35. Short-Straw Bride

35. Short-Straw Bride. Karen Witemeyer. 2012. Bethany House. 368 pages. [Source: Library]

ETA: I listened to Short-Straw Bride on audio book. The narrator is Pilar Witherspoon. Her narration was WONDERFUL. I was SO PLEASED that the narration didn't take away from the awesomeness that is Karen Witemeyer's book. I love, love, love, love Karen Witemeyer. I do. I can't hide the fact. I hoped that the audio book would do her book justice...and it did. I was ALWAYS glad to get back to my audio book. That isn't always the case. Sometimes a book can be great and the audio book not as great because of the narrator chosen. HIGHLY recommend this one. 

From the prologue: Ten-year-old Meredith Hayes balled her hands into fists as she faced her tormentor, "Hiram Ellis! Give me back my lunch bucket this instant!"

From chapter one: "I don't think I can do it, Cass." Meredith peered up at her cousin through the reflection in the vanity mirror. Cassandra pulled the hairpin from her mouth and secured another section of Meredith's braided chignon. "Do what?" "Marry a man who wants me only for the land I can bring him." 

Short-Straw Bride is one of my all-time favorite, favorite, favorite, favorite books. I absolutely love this marriage-of-convenience. Is it a true marriage of convenience? Maybe. Maybe not. The two marry due to circumstances, close to a "shot-gun wedding" if you will. (Though our hero and heroine are innocent of any impropriety.) 

Meredith Hayes, our wonderful heroine, overhears a terrible-horrible plot. She's being "courted" by a villain (though she didn't know it at the time). She rides out to the Archer ranch to warn the four Archer brothers....and her time there on the ranch becomes extended after she suffers an injury....her guardian/uncle demands that one of the Archer brothers steps up and does the right thing and marry Meredith.

I really love this super-sweet and delightful romance. I loved Travis Archer. I loved Meredith. I loved ALL of the Archer brothers. I loved everything about this one.

My original review:

This isn't my first Karen Witemeyer book; however, it is the first Karen Witemeyer book that I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED. Short-Straw Bride is a Christian historical romance; it is set in Palestine, Texas in the 1880s.

In the prologue, Travis Archer saves the then-ten-year-old Meredith, her leg having gotten trapped in a hunting trap. The incident stays with her, as you might imagine. First, because she can't forget Travis Archer, he is forever her hero, the stuff of her dreams, despite the fact that that isolated incident is the only time she's seen him. Second, because it left a scar on her leg and the damage to the bone prevented it from growing as it should; one leg being slightly longer than the other. 

The novel opens with Meredith all grown up and living with her aunt and uncle who are her guardians. They have arranged a marriage for her with an up-and-coming businessman, Roy Mitchell. Meredith prays for a sign, an indication one way or another if she should marry the man her guardians have chosen for her, or, if she should be stubborn and refuse their choice. And the sign, when it comes, is definite: she not only overhears him calling her a cripple, she overhears him making unethical arrangements to acquire land. He WANTS the Archer land, and since the Archer brothers won't sell, won't negotiate, won't budge, he's decided that if he burns their barn down, it will be a good first step to getting what he wants.

So what's a woman to do? Well, she does try going to the sheriff--or the deputy?--but when she's not taken seriously, when she's instead ridiculed for being a silly woman with a vivid imagination, she does what she must: she rides out to the Archer land herself to warn them. The problem? She doesn't have the time to ride out there and back before nightfall. And she wasn't counting on her cousin giving into the pressure of revealing her whereabouts. So her heroic ride to warn them just in time turns into a compromising reputation-killer. Her uncle demanding that one of the four Archer brothers step forward to marry her....

I admit this one could sound a bit silly to some readers, but, oh how I loved it!!!! I loved Meredith! I loved Travis! I loved their relationship, their marriage, their courtship-coming-after-marriage. I loved seeing how Meredith's presence on the Archer farm transforms the place, transforms the brothers. I loved just about everything in this one!!! There were quite a few giddy-making scenes!

Will Short-Straw Bride appeal to every reader? I doubt it. It's definitely for those that love Christian fiction, those that love Christian historical romance. I could see it having some appeal to non-Christians who love and seek out clean romance novels (smut-free romance novels).

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

7. The Stone Wall

The Stone Wall. Beverly Lewis. 2020. Bethany House. 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: ’Tis a waste of time to look back with regret,” Mammi Eliza Slaubaugh once told me. “Though we might fret and stew, the past simply can’t be changed,” she’d added, leaning closer, as if to share a secret. “Besides, if we could change our past, Anna, would we want to?” Mammi’s last question so ferhoodled me, I was unable to grasp her meaning.

Anna Beachy, our heroine, is looking to the Lord for guidance in how (and when) to change her life; she's feeling a bit restless and out of sorts. (Not that she wants to act outside the will of the Lord.) When a distant cousin (an Old Order Amish distant cousin) mentions a job opportunity that may suit, she jumps at the chance. The job is to be a tour guide--to take tourists on tours around the Amish community. What begins as a simple visit--for the job interview--soon becomes a new life. Will Anna remain Beachy Amish or will her attraction to a Mennonite (a fellow tour guide) or a horse rancher (Old Order) change her life's path? 

The novel also contains flashbacks--if that's the right word--of her grandmother's visit to this same community. Her grandmother, Mammi Eliza (who is now suffering with Alzheimer's), visited Old Amish relatives for the summer and fell in love... Their love was forbidden...

I liked this one. Would I have loved it more without the flashback scenes? Maybe. Maybe not. Who can really tell? My job is not to review a book that might have been or even should have been--but to review the book in front of me. I enjoyed both story lines. I did. I almost, almost wish that they'd been separate books--if that makes sense so that the grandmother's story could have been more fleshed out. Or as equally fleshed out as the contemporary story.

I am not the biggest fan of love triangles especially when only two of the three within the triangle are fleshed out and the ending predictable. The heroine is never going to end up with the flat, not-fleshed-out, barely present character. Never. He exists as a shadow in the background. Is he truly necessary?

I did like the hero and heroine. (Yes, I know his name, but I don't want to spoil the novel.) I really enjoyed their journey together.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

105. The Kissing Tree

The Kissing Tree: Four Novellas Rooted in Timeless Love. Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, Nicole Deese. 2020. Bethany House. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]

The Kissing Tree contains FOUR novellas all set in the Texas town of Oak Springs. 

