{Something Old, Something New} June Picks

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge

Well, I've made very little progress on this challenge in quite some time! But I figured with the arrival of summer and a new month, I'd give it another go. :)

While I hope to read more than these two books this month, I want to spotlight these picks...

I am incredibly behind on the poignant Tales of Goldstone Woods fantasy series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, so I plan to (finally!) read through Dragonwitch, which is where I left off. I own the books that follow after that one (Shadow Hand in paperback and the other three in ebook format), and I'd love to catch up again! Plus, I totally owe Anne Elisabeth and Bethany House reviews for Dragonwitch and Shadow Hand, so, um, I should get on that! 

And I have been waiting FOREVER (or at least a very long time) for another book by Heather Dixon, author of a favorite of mine: Entwined. I pre-ordered Illusionarium (squee!) and plan to read it during our family vacation. Can't wait!!

{Something Old}

Acquired Summer 2013

Who will dare to face the Dragonwitch?

Submissive to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future king of the North Country.

But within the walls of Gaheris Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into civil war.

And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the one person who can wield it.

Amazon | Goodreads

{Something New}

Acquired Spring 2015

What if the world holds more dangers—and more wonders—than we have ever known? And what if there is more than one world? From Heather Dixon, author of the acclaimed Entwined, comes a brilliantly conceived adventure that sweeps us from the inner workings of our souls to the far reaches of our imaginations.

Jonathan is perfectly ordinary. But then—as every good adventure begins—the king swoops into port, and Jonathan and his father are enlisted to find the cure to a deadly plague. Jonathan discovers that he's a prodigy at working with a new chemical called fantillium, which creates shared hallucinations—or illusions. And just like that, Jonathan is knocked off his path. Through richly developed parallel worlds, vivid action, a healthy dose of humor, and gorgeous writing, Heather Dixon spins a story that calls to mind The Night Circus and Pixar movies, but is wholly its own.

Amazon | Goodreads

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Planning on enjoying any "old" or "new" books this month? You can learn more about this reading challenge at PidginPea's Book Nook!

{Something New}: My Review of Meant to Be Mine + March Picks

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge

I only ended up reading "something new" in February (out of my two picks)...but it was a wonderful "something"! You'll find my thoughts on Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade below, along with my March picks for this challenge. Happy new month!

About the Book

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school - irresistible. When their paths cross again after college - still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

Amazon | Goodreads

My Rating

Summer

My Review

Undoubtedly my favorite book of Becky Wade's so far! Funny enough, Meant to Be Mine has two elements that I generally don't consider a favorite in romances: a child, and a love triangle where two women are in love with the same man. Somehow this story must have been "meant for me" regardless, because I loved seeing Ty and Celia's romance play out!

This second book in the "Porter Family" series has a very unique premise, especially where Christian fiction is concerned: A Las Vegas wedding gone wrong - but a marriage that still means something even years after husband and wife have separated.

Each character, whether primary or secondary, is vividly drawn and enchantingly envisioned. Celia and her slightly hippie, baking-loving style. Ty and his utterly frustrating conceit and yet heart-melting vulnerability, values, and growth. Addie with her teal glasses, hot-pink cowgirl boots, and love of princess stories. Uncle Danny - single surfer dude with really bad luck in finding a date among his own older age group.

There are even cameos by Meg and Bo from Undeniably Yours, and scenes with younger brother Jake, who is set to star in A Love Like Ours. Let me tell you, I'm even more eager for the third book in the series after being captivated by Meant to Be Mine!

With themes of forgiveness and sacrifice woven into an engaging story about finding new dreams and reviving old love, this book is a delightful take on contemporary romance.

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Care to join the {Something Old, Something New} Challenge? Visit PidginPea's Book Nook for all the details!

And now, here are my March 2015 picks...

{Something Old}
Acquired March 2012

Wisdom came as God’s gift, but sacred love was forged through passion’s fire…

Standing in the shadow of his famous father, young King Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, longing for a love that is true and pure—a love that can be his cornerstone.

A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah has known since she first laid eyes on Solomon that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father secures a promise from Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams will come true.

But how can this simple shepherdess live as part of Solomon’s harem? Can Solomon set aside his distractions to give himself completely to just one woman? Or will he let duty, deception, and the daily routine divide his heart?

Mesu Andrews expertly weaves the words of the Song of Solomon into this touching story of the power of love from a master storyteller.

Amazon | Goodreads

{Something New}

Borrowed Late 2014 (I believe...)

Two misfits. One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor. 

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park. 

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

Amazon | Goodreads

{Something New}: My Review of Seeing Through Stones + February Picks

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge

I did actually finish this one in January - I just didn't get around to writing the review until now! You'll find my February picks for the challenge below the review.

Here's a description of the book:

From Award-Winning, Young Adult author Rajdeep Paulus comes the sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, a powerful reminder that life is a battle you don't fight alone.

I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, "Run to me," but I just learned to walk.

After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday's nightmares.

Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself?

Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.

Add to Goodreads | Purchase on Amazon

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Seeing Through Stones is a powerful sequel to Swimming Through Clouds. A hard but hopeful follow-up that separately follows Talia and her younger brother Jesse as they face their own demons and struggle to embrace an uncertain future.

Just because Talia is now in a safe house doesn't mean things are settled for her. Doubts and dangers won't leave her alone, and she faces some very difficult decisions. And meanwhile, Jesse is out on the streets, alternately chasing independence and revenge. Both make new relationships and try desperately not to lose hope for the good ones they've had to let go of for a time. 

