The Baker's Wife

The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy is an enjoyable book.  The story involves a group of individuals connected through life events brought to crisis through a mysterious disappearance.  The main character, Audrey, is a former pastor’s wife turned baker and a woman with the gift of comforting others.  This crisis will test that gift and force her to open herself to others as never before.  There are questions at the end of the book for discussion of the story and message in the novel.  I found the book enjoyable. The fact that sometimes helping others requires more of yourself than you might really want to give was a theme that was well written in the book.  The character of Geoff, Audrey’s husband, also models forgiveness and selflessness.  He shows true dedication to loving others with Christian love and compassion, even when many would have reacted differently and felt justified.  The connection Audrey experienced with others was sometimes a stretch for me.  I appreciated the modelled sacrifice of the character, but did not enjoy that element of the book at times.  It would not be my top recommendation of the books I have read over the last few months, but it is a good book.  The Baker’s Wife has a interesting story, characters that are well developed and well written, and inspires the reader to treat others with compassion. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Charles Martin’s Wrapped in Rain is an excellent read.  I have read the novel twice over the last few years and both times I couldn’t put it down.  The characters are well written.  The story is a difficult one to read at times, but inspires as well.  This is not your typical “christian fiction” there are real world struggles within the story line.  Clark and Missie Davis do not live here.  It is not a book I would give a young teen to read.  However, for adults the transition that transpires within the main character, Tucker Rain, will inspire and encourage.  Martin will bring you to tears.  The example set forth for the reader by Ms. Ella will impact how you interact with others.  It is a story about two young boys, their friend, and their troubled childhood and how one lady made all the difference.  To say more would ruin your enjoyment of a spectacular book.  Read this one.  You’ll be glad you did.  I am, twice.  For this reading I received a e-copy of the book from Booksneeze in exchange for a reader’s review without any requirements of the contents of my review.  My above comments and opinions are my own.

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow was an entertaining read.  This book is the second in the Santee series.  I have not yet read the first book and as able to pick up here without difficulty, but I plan to read the first installment asap.  The story opens with Baxter Richardson struggling to recover from a fall off a cliff and his wife Rena’s struggle with what that recovery might mean.  The main character Alexia (Alex) Lindale is Rena’s attorney and a new Christian beginning her walk in the faith.  Alex becomes more and more emotionally invested in Baxter’s recovery through her work with music minister Ted Morgan and his attempts to reach Baxter through music.   She also constantly deals with the demands of tumultuous Rena.  The story twists and turns as it unfolds.  Alex’s new faith and the strength that is building within her is an inspirational element.  The ending is unexpected and somewhat abrupt, but the overall story makes this one a worthwhile book for me and one I’d recommend.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255