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings opens the collection in 1868. Our heroine, Bella Eden, is DESPERATE for her first kiss. But things don't go according to her plan--God's plan, perhaps, but not her own. The guy she thought was the 'perfect one' to kiss--well, he turned out to be seeing so much of her because he wanted A PUPPY from her farm. But the absolute worst part was that her desperate plea for a kiss was witnessed by another--leading to much pain physical, mental, and emotional. (Long story, but the name of the story is BROKEN LIMBS....) Could the one who "broke" her dreams mend her heart years later????? (No, I'm not talking about PUPPY GUY). Adam Fisher, our hero, has a chance to redeem all...will the Kissing Tree work its magic?

Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer opens in 1891. Barnabas Ackerby is sent to help his boss's daughter, Phoebe Woodward, open The Kissing Tree Inn. The longer these two work side by side to make her dream happen, the more he realizes that her dream is quickly becoming his as well. Will the tree be getting a NEW set of initials? 

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes opens in 1944/45. Luke Hampstead has been corresponding with his friend's sister, Hannah. Well, corresponding may be a little too strong a word. He--like Danny before him--has been sending his sketches to Hannah. It was his friend's (dying) wish that he keep up the 'friendship' with Hannah. Now that the war is over, Luke has gone to her hometown of Oak Springs to meet her and to share his memories of Danny. The two quickly become friends--but could there be more than friendship that develops? Like Inn for A Surprise, this one features some construction work and designing!

Heartwood by Nicole Deese opens, I suppose, in contemporary times. No year is given--but let's assume pre-Covid 2018 or 2019. If I'm being honest, which I always strive to be, I wish this one didn't exist. Not because I hate the characters--I don't--but because the DIRECTION or TURN this one took. I feel like throwing a temper tantrum like D.W. and going SANTA, HOW COULD YOU???? It was a solid romance between the hero and heroine--two hearts reuniting after a bad break up. 

I really enjoyed three of the four stories. The fourth story wasn't poorly written, just TRAGIC. My absolute favorite story was INN FOR A SURPRISE by Karen Witemeyer. It was probably this story that hooked me to the character of the KISSING TREE. The two middle stories were definitely the heart and soul of this one. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: When Silence Sings

When Silence Sings. Sarah Loudin Thomas. 2019. Bethany House. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]


First sentence: Colman walked along the last car of the coal train, tapping each wheel with his long-handled hammer, listening intently to the clang clang clang.

Premise/plot: Colman Harpe desires to be preacher and leave the family feud far far behind. But the family feud isn’t just in the past. The McLeans are still out to get the Harpes. In fact, soon after the novel opens, Jake McLean murders Caleb Harpe, Colman‘s cousin. The Harpes vow vengeance—most of them at least. Serepta McLean’s message doesn’t cool things down either. Can Colman manage to stay out of the feud and avoid the drama on both sides? For the Harpes, to take no side in the feud is to be on the McLean’s side. If Colman actually follows his call, he’s risking his very life. God has called him not just to preach—a general call—but to preach to the McLean clan specifically. Will Colman run away like Jonah? Or will he learn to love his enemies with the love of Christ?

My thoughts: I really got swept up in the story. I believe it’s set in Tennessee circa 1930/31. At first all I was seeing were the parallels between this story and the book of Jonah—too many to be a mere coincidence. But then the story became so much more than that. The story alternates perspectives between Colman Harpe and Serepta McLean. That was a nice touch. It’s hard to see them as enemies when they’re humanized. I enjoyed every minute of this one.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: More Than Words Can Say

More Than Words Can Say. (Patchwork Family #2) Karen Witemeyer. 2019. Bethany House. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: "The council has denied your appeal, Miss Kemp." Mayor Longfellow delivered the blow with a finality that threatened to buckle Abigail's knees.

Premise/plot: Abigail ("Abby") Kemp has inherited her family's bakery shop--A Taste of Heaven. But   the bakery is now being threatened by the city council: she needs to sell her property or find a silent business partner, a MALE business parter by the end of the week. Abby rejects both options. Instead, she plans to find a HUSBAND by the end of the week.

Choosing a husband was much like choosing a good baguette. One looked for a strong outer shell, a tender interior, and most importantly, a tractability of dough to hold whatever shape the baker deemed appropriate. Abigail needed a good baguette by the end of the week. The crust could be a little stale. The crumb could be chewy and tough. Beggars couldn't be choosers, after all. But she refused to scrimp on malleable dough. Too much depended on the outcome. 

Her first choice for husband is "Bachelor #3" a newcomer to town, a regular for breakfast at A Taste of Heaven. His name? Zacharias Hamilton. (Readers may remember him as the older brother in More Than Meets The Eye.)

Zach isn't looking for a wife. And when Abby proposes completely out of the blue, his first reaction is to say YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING?!?!?! But. The more he thinks about Abby, her sticky buns, and her offer of a convenient marriage...the more he's tempted to say yes. But he has a few conditions...

Will these two fall madly in love with each other after saying I do?!

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved, loved, loved, loved, crazy-loved this one. I thought Short Straw Bride would forever be my absolute favorite book by Witemeyer. (I'll have to reread that one again to see if it still holds its spot.) But I could easily see myself rereading this one frequently. It is a swoon-worthy book cover to cover. I loved Abby. I loved Zach. I loved them together. I loved the spiritual aspects of this one. I loved getting to know the other characters as well that live in Honey Grove, Texas. Speaking of which, I love her TEXAS setting.



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: A Song of Joy

A Song of Joy. Lauraine Snelling. 2019. Bethany House. 464 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Life in America certainly wasn't like Nilda had dreamed.

Premise/plot: A Song of Joy is the fourth book in Lauraine Snelling's Under Northern Skies series. Though one could certainly start the series at any point, you'll get more enjoyment and satisfaction if you read the series in order.

Though there are many, many characters in A Song of Joy, the main character is Nilda Carlson. She's still working for Mrs. Gertrude Schoenleber as her assistant and secretary. She hasn't forgotten the traumatic event(s) of previous books--nor should she have.

