, her sister, Joanie, and their friend Trella encounter trouble from the very start. A fire racing through dry cotton fields almost ends their journey before it has a chance to begin. Fortunately, soldiers on their way home rescue them just in time. Only these brave young men don't want the trouble that lovely, defenseless women will surely bring. They are more than ready to do nothing but put the war behind them, eat fresh-baked pie, and drink sweet tea surrounded again by their families.

And yet both the men and women discover that God sometimes has other plans than the ones we hold dear, and embracing those plans just may be an adventure and a chance for all of their dreams to come true.

Book Trailer~ The One Who Waits For Me

My Review:

This was a nice, easy read for me. I felt it was somewhat slow and predictable, but maybe it's because I have been on a suspense, mystery kick for awhile. This book just wasn't that!

It does have a good lesson and again being christian fiction it was very relaxing and uplifting. We never know what God has planned for us and too often we try to run things on our own.

I like the spunky, stubbornness of  Beth and the ever faithfulness of Joanie. Both have strong personalities and it shows throughout. I think that the men that come into their lives are well suited for each. I have heard rumors that this is the first book of a new series by  Lori Copeland and I am excited. I love series books and can't wait to hear what paths the characters take. 

All in all I give this book 3 stars.

Well written and fits all categories and expectations I had for it!

Review: House

House

by

Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

The light came into the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it.

My heart holds all secrets; my heart tells no lies.

House

The Only way Out is In

started reading~ 9/16/11
ended~ 9/22/11

Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker come together to give us a chilling, heart thumping look into the battle between good and evil. Every chapter has you wanting to hear more and finding more twists than the last. 

It starts out with Stephanie and Jack... a not so perfect couple, with some secrets and turmoils of their own.

After arguments, pity parties, and then...car trouble things go from bad to worse.

They decide to head out on foot to find help or shelter until daybreak. Up ahead is a sign that reads THE WAYSIDE INN. It is their only hope,... or is it?

There's a game to be played in order to leave this house! There are rules to his game. The rules are simple.

Rule 1.God came to my house and I killed him

Rule 2. I will kill anyone who comes to my house like I killed God

Rule 3. Give me one dead body and I might let Rule 2 slide

I really enjoyed this book. My first impression of the cover was that it would be creepy in a gruesome kind of way, but having read Dekker before I should have known it would be way deeper than boogeymen and zombies.

 I think Jack's character was well written but could have given more details into all the characters....don't want to give any spoilers away. Susan was by far my favorite, the most mysterious of them all.

By the middle of the book, the message is clear but it still has a few twists you weren't expecting. nothing is ever as it appears.

Over all I would give this book 4 stars.

It was definitely a book I would recommend and I have already ordered the movie based on the book. I cannot wait to see how it compares.

Hope you enjoy your next read!

Don't forget to check out other great reads by Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti