For Your Reading Pleasure

Lately life has been a little challenging.  I've had so many physical things going on since the beginning of last year, and I rounded out the year on December 28th with a colonoscopy.  Yay.  Actually, it really wasn't that bad.  I'm SO glad they put you to sleep for those things!  : )  Anyway, life continues whether or not Momma is feeling up for it or not.  My means of escape?  A good book.  In fact, lots of good books.  I've been devouring books lately, reading 2 or 3 a week.  Once I get into a story, it's hard to stop.  For me it's like watching a great movie--it's so hard to stop in the middle to see how it's going to end : ).  I probably need to put the brakes on a little so I can get more sleep...but like I said, sometimes an overwhelmed Momma needs a little getaway...even if it's just a mental getaway.  So I thought I'd recommend some of my favorites lately.  I'll start with...

Medievals!  I'm SO into this time period right now.  Especially when there are several good ones.  I'm going to include a few I read last year, too, because I honestly think I might go back and read a few of them again.

I'll start with Melanie Dickerson's Young Adult (YA) books:

The Healer's Apprentice--a Christian/medieval take on Sleeping Beauty.  I love Melanie's style and the way she interprets these classic fairy tales.  Come on...I think all of us still love a good fairy tale, right?!

The Merchant's Daughter--another fairy tale made over.  This time it's Beauty and the Beast and it is fabulous.  I think I read it in a day, so I really want to go back and read it again. 

I'm hoping to do a little feature on Melanie soon, and when I do you'll get to hear about her newest book, The Fairest Beauty, which is now available (I haven't gotten it yet, but hope to soon!).  It's her version of Snow White.  She's also coming out with a Cinderella book in October.  Love it!

Next I would LOVE to recommend Lisa Bergren's River of Time series.  Oh man.  These are also YA books, but I loved them.  The main characters are two teenage sisters who mysterious travel back in time to Italy...and encounter knights, war, danger, and love.  Oh yeah.  There are 3 novels in the series and I think there are 2 novellas so far.  All are good! 

Recently my sister and I discovered another time travel/medieval book that we both loved.  It's called Dreamspell by Tamera Leigh.  It was really good and so my sister went on to buy the first book in Tamera's Age of Faith series called The Unveiling and the next book is called The Yielding.  If you like knights, some sword action, and a little romance, you'll like these!  Couldn't put them down!

Historical Christian fiction....

I'm really enjoying author Elizabeth Camden's books lately.  In fact, I'm reading The Rose of Winslow Street right now and it's so good!  I reviewed Against the Tide not too long ago here.  The sort of prequel to Against the Tide is The Lady of Bolton Hill, which sort of gives you a glimpse into the main character in Against the Tide.  I like Camden's books because they are well written, but they also offer insight into things I've not read much about, such as the opium trade and how it has affected so many, young and old.  It is fictional, but like many books there are some truths presented even in a fictional novel.  There are elements of romance in her novels, but there's also a little suspense, danger at times, and a good level of tension that makes me want to keep turning the pages.

I mentioned Lisa Bergren in the medieval section, but last year I read her "Glamorous Illusions".  I LOVED it!  It has a great level of suspense as someone is following our main character, but we don't know who : ).  Amazon sums it up best: When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.  Now to be able to read the sequel!  Hopefully it'll come out soon!

Tamera Alexander has long been one of my favorite authors!  Last November I actually got to meet her...AND have lunch with her!!  It was truly a treat and honor to be able to do that. Here is my blog post about our trip.  Her recent book, To Whisper Her Name, is set at Belle Meade plantation during the post-civil war era.  I love the rich history that Tamera incorporates into her novels.  It draws you into the world of the characters, which she includes those who really lived and worked at Belle Meade plantation.  My hubby and I were able to tour the home and grounds and it really made the book come to life.  The thing I love most about Tamera's book is the clear message of Christ and His love.  There is always a theme and nuggets of truth weaved into her stories that stick with me long after finishing the book.  I could recommend several of her books for that reason alone! 

I couldn't complete this post without mentioned Laura Frantz!!  I think I am one of her biggest fans ; ).  I absolutely love her books.  When I read them, the time period, the characters, everything about the story seems to come alive.  I feel like I'm watching a scene from a movie.  Her books are so detailed and filled with history--I wish the actual history books were written like this!  Maybe more people would enjoy learning it! : )  The Frontiersman's Daughter, The Colonel's Lady, and The Courting of Morrow Little all take place around the 1700s in the wilds of Kentucky.  My stomach is often in knots while reading her books...I can't hardly stand to put them down!  I loved the fact that, especially in The Colonel's Lady, that even when things seemed hopeless the main characters' devotion, dependence, and love for the Lord is what got them through impossible circumstances.  In thinking on our nation's founding, it seems impossible that our country could even be formed, if not for the dependence of our leaders on the Lord.  Love's Reckoning, her newest book, takes place in a later time in history, but still in America.  I enjoyed that book as well, but I think I'm still partial to her Kentucky books : ).

Honestly, I could recommend several more books but the hour is late and I need to finish up the book I'm reading : ).  If you have a Kindle, one benefit is that you can "share" some books with friends or family.  My sister and I have started taking turns buying favorite books and sharing them with each other ; ).  You have about 2 weeks to read a shared book once you put it on your Kindle.  It's a fun way to be able to read some of your favorite books! 

Happy reading!