Jeffrey Schmitz is pursuing a relationship with Nilda at the insistence of his father, Heinrik. Nilda can see through Jeffrey's advances. He's a self-centered snob who thinks Nilda should be grateful if Jeffrey stoops to say hello to her. He only talks of himself, and he's dismissive of just about anything and everything Nilda has to say. He's not too observant, or he'd never have proposed at a public ball! He reminds me a bit of Disney's Gaston.

Fritz Larsson is a teacher and a musician. He's known Nilda for several books now. She's been taking piano lessons from him. She's always liked him. Perhaps she's always liked-liked him. But does he like-like her? Does he love her? Does he want to marry her?

This one isn't just a romance. It's also a novel about compassion and giving back. Nilda and her employer are hard at work on a new project that will help new immigrants that arrive in Blackduck.

My thoughts: I had my issues with the third book, I won't lie. But I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in the series. I'm so glad that I've read it. I don't know why I assumed they'd just be three books in the series!!!

I love Lauraine Snelling's novels. It's always a treat to spend time with her well-developed characters.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: A Hilltop in Tuscany

A Hilltop in Tuscany. (A Garden in Paris #2) Stephanie Grace Whitson. 2006. Bethany House. 301 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: "You should see her, Jeff."

Premise/plot: A Hilltop in Tuscany is the sequel to Stephanie Grace Whitson's A Garden in Paris. This contemporary Christian romance novel has multiple narrators: Liz Davis, Mary or "Mimi" Davis, and Jeffrey Scott. Liz and Jeff are engaged to be married. Mimi is now living in Paris and settling down. She's not sure if she's in a relationship with her ex...or...perhaps falling madly, deeply in love with her ex's best friend. Liz is in bridezilla mode. Jeffrey is dealing with FAMILY DRAMA and growing more tired each day of Liz's selfishness and stubbornness.

Will there be a wedding?

My thoughts: I really loved, loved, loved the first novel, A Garden in Paris. I liked the sequel. I am glad with how the story turned out overall. But this one seemed much more focused on getting Jeffrey Scott and Liz Davis saved--converted--then on anything else. I don't have a problem with that for the most part. I think because the focus was so much more on Liz and less on Mary that it became wearisome to me at times. Not that Jeff was always 100% right in every single conversation--but more often than not Liz was getting on my nerves and being a drama queen. I hope that a born-again-Liz will be easier to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

I am glad I finished this one. But it wasn't quite as magical for me overall.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Searching for You

Searching for You (Orphan Train #3) Jody Hedlund. 2018. Bethany House. 341 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Sophie Neumann nuzzled her nose against Danny's chest.

Premise/plot: Searching For You completes Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. The first two books in the series are With You Always and Together Forever. (The heroine of the first book is Elise Neumann. The heroine of the second book is Marianne Neumann. The first book opens in 1857 and the third book opens in 1859.)

Sophie was forced to grow up quickly by circumstances. After Elise left to find work in Illinois, it was Marianne, Sophie, and two young toddlers--Olivia and Nicholas. When Sophie learned that the person they were staying with had definite plans to put Olivia and Nicholas on a train west--via the Children's Aid Society. Sophie took action of her own: running away with "her" babies. Marianne spent all of the second book searching for her younger sister.

Readers finally learn where Sophie has been and what she's been up to--the answer doing anything and everything to just survive. Sophie has recently, for example, become 'the girl' of a gang member. She doesn't really love him--or even like him--but being his girl comes with certain benefits. And, as she learns, certain risks. Could her life be in danger when she witnesses a crime?!

Meanwhile, readers are keeping up Reinhold Weiss in Mayfield, Illinois. An orphan train will be coming through soon--much to the displeasure of the local sheriff--and his neighbors are urging him to take in an orphan or two to help with the farm work. The truth is he does need help....but is that a good enough reason to adopt an orphan?

My thoughts: Overall I have really ENJOYED the series. The first book hooked me in a way I wasn't expecting. Once I met the Neumann family, I had to keep reading to learn what happened to her two sisters. It would have been unthinkable not to keep going with the series.

The second book was solidly good. I didn't love, love, love it in a gushy way. But it was good.

The third book was satisfying. That's the word I'm going to go with. It was predictable, true, but in a good way--even a very good way. Sophie is ashamed and embarrassed of the way she's had to live to keep everyone together. She does NOT want to be found by her sisters. It's not that she's given up hope of finding them. It's not that she's decided not to search for them. She does not want to be found and reunited. How could her sisters possibly understand what she's gone through the past two years?

Sophie takes a spiritual journey in this one. She's spent years turning her back on God, dismissing him completely. But as the book progresses she stops running from him...and even starts running toward him. The book is realistic, I believe, in this journey.

In some ways this one is more spiritual than the previous two. BUT in other ways a word of caution is still in order. As I've mentioned with the other novels--the books are a bit graphic in nature. Many Christian books don't detail kisses that last for pages and pages. This one goes even further than the other books in the series--yes, she's married--but graphic descriptions are still graphic. For certain readers this poses a slippery-slope type danger. Sometimes less is more.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: A Cloud by Day, A Fire by Night

A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night: Finding and Following God's Will for You. A.W. Tozer. Edited by James L. Snyder. 2019. [March] Bethany House. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence (from the introduction): A very important theme in Dr. A.W. Tozer’s ministry was the subject of God’s will for each of our lives.

I would recommend using A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night by A.W. Tozer as a devotional book. I'm not sure if that's what the publishers intended. It's certainly not marketed as being such. The book has twenty-three chapters. Each chapter begins with a prayer and ends with a hymn. It could easily be used as a devotional for a month allowing for grace days and busy schedules.

The subject of this book is GOD'S WILL. Snyder has edited together some of Tozer's writings/sermons on this subject. (Tozer died in the early 1960s--1963, I believe.) Snyder writes, "This book is about more than finding God’s will for your next step or decision in life—it about is following His will to the end." I love that. This one is just as much about obedience and sanctification and worship as it is "God's Will."

Tozer is one of my favorite, favorite authors. Not because we always agree with one another on every little issue but because we're kindred spirits when it comes to the Word of God. Tozer is ZEALOUS and PASSIONATE and IN LOVE with the Lord. Tozer is not afraid to speak the truth--proclaim the truth--to the world.

