A Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer

A VALLEY OF BETRAYAL by Tricia Goyer

Review by Lauren, regular contributor.

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A Valley of Betrayal is the first book in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series by Tricia Goyer. In this novel, Sophie Grace heads to Madrid to find her fiance. Little does she know she is entering a country torn apart by conflict. As war erupts around her, she learns that her dreams of a happy reunion and marriage may be destroyed along with the lives of the Spanish people. Sophie must decide what to do next and determine if God has a role for her amidst the desolation and heartache all around her.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so this book piqued my interest from the beginning. From there, I found myself drawn into Sophie's story as well as the mysteries surrounding some of the other characters. I will admit that I was a little disappointed when some of my questions were left unanswered at the end. But, now I can look forward to finding the answers in A Shadow of Treason, the second book in the series, soon!

This book is for adults.

THE SCRIBE by Francine Rivers

THE SCRIBE by Francine Rivers

Review by Lauren, regular contributor.
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The Scribe, the fifth and final book in Francine Rivers' Sons of Encouragement Series, is the story of Silas, an important figure in the early church. The story begins shortly before the apostle Peter's death, but much of the narrative focuses on Silas' memories of the events surrounding Jesus' ministry, Jesus' death, and the spread of the gospel after Jesus' resurrection. The book is short and easy to read, but it carries a powerful punch. As with all the books in this series, I am so glad I read it.

Although this is a fictional story, Mrs. Rivers sticks closely to the Biblical text; the details she adds are based on research and what she believes could have happened. One of the aspects of this book that I appreciated was that after reading this book, I wanted to reread the Biblical account to compare and contrast the two. Additionally, reading this book gave me a greater appreciation for the historical setting and the context in which the early Christians lived.

The other books in this series are written in a similar style; they tell the stories of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, and Amos. Mrs. Rivers also has five books, called the Lineage of Grace Series, highlighting the five women that are named in the lineage of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary (I enjoyed this series tremendously). Be sure to give these books a try!

This book is suitable for older teens and adults.

Emma by Jane Austen

Emma by Jane Austen

I recently read Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, and I would list them among my favorite books. For my third Austen book, I settled on Emma. I did not care for Emma as much, but I am glad that I read it.

In some respects, Emma Woodhouse is not a likable heroine. She is self-centered and vain, and she uses others for her own entertainment and pleasure. Throughout the novel, however, Emma changes into a lady who genuinely cares for the feelings of others and learns that she cannot view the entire world through her own desires and perspective.

Although she was sometimes shallow, I liked Emma as a character, and I enjoyed following her transformation. Like the other Austen books I have read, Emma is filled with wit and humor. On the other hand, there were times when I felt the story was dragging. Sometimes, I just had to put the book down and come back to it at another time. Additionally, while I believe that Jane Austen has a gift for creating wonderful characters, there were so many people mentioned that I sometimes had difficulty keeping some of the lesser names straight in my mind.

Of the Austen books I have read, Emma was not my favorite, but I certainly recommend it. If you have never read Jane Austen, head to your nearest library now; you will not be disappointed. And, because Emma has been made into several movies, you can treat yourself to the movie as well (after reading the book, of course)!

Review by Lauren, regular contributor

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Straight Up by Lisa Samson

Straight Up is the story of Georgia Bishop, a musician who is wasting her life and talent by drowning herself in alcohol. Both of her parents are dead, and she is separated from her husband. In an attempt to help Georgia reclaim her life, Georgia’s uncle Geoffrey convinces her to move to Lexington, Kentucky, where she can be closer to him and have a fresh start.

Fairly, Georgia’s cousin, is simultaneously living an empty life. Although she is not a drunk, she spends all her time working, and she is involved in a meaningless relationship. Like her cousin, Fairly is bitter because those she loved the most are dead, and she no longer believes that God cares about what happens in her life.

Geoffrey convinces Fairly to visit Lexington as well, and emotions run high. When a life-altering event occurs, Fairly and Georgia are forced to recognize how empty their lives have become. Will it be too late to change?

If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction, I believe you will enjoy this book. Lisa Samson does an excellent job developing real characters who struggle with the difficult circumstances in their lives. Mrs. Samson forces the characters to deal with the consequences of their actions; not everything is smooth and rosy. I especially appreciated the way Mrs. Samson highlighted the impact that we all have on the lives of others. We are not isolated. When we do not use our talents, and when we refuse to live as God desires us to live, we damage ourselves, and we alter the lives of others. Unfortunately, the people we hurt the most are the ones we love.

This book is for adults.

Review by Lauren

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Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini

Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini

Bri Stone is living her dream life. She has a wonderful husband, a great son, a loyal best friend, and a fun job working as a coastal tour guide in Ventura, California. To make her life even sweeter, she lives on the beach, only steps away from the ocean she loves. Unfortunately, Bri begins to worry that her life is not as idyllic as she believed it to be. She fears that she is losing her close relationship with her husband, she begins to have problems at work, and she experiences new difficulties in the already rocky relationship with her mother-in-law. Can Bri pull herself together to fix the problems in her life?