As for Lagan, Talia's "Post-It Prince"...oh, how I adore him! His character, although only allowed brief page time, has a presence that permeates the story with sweet security and joy.

Author Rajdeep Paulus has a vivid, fragmented, and beautiful way with the English language. The reading experience for this series isn't always smooth in terms of both painful content and unconventional syntax, but it's striking and poignant and captivating. Seeing Through Stones is a gripping story of perseverance, new perspectives, and finding freedom.

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Care to join the {Something Old, Something New} Challenge? Visit PidginPea's Book Nook for all the details!

And now, here are my February 2015 picks...

{Something Old}
Acquired August 2013

An Unlikely Partnership

Opening a business isn’t a piece of cake – something Melissa Sweeney discovers when an anonymous benefactor brings her to Bygones, Kansas. She can’t fulfill her longtime dream of starting up her own bakery without help. But with his traditional view of work and family, Brian Montclair is the unlikeliest candidate for the job. Even more surprising is the powerful attraction sprouting up between the rugged mechanic and his fiercely independent new boss. Brian’s heart and soul belong to his hardworking community that is slowly coming back to life. Melissa wants to be part of that transformation . . . if she can make Brian believe they can be true partners in everything – including love.

Amazon | Goodreads

Note: If this one doesn't end up being my cup of tea, I'll plan on reading one of the other Love Inspired or Heartsong Presents books that have been on my shelf for a while.

{Something New}

Acquired September 2014

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school - irresistible. When their paths cross again after college - still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

Amazon | Goodreads

{Something Old}: My Review of Pearl in the Sand

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes.

Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well - walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness.

A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith...of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.

Add to Goodreads | Purchase on Amazon

My Rating

Summer

My Review

I'd heard great things about this book, and why I let it languish so long on my bookshelf is a mystery. (I guess it's a testament to my reckless book-buying habit and my ever-growing physical and electronic TBRs.)

Well, I'm pleased to report that I agree with the glowing recommendations. Pearl in the Sand is a beautiful and engaging debut novel!

From the harsh and horrific introduction to her character, to the heartfelt depiction of her turning to faith, Rahab stands out as an absolutely wonderful heroine. Imperfect, with a difficult past, but inspiring in the way she embraces the hope of the Lord and the challenges and rewards of a new life.

As for the hero, well...there's a lot to love about him. And there's a lot to learn from his own set of challenges, weaknesses. and lessons.

The excellent setting and cultural descriptions provide a striking background for this fictionalized account of the fall of Jericho and the life of Rahab. But while there's strong drama in the demise of the walled city, the main tension revolves around the siege against emotional and spiritual strongholds.

It's a great thing to be reminded of the very real struggles of the people mentioned in the Scriptures, as well as the very real examples of faith. Pearl in the Sand showcases the grittiness and preciousness of both.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for my copy of the book, which I won on the Window to My World blog.*

Are You Up for a Game of Catch-Up?

The start of a new year (or month or week) is always a fitting time to get yourself organized and begin anew, right? So this afternoon I want to take a bit of time to catch up on a few things and let you know my bookish catch-up plans for 2015...

Winners

From Lena Goldfinch's Christmas giveaway, we had four winners!

1. Grand Prize (paperback + earrings): bn100
2. Runner-Up (ebook): Wendy N.
3. Runner-Up (ebook): Merry
4. Runner-Up (ebook): Shelley S.

And everyone's a winner with a romantic short story for only $.99, right? :) Congratulations, winners!

Regarding a previous giveaway winner, I have a big, shameful confession to make. While talking with a friend this weekend about where authors get character names, I mentioned that some authors hold contests for readers to help name their characters. A spark of memory went off in my head. Wait... Didn't I do one of those?

Ummm...yes, and to my great embarrassment, I went back and looked at that post today and realized that I hadn't included the winning name in How a Star Falls. So I offer my sincerest apologies to the winner (Carissa), and will do my utmost not to forget to include the lovely name Rose in my next published story!

Books

I really ought to review more of the books I read, even if a lot of them are "just for fun." I mean, as an author, I know that the more reviews, the merrier! They can be both helpful and encouraging. So I hope to try harder to review most of the books I read this time around. I have some scheduled reviews coming up over the next few months for books I've agreed to review, but be on the lookout for some snack size reviews for some of for-fun books, too. :) (And don't forget that you can always check out my ratings for books on Shelfari or Goodreads.)

Also, I came across this super cute and clever reading challenge that seems very doable and addresses another reading problem I have: the never-ending TBR that just keeps on growing.

I'm joining the {Something Old, Something New} Challenge hosted by PidginPea's Book Nook! I'm going to stick with the two-book plan. Even though I'll hopefully get to read more than that amount each month (not including work-related reading or for-review reading), I like the idea of picking two books from my shelves to commit to and enjoy.

For the purposes of more often turning to my current collection for reading material, I'm going to have both the "something old" and "something new" options come from my TBR shelf - the difference being that "something old" will be a book I acquired a year or more ago, while "something new" will be a book I acquired within the past year. Hope that makes sense!

My January 2015 picks are...

{Something Old}
Acquired Fall 2010

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes. Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well—walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness. A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith...of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.

Amazon | Goodreads

{Something New}

Acquired Winter 2014

From Award-Winning, Young Adult author Rajdeep Paulus comes the sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, a powerful reminder that life is a battle you don't fight alone.

"I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, 'Run to me,' but I just learned to walk."

After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday's nightmares. Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself?

Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.

Amazon | Goodreads

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Watch for my reviews later this month! And please check out PidginPea's Book Nook if you'd like to join this fun challenge. :)