Quotes:

• God is directing His people in the way He wants them to go. Often it is not the way we want to go, but as we yield ourselves to God, He opens doors and leads us forward.
• When we allow God’s Word to go beyond our ears and into our hearts, it stimulates us to do that which God is calling us to do.
• When we start our journey with God, He knows the beginning and the end and everything in between. His preparation in us is in complete harmony with His knowledge of everything that is going to happen to us. Nothing can ever happen to you or me but what God has prepared us to handle.
• As a believer, my job is to seek God in His Word and strip from my life everything hindering my relationship with God. If we are going to accomplish God’s goals, we need to get back to the basic laws of the kingdom of God laid out for us.
• If I’m not believing God, I’m not being led by God. My unbelief will cloud what God wants to do in my life. That is the thing most important to many Christians who have been wandering aimlessly for too long and have become discouraged.
• Unbelief believes all of the promises conditionally for someone else, somewhere else, and at some other time. They believe what God says is true, but it isn’t relevant to them at this time in their life.
• My biggest enemy is not Satan. My worst enemy is myself. If I could let go of the past that God has led me out of and latch on to what God has for me now—the provisions and the access to heaven He has for me—I would begin to experience the kind of Christian life that is full of joy, praise, and honor to God.
• Much needs to be said about the presence of God. Many Christians, I am sure, have never really experienced this. We talk about it and read about it, but have we really experienced that overwhelming sense of the presence of God?
• I need to cultivate the presence of God in my own life. Regardless of what it takes, I need to make sure I am living in the awe-inspiring mystery of God.
• The problem with many Christians today is that they want to tell God how they are going to serve, as well as the conditions of their serving. This is not acceptable as far as God is concerned. God is my owner, and serving Him means I recognize His ownership and I am completely in allegiance to Him, nobody else.
• There are no tragedies. Everything that comes into my life comes in such a way that God can mold me and prepare me for the next step.
• We need to have men and women so committed to Jesus Christ that no obstacle can obscure the presence of God from them. It is the cloud by day and the fire by night that give direction and encourage us to go forward.
• It is interesting that God puts before us situations that we cannot handle in our own strength so that we can experience and understand the mighty grace and power of our God. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Together Forever

Together Forever (Orphan Train #2) Jody Hedlund. 2018. Bethany House. 343 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Marianne Neumann's fingers were shaking so hard she could barely pry open the first record book.

Premise/plot: Marianne Neumann was first introduced in Jody Hedlund's With You Always. She was the younger sister of Elise, our heroine. She was head over heels--or so she thought--with Reinhold Weiss. (Reinhold meanwhile was head over heels--or so he thought--with Elise.)

While Elise was away--working--Marianne was left in charge of her younger sister, Sophie, and the two orphans they'd taken in. When all seemed lost, Sophie took those two little ones and ran away--or at least that is the assumption. Marianne returned one day to find them GONE.

Now Marianne is on a quest to find them. She's working as a placing agent traveling west with orphans on a campaign to find them all homes. She's got a partner, Andrew Brady, by her side. He's the more experienced of the two. This will be her first trip.

Andrew Brady has believed for years that he was NOT a marrying man. That chapter of his life--being in love, wanting to settle down--is OVER and done with. But that was before he met Marianne. It wasn't meeting her that was dangerous, not really, it was spending time with her over several weeks as they journey across the country together.

Does Marianne feel the same way about Andrew? Or is she still "in love" with Reinhold?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. If I'm being honest, I did love the first book more even if just by a slight margin. I think I happened to like Elise more than Marianne. Though Marianne did grow on me a good deal as I kept reading. (I didn't care for Marianne's sections in the first book. I thought she was  quite silly and irresponsible.)

The same warning is in place for this one as with With You Always. There is a good deal of kissing--graphic descriptions of kissing. Both Andrew and Marianne want more, more, more of each other. (Though nothing happens before the two are wed.)  I mention this because it can be easy to hand Christian romances to tweens without a second thought. It's just automatic to assume that the content will always be super-appropriate even if you're eleven or twelve.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: With You Always

With You Always. (Orphan Train #1) Jody Hedlund. 2017. Bethany House. 359 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Elise Neumann stared out the cracked third-story window to the muddy street below, watching the omnibuses and carriages slog their way through the muck.

Premise/plot: Elise is the oldest of three sisters--all recently orphaned. They've been taken into a mission home, but, when a financial crisis hits it will be up to Elise to find a way to help support her sisters and the two children they've come to love as their own. Elise had found work in New York City in the mission home as a seamstress. She's one of many women who lose their jobs. Fortunately, there's a call for women workers out west--Elise is one that finds job placement out west in Illinois. Taking the job will mean leaving her sisters behind, but it will mean an income.

Thornton Quincy is a twin. Their dying father has set up a little competition to see which of his two sons--Thornton or Bradford--will inherit his company. Each son will have to build a town--in, you guessed it, Illinois. Thornton names his town, Quincy. He decides to hire women for some of the jobs in an effort to save money--women work cheaper than men. Each son will also have to marry for love--and not convenience--within six months.

Elise and Thornton come to know each other on this train ride west, and he, in fact, requests that she be placed in his town, Quincy. Elise is first charmed and delighted but that is before she realizes that the man so attentive to her is a multimillionaire--or the son of one. She fears that his intentions are less than honorable. After all, she's a nobody--a penniless orphan--and he's a somebody. But Thornton finds ample opportunities to show his true nature or character.

Which brother will win the competition? And will knowing Elise make him.a better man?

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one. I was surprised by how much. Perhaps because this one reminds me of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. Part of me is curious, does Jody Hedlund love North and South too? After all, North and South does star a John Thornton. And that Thornton is a business man as well who comes to view his workers/employees as actual people after falling in love with the heroine.

If it was even the tiniest bit influenced by North and South, it's a good thing--a very good thing. It was a delight to see Elise and Thornton come to know each other better.

I do have to mention that this one is pushing it in terms of steaminess for a Christian, clean romance. There is a LOT of descriptive, passionate kissing occurring throughout. Even before declarations of love and intent to marry.

It does still have a good deal of Christian content. I am not saying it is inappropriate. Just that you should be aware that it is a LOT steamier than any Janette Oke novel you might have read.