Chocolate Beach is a great, fun read (I would classify this book as Christian Chick Lit). While I am not the laid back beach type, I could sympathize with Bri's struggles. Throughout the novel, Bri's problems with friends, family members and co-workers stem from a lack of communication; I think most people can relate to that! Julie Carobini's style of writing is as easy-going and enjoyable as a day at the beach. If you are looking for something light but meaningful to read this summer, be sure to pick up a copy of this book.

This book is appropriate for adults.

Posted by Lauren, regular contributor

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Thorn in my Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

Thorn in My Heart is a retelling of the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel from the first book of the Bible, Genesis. The author uses the Scottish Lowlands as the setting for this masterful retelling. The story begins in the autumn of 1788, as Jamie McKie schemes with his mother to steal the familial blessing that rightfully belongs to his brother Evan and continues as Jamie is forced to flee his home in search of refuge and a bride at the home of his Uncle Lachlan. After an arduous journey, Jamie arrives at his uncle's home, and the story of love, deception, and greed continues.

When I began reading this book, I had my doubts about whether I would enjoy it. I am very familiar with the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, and I didn't know how interested I could be in a story if I already knew the ending. I shouldn't have worried! As soon as Jamie arrived at the home of his uncle, I was hooked. I found myself pleading with the characters to make different decisions and hoping the story would end differently than the Biblical account. I was often angry with characters on one page and pitying them on the next. Truly, for Mrs. Higgs to capture my attention and my emotions with a story so familiar was remarkable.

I will warn that Scottish words are used throughout the story. While the author includes a glossary at the end of the book, most of the words are easily understood based on the context. Additionally, I was impressed with the way Mrs. Higgs worked out certain details of the Biblical account while staying true to the historical Scottish setting. I also appreciated that reading this story allowed me to consider in greater detail the emotions and conflicts that the Biblical characters faced and inspired me to study the story another time.

I recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Fair is the Rose. This book is recommended for adults.

Review by Lauren, regular contributor

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Ordinary Days: Family Life in a Farmhouse by Dorcas Smucker

Life is sometimes hectic and busy. Sometimes we need to slow down. Ordinary Days: Family Life in a Farmhouse will encourage you to do just that. Dorcas Smucker, the author, is the wife of a Mennonite minister and mother of six. She has written a collection of stories that will make you want to sit, relax, and appreciate the ordinary, yet important, moments of your life.

The essays are divided into categories: family, seasons, relatives, places, and lessons. While Mrs. Smucker's life on her farm is much different than my own, I found myself nodding and smiling as I related to her stories. Her tales brought back memories of long car trips, helped me remember the way it felt to finish school and begin a seemingly endless summer, and rekindled my appreciation for seeing life through the eyes of a child. Her stories reminded me to value the ordinary days that make up my own life.

Whatever your station in life, you will appreciate that these stories reflect on issues common to the human experience: life, death, work, play, family, friendship, even speeding tickets. These essays are meant to be read slowly and savored, so plan to spend some time as you journey through Mrs. Smucker's ordinary days. The time you spend with her stories will help you remember and appreciate your own.

If you are interested, Mrs. Smucker also has a website and a blog. She invites you to come and visit.

Review by Lauren, regular contributor

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I recently pledged to broaden my reading horizons by reading a few classics. Last week, I read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I admit that I forced myself to begin this book, and I trudged through the opening chapters. It wasn't long, however, before I was caught up in the tale.

This love story is funny, sarcastic, and witty. It is filled with sisterly devotion, disappointment, familial discord, indiscretions, deception, and, of course, pride and prejudice. After reading the book only once, I will not attempt to provide a literary discussion of this fine work, but I will recommend it heartily.

For those of you who shy away from classics, let me share something I learned about myself. As I read, I realized the reason I usually stick with more contemporary works of fiction; I prefer to read quickly. When reading a text in which words such as precipitance, thither, and insipidity are common, I must slow down and give greater attention to the language and its meaning. What I discovered with Pride and Prejudice is that some stories are worth my time and effort! I would encourage anyone who hesitates to read classics for a similar reason to give this novel a try.

This novel is quite quotable, but I will share one I noticed in the the opening chapters of the book.

"Pride," observed Mary, who piqued herself upon the solidity of her reflections, "is a very common failing I believe. By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common indeed, that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us."

So true! Again, I enjoyed this novel, and I plan to read more by Jane Austen. I highly recommend that you do the same.

Review by Lauren, regular contributor

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LAST CHANCE! Don't forget to comment on this or any other Clean Reads post for a chance to win a new signed copy of RULES by Cynthia Lord!

The Debt by Angela Hunt

The Debt is the story of Emma Rose Howard. Emma Rose is the committed and loving wife of a busy and prominent minister. Emma Rose plays a vital role in her congregation; her days are filled with acts of service for her husband and her brothers and sisters in Christ. Out of the blue, one phone message changes everything. The caller reminds Emma Rose of her past and forces her to evaluate her life. Emma Rose learns that while serving the people of God is noble and important, she has neglected an even greater calling.

In this novel, Angela Hunt poignantly reminds the reader that although Christians are called to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ, they must not forget their mission in the world. If you are in need of a gentle shove to help you step outside your comfort zone, check out this thought-provoking book. I am new to Mrs. Hunt's novels, but I plan to read more of her novels soon.

This book is Christian fiction and is appropriate for adults.

Happy Reading!

Posted by Lauren, regular contributor.

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