The novel is set in New York City and Quincy, Illinois in 1857.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: The Bride of Ivy Green

The Bride of Ivy Green. Julie Klassen. 2018. Bethany House. 448 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Mercy Grove could no longer put off the painful task.

If you enjoyed The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill and The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, you are definitely going to read the third book in the series, The Bride of ivy Green. The only complaint I have is that I think it should have been called the BRIDES of Ivy Hill instead.

This historical romance series by Julie Klassen is set in a small English village, Ivy Hill. The series follows the romantic adventures and misadventures of three women primarily: Jane, Rachel, and Mercy. Though really a dozen more characters are introduced and followed. One really gets a sense of time and place. (I believe this one is set in 1821; the others might be set a year or two earlier. The county is Wiltshire.)

Mercy Grove, the heroine, is a school teacher, or WAS a school teacher. Her brother returning with a wife has closed down--at least temporarily--her dreams and her means of independence. (The school was in her home.) She remains in his house, but make no mistake, she feels it is HIS house now. Her new sister-in-law soon has her living in the attic so that her former room can be a guest room. Mercy feels trapped--not trapped enough to regret turning down a loveless marriage offer--but trapped. So when Mr. James Drake mentions he's looking for a governess for his daughter, Alice, she volunteers for the job. (Alice was a former pupil, a beloved former pupil.)

Mercy, of course, is not the only woman adapting to big changes. Other women are as well. Rachel is loving getting to know her new sister-in-law, Justina. But her need to advocate for her may cause tension in her relationship with her mother-in-law. Justina is falling for someone....and her mother already has definite opinions on whom her daughter should marry. Jane is oh-so-close to getting her happily ever after. But someone from her past shows up, and difficult conversations must be had before she can be at peace with where she is in her life. There is also the matter of the brand new seamstress in town....there is something OFF about her. But what?!

I love, love, love this series. There is something COZY about this series. It is definitely character-driven. Don't expect much action or drama.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Bound and Determined

Bound and Determined. Regina Jennings. 2018. Bethany House. 125 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:

August 1885
East of Fort Reno, Indian Territory
"I don't want to die on an empty stomach. Oh, please, don't let me die hungry." Private Morris smashed his had down flat as he leveled his pistol against a shelf of rock.

Premise/plot: Ambrosia is bound and determined to stop her father's plan of herding camels. Her father, a retired captain, is convinced that camels are the next big thing--that camels are better equipped for the old west than horses. His daughter is not convinced. Her plans to sabotage him before their journey begins...fails. Private Bradley Willis is unlike the other men who've been easily spooked by the camels and Ambrosia's lies about the camels. Willis doesn't scare easy. Soon both father and daughter realize that he's one of the most courageous men they've ever met. Will Ambrosia and Private Willis make a match of it?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I really did. It was a quick read. It was silly, but it was an intentional silly. (You know how some Christian romance novels are over-the-top silly but you get the idea that they're not meant to be? You feel that they're meant to be taken seriously as DRAMA.) This was just what I needed after reading Mary Connealy's The Tangled Ties That Bind.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Quotable Tozer

The Quotable Tozer. A.W. Tozer. Compiled by James L. Snyder. 2018. Bethany House. 369 pages. [Source: Review copy]

The Quotable Tozer is a topical collection of quotes by A.W. Tozer compiled by James L. Snyder. In his introduction, Snyder writes, "I have gone through all of his books and pulled quotes from them that I believe will help readers get to know him better and understand who he was. My purpose in putting it together was first for those who may not be acquainted with Tozer’s writings, to introduce the reader to them in small slices that they can absorb."

Is The Quotable Tozer a good introduction to Tozer? If I answer "no," it would only be so I could say "YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES."

Am I prone to gushing when it comes to Tozer? YES. You might pick up on that in every review I've ever written of his books.

What do I love about Tozer? I love his passion, his zeal for the Lord. I love his no-nonsense boldness. He was not one for compromise. He stood for the TRUTH no matter the cost. He loved the Word and believed it should be the sole authority in the life of the individual and the church.

No doubt I love Tozer. But that doesn't mean I agree with him 100% of the time. I don't. We both love God. We both love Scripture. We both hold the truth to be of the utmost importance. But we have slight differences of opinion about the sovereignty of God in election, aka the doctrines of grace. Reading Tozer, one gets the sense that he believed the "T", he just never quite got around to the "ULIP" before he died.

So much of what Tozer says is right. But not every single thing. I have learned to keep what is good, what is true, what is right, and to throw out what misses the mark.

So what are the topics explored in The Quotable Tozer:

• Ambitions
• Angels
• Anger
• Authority
• Believer
• Bible
• Christianity
• Church
• Commandments of Christ
• Devil
• Doctrine
• Enemy
• Entertainment
• Eternity
• Evil
• Faith
• Fellowship
• Glory
• Grace
• Holiness
• Holy Spirit
• Hymns
• Illumination
• Joy
• Judgment
• Knowledge
• Love
• Majesty
• Mercy
• Ministry
• Miracle
• Missions
• Money
• Mystery
• Obedience
• Pleasure
• Praise
• Prayer
• Promises
• Prophets
• Purity
• Redemption
• Rejoice
• Religion
• Remnant
• Repent/Repentance
• Resurrection
• Revival
• Sacrifice
• Salvation
• Self
• Soul
• Spiritual Gifts
• Spirituality
• Surrender
• Temptations
• Theology
• Traditions
• Unbelief
• Wickedness
• Worship

Reading The Quotable Tozer would give new readers a great exposure to who Tozer was and what he believed and taught. I can't imagine not wanting to read more of Tozer after finishing this one!

Quotes:

Authority

No man has the authority to divide the truth and preach only a part of it. To do so is to weaken it and render it without effect. The Alliance Weekly/Witness, 1950

Bible

We believe in the whole Bible, not bits and pieces. The whole Bible supports the idea of progressing toward spiritual perfection in our Christian lives. Spiritual perfection is what the apostle Paul longed for and spoke about. The Crucified Life

I would recommend that you go to some secondhand bookstore and buy a used King James Bible. You might have to put down a few dollars, but it will be the best investment you have ever made. I know the thees and thous are rather cumbersome, but one of the most beautiful things about these words is that they slow you down when you read. Probably there is no greater offense in all of Christendom than speed-reading the Bible. The Bible must be read slowly and meditatively, allowing the Spirit of God to open up our understanding. The Crucified Life

The five unanswered questions are: Where did we come from? How did we get here? What are we? Why are we here? and Where are we going? These questions cannot be answered except by going to the Bible for the answers. Man, in his ignorance, does not know and can never discover the answers by himself. A Disruptive Faith 

I am so over arguing about which is the right translation. I think that has been manufactured by the enemy to draw our attention away from the priority we should be giving to the Word of God. Alive in the Spirit

I would suggest we discipline ourselves to read the Bible until it comes alive—until we can almost feel the breath of God breathing upon us. David felt this way, particularly when he wrote, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1). He knew what it was to pant after God. Experiencing the Presence of God

I solemnly vow before God Almighty that, every day of my life, I will take the Bible as the most serious thing and adjust my life to its teachings. God’s Power for Your Life 

I like to keep in mind that everything in the Bible is for me, but not everything in the Bible is about me. I need to have a degree of spiritual discernment to find out what God is really saying to me today. I accept the entire Bible—every chapter, every verse, every word—as the Word of God. Still, some things in the Bible do not apply to me personally. As the Holy Spirit guides me through this host of promises, I come to those that are meant for me. Apart from the faithfulness of the Holy Spirit, this could be a maze of confusion. God’s Power for Your Life

If you do not have more than one verse to support what you read, do not teach it. Because if it is not found in more than one verse in the Bible, chances are it is not found there either, and what you think is a passage teaching a certain thing does not teach it at all. Living as a Christian

God is not the way we say He is, God is the way the Bible says He is. My Daily Pursuit

Let me give you a little motto: Before I can understand a Bible text, it takes an act of the Holy Spirit equal to the act that inspired the text in the first place. Mystery of the Holy Spirit

A real Christian uses his whole Bible. This will make some of you mad, but if you are living on your morning daily devotions taken out of a book somebody compiled, I warn you that is pabulum. Read the entire Bible. Read it all. I do not say these other things are harmful, I just say that if you have that and nothing else, then you are not matured in your Christian life. Read all of the Bible. Reclaiming Christianity

The threefold purpose of the Bible is to inform, to inspire faith, and to secure obedience. Whenever it is used for any other purpose it is used wrongly and may do actual injury. The Alliance Weekly/Witness, 1952

Christianity

It would be impossible to overemphasize the importance of sound doctrine in the life of a Christian. Right thinking about all spiritual matters is imperative if we would have right living. The Alliance Weekly/Witness, 1960

When will Christians learn that to love righteousness it is necessary to hate sin, that to accept Christ it is necessary to reject self, that to follow the good way we must flee from evil? The Alliance Weekly/Witness, 1963

Doctrine

Any doctrine not rooted in the character and nature of God is not a biblical doctrine; or we have not understood the doctrine correctly. Every doctrine begins in the heart of God and then flows into the heart of man, creating a godly atmosphere in that man. My Daily Pursuit

Any doctrine, any view of sin that allows it to be excused in any way is not biblical. The Wisdom of God 

Faith

True faith requires that we believe everything God has said about himself, but also that we believe everything He has said about us. The Alliance Weekly/Witness, 1958

Grace

Every day I need to make room for the Holy Spirit to speak to me in such a way that my life is a testimony of His grace. Alive in the Spirit

Until we come to that point of understanding what wretches we are, we will never understand the amazing grace of God. It takes a wretch like me to experience the amazing grace of God. Delighting in God

Grace does not mean that salvation is not a costly thing. It simply means that out of God’s goodness He gives grace to us who are unworthy of it. Voice of a Prophet

Holy Spirit

I do not want the world to define God for me. I do not even want religion to define God for me. I want the Holy Spirit to reveal God to me through the exceedingly great and precious promises He has given to me. God’s Power for Your Life

We must get on our knees before our open Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to break our hearts and create a passion for Christ as we’ve never had before. Preparing for Jesus’ Return

Love

To know Him is to love Him, and to know Him better is to love Him more. The Alliance Weekly/Witness, 1954

Mercy

There is nothing you can do to increase God’s mercy. The mercy of God is as big as God, and God fills all space and overflows into a vacuity, so that you cannot add anything to His grace and mercy. Delighting in God 

Religion

I would never have anything to do with any book or any movement or any religion or any emphasis that does not begin with Christ, go out from Christ, and return to Christ again—the Christ of God, the Christ of the Bible, the Christ of Christian theology, the historic Christ of the Scriptures. Delighting in God

Repentance

Another lie is going around: There will be time after death to repent. You can live your life any which way you please. God understands that nobody is perfect, and after we die, we will have an opportunity in some purgatory somewhere to repent. The Scriptures, however, teach something altogether different. Let me repeat here that every lie of the enemy is designed to point us away from God’s truth and to damn our souls. God’s Power for Your Life

Revival

The Word of God is before us. We have only to read and do what is written there and revival is assured. It will come as naturally as the harvest comes after the plowing and the planting. The Alliance Weekly/Witness, 1955

Salvation

I would not give a nickel for the Christian that has no proof of his salvation except he quotes a text. The text will lead you to the fountain, but if you plunge into the fountain and come up wet, I will know you are a Christian. And He Dwelt Among Us

Self

Who can make you anything less than God intended you to be except your own self and sin? Living as a Christian

Surrender

What costs you little or nothing is worth exactly that much. The challenge before us is simply this: What are we willing to pay, sacrifice, or surrender in order to advance in living the crucified life? The Crucified Life

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Praying with Jane

Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Rachel Dodge. 2018. [Oct] Bethany House. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

From the introduction: Jane Austen is known for the beauty and romance of her words.

Premise/plot: This devotional is built around three written prayers of Jane Austen. Dodge breaks down each prayer into bite-size pieces providing ten days of devotional readings per prayer. The thirty-first devotional focuses on The Lord's Prayer.

Within each devotional, Dodge provides biographical information on Austen, commentary or insight from Austen's other works (her letters, her novels, etc.), and a glimmer of theological truth. Each devotional invites readers into a relationship with Jesus Christ and offers a model prayer.

My thoughts: I will be the first to admit that I can be harsh when it comes to devotional books. Unlike many I look for substantive meat, complex theology that engages the mind and inspires the heart but that also isn't afraid of convicting or rebuking. I look for devotions that have you diving and diving deep into Scripture and not devotions that merely have you dipping your toes in the water. I come looking for a side dish to a hearty meal and not a breath mint. Many devotionals fall short of this biased standard of mine.

Many devotionals include the tiniest nugget of Scripture and a lot of stories. These stories can either be biographical and personal--testimonies of what God has done for the writer--or fictional illustrations of a theology lived out in the real world.

Praying with Jane relies more on observations from Jane's life--her biography--and her novels than it does on Scripture. Readers do get glimpses and glimmers of Scripture and Scriptural truths. And many--if not all--devotions do lead to the gospel and an invitation to readers to enter into a relationship with Jesus.

Praying with Jane would be a great fit for those who love, love, love Jane Austen, for those who have spent hours, days, weeks, months, years, even decades immersed in her novels. There is nothing wrong with being immersed in her novels and adoring film adaptations of her novels.

I did love the three prayers by Austen.

Quotes:

Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray as to deserve to be heard, to address thee with our Hearts, as with our Lips. ~ Jane Austen

Above all other blessings Oh! God, for ourselves & our fellow-creatures we implore Thee to quicken our sense of they Mercy in the redemption of the World, of the Value of that Holy Religion in which we have been brought up, that we may not, by our own Neglect, throw away the Salvation Thou hast given us, nor be Christians only in name. ~ Jane Austen

When we think of a Jane Austen heroine in need of sincere repentance, Emma Woodhouse comes to mind. ~ Rachel Dodge

Jane's prayer points to an inescapable truth: pride and vanity lead us astray because they cause blindness. It happened in the Garden of Eden; it happens daily to each of us. ~ Rachel Dodge

Almighty God! Look down with Mercy on they Servants here assembled & accept the petitions now offered up unto thee. ~ Jane Austen

Pardon Oh God! whatever thou has seen amiss in us & give us a stronger desire of resisting every evil  inclination & weakening every habit of sin. ~ Jane Austen

Pardon Oh God! the offenses of the past day. We are conscious of many frailties; we remember with shame & contrition, many evil Thoughts & neglected duties, & we have perhaps sinned against Thee & against our fellow-creatures in many instances of which we have now no remembrance. ~ Jane Austen

Father of Heaven! whose goodness has brought us in safety to the close of this day, dispose our Hearts in fervent prayer. ~ Jane Austen

Another day is now gone, & added to those, for which we were before accountable. Teach us Almighty Father, to consider this solemn Truth as we should do, that we may feel the importance of every day, & every hour as it passes, & earnestly strive to make a better use of what Thy Goodness may yet bestow on us, than we have done of the Time past. ~ Jane Austen

Incline us Oh God! to think humbly of ourselves, to be severe only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, & to judge of all they say & do with that Charity which we would desire from Men ourselves. ~ Jane Austen

May thy mercy be extended over all Mankind, bringing the Ignorant to the knowledge of they Truth, awakening the Impenitent, touching the Hardened. ~ Jane Austen

Do you want to know the same "Almighty Father" Jane Austen knew and loved? Do you want to be set free from sin, forgiven, redeemed, and made new? Do you want to know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? You can do that today. ~ Rachel Dodge

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: More Than Meets the Eye

More Than Meets the Eye. Karen Witemeyer. 2018. Bethany House. 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]

1879--Fannin County, Texas
"Don't lose heart, children. We have several strong families lined up in Bonham. I'm sure we'll find good homes for each of you."

Logan Fowler has come to town with one thing and one thing only on his mind: VENGEANCE. When he was a boy, his father gambled away their house and land. As if that wasn't bad enough, his father in despair or depression decided to end his life. Logan's mother was the one who found him. She'd been broken from that moment on. Logan had to grow up way too fast. And though he's not responsible for the daily needs of seeing to his mother, he's responsible for her financial needs. (But is he responsible for her mental and emotional needs? Is it up to him to fix her? How do you even go about fixing someone's mental health?)

What Logan did not plan on was falling for an unusual one-of-a-kind woman named Eva Hamilton. With one blue eye and one brown eye her look is unforgettable. For Logan he wouldn't want it any other way. For the other folks in town, well, some think it's unnatural. And for a few unnatural is only a tiny step away from demonic. Poor Eva has been facing this kind of talk since she can remember. But she's strong and feisty when she needs to be.

Eva certainly did not plan on meeting Logan either. Their first meeting was....something. He tried to rescue her from her pet pig! As if she was in any danger. Still. She knows what it's like to feel lonesome, so she's kind and gentle with him no matter how manly-man he is. She knows that this friendship--if it blossoms--will take time and effort. Her brothers are protective of her, so she'll have to work out how to best deal with them too. Her brothers are Seth and Zach. All they've ever had is each other...

Eva may not have needed rescuing from a pig. But there is one lady in town who did need to be actually rescued. It's a good thing Eva and Logan were walking home from church services together in her hour of need....

My thoughts: What an enjoyable read! I love Karen Witemeyer's books. I do. She's one of my favorite, favorite authors. I loved this one because I absolutely loved Eva. I enjoyed spending time with her, getting to know her two brothers, and then there was Logan. Seeing Logan transform throughout the course of the book was great!

Quotes:

Well, she was no stranger to loss, to hurt feelings, to prejudice. But she'd decided long ago not to let pain dictate her life. (64)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Finding the Love of Jesus

Finding the Love of Jesus From Genesis to Revelation. Elyse M. Fitzpatrick. 2018. Bethany House. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Jesus loves women. He has loved us since the beginning, even from before the words "in the beginning..." were written.

I have conflicting thoughts on Elyse Fitzpatrick's newest book, Finding the Love of Jesus From Genesis to Revelation. I do.

On one hand, it's a book about reading the Bible. It's a book on a mission to get people excited about reading the Bible. It's a book that seeks to clarify what the Bible is all about: JESUS. It's a book that wants believers to understand the Bible and really grasp the glory of God. So how could I not appreciate that?

But.

On the other hand it's a book for women. Part of me totally and completely gets why there are devotionals for men and devotionals for women. Why there are certain subjects where it makes complete logical sense for books to be targeted just for men or just for women.

But I find myself having strong feelings that reading the Bible is not one such subject. Theology should be for everyone--for men, for women, for young and old. If something is TRUE like good theology is true, then it doesn't need to have a label "for women" or "for men" applied to it.

Bibles, bible commentaries, good and hearty theologies shouldn't have to be segregated into being "for men," or "for women." They just shouldn't. If theology is good and sound and TRUE and substantive, it shouldn't matter if it was written by a man or a woman.

Women shouldn't only read books by women. Men shouldn't only read books by men. Women can learn from men. Men can learn from women. The truth is it doesn't matter the sex or gender of the author-preacher-teacher. What matters is if they are being led by the Holy Spirit. The same spirit leads all believers.

Along the same lines, it also shouldn't matter if a book is new or old. Books should be judged by their contents: not their covers, not their authors.

But. Back to the book in hand. This book wants women to feel the love of God and to see that love of God expressed fully in Christ. This expression is not limited to the four gospels. Christ Jesus is to be seen Genesis to Revelation. There is not a book of the Bible where Christ is not to be found. The whole book is about HIM. Four chapters of the book focus on seeing Jesus in the Old Testament. Jesus is to be found in the law; Jesus is to be found in 'the gospel.' I can't argue the necessity for this even if I feel it is a felt need for both men and women.

It is written in an easygoing appealing style. It is not intimidating. It is not dry. It is engaging.

I agree with the premise that the Bible is all about Christ. I agree that every book of the Bible has something to say about Christ. But believing this to be true does not mean that every single verse in every single book of the Bible points to Christ. Or at least every single verse points equally. For example, it is easy to see Christ in Isaiah 53, it is a lot more difficult to see him in Genesis 5. Yet each generation in the begats was one step closer to the promised Seed. Each generation could cling to the hope that one day the Savior would be born.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: A Breath of Hope

A Breath of Hope. Lauraine Snelling. 2018. Bethany House. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Nilda Carlson stared at the money in her hand.

Premise/plot: A Breath of Hope is the sequel to Lauraine Snelling's The Promise of Dawn. In the first book readers met Signe and Rune Carlson and journeyed with them to America. The couple and their children began working for their relatives Einar and Gerd. Einar is a lumberman with a booming temper; Gerd, in the first book, had a mighty temper as well. Hers seems to be the result of pain and regret. Signe's kindness and graciousness melted Gerd's heart in the end. Perhaps Signe's newborn daughter also helped the situation!!!

In the second book, readers meet Nilda and Ivar Carlson--Rune's younger brother and sister. In this one, they journey to America. They'll be joining the family and working for Einar and Gerd.

Signe and Rune have a BIG job ahead of them--working for Einar and Gerd Strand while at the same time planning and working towards building their own home. It's exhausting and demanding to balance all that hard work fairly. Especially since Einar continues to be a horribly rude and ungracious host.

Will Einar ever have a change of heart?

My thoughts: A Breath of Hope is just as wonderful as The Promise of Dawn. I continue to care about these characters. The story is emotional and intense without being melodramatic and without being preachy. Reading these two books made me want to read more of Snelling's novels.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: The Chapel Car Bride

The Chapel Car Bride. Judith Miller. 2017. Bethany House. 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Hope Irvine clutched a handful of leaflets and picked her way toward the rear of the swaying train.

Premise/plot: Hope travels with her father, a preacher, in a chapel car. They travel by rail and stopover at various communities in need of ministry. Her father does the preaching and leads the services; Hope does the teaching of the children. For most of this novel, the two are located in the mining community of Finch.

The community is shy of strangers--usually. But Luke Hughes takes a liking to them. He wants to be a preacher himself, not a miner. And Hope, well, he definitely wants to get to know her better. With Luke's friendship, the two settle down into the community.

They aren't the only "new" people in town. Kirby Finch has also arrived. He's the disgraced son of the mine's owner. The town doesn't know he's in disgrace and that he's been sent to the town as punishment. Kirby also takes a liking to Hope--as much as Kirby is capable of liking anyone. He is looking for a way to get rich quick--a way apart from actual work. Will he find a way in Finch?

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is set in 1913 in Pennsylvania. I enjoyed the characters, particularly Luke and Hope. The other characters aren't as well developed, perhaps. But as a romance that hardly matters when all is said and done.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Where We Belong

Where We Belong. Lynn Austin. 2017. Bethany House. 480 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Rebecca Hawes lay awake in her tent, convinced that the howling wind was about to lift her entire camp into the air and hurl it to the far side of the desert.

Premise/plot: Where We Belong tells the story of two adventuring sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes. The novel opens in the Sinai Desert in 1890, the sisters are on a quest to find ancient manuscripts. In particular, Becky is looking for ancient copies of the New Testament. She has, by this point, co-written several books on her archaeological discoveries. She's hoping that a new discovery will help skeptics believe that the Bible is reliable and reasonable.

The story line set in 1890 is packed with action and adventure. But the book doesn't stay in 1890, in fact it is dominated by flashbacks--flashbacks for four main characters: Becky, Flora, Soren, and Kate. The earliest flashbacks take us back to the school years of Becky and Flora and how their love of 'adventure' began when they were still teens. (Their first adventure being skipping school and exploring Chicago.)

The two sisters--in particular Becky Hawes--are unconventional in many ways. The two share a love for traveling the world, learning new languages, bargaining with the natives and picking up souvenirs. The two also share concern for others. Flora has a heart for the poor, particularly orphaned and abandoned children. Becky has a heart for the lost. She sees her love of archaeology being in line with that concern. Her work may remove barriers keeping people from believing that the Bible is the true word of God. That's how she sees it anyway. Both sisters have a strong faith in God.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I didn't love, love, love it. I honestly thought it was a bit too long. The story set in 1890 was compelling, but the flashbacks were not equally so. In fact, I found some of the flashbacks to be more tedious than not. (Not all the flashbacks lacked action; one sequence takes readers to the Chicago Fire.)

I found it interesting that this one is based very loosely on real sisters--Agnes and Margaret Smith. But the authors note makes it clear that it is VERY loosely based. Agnes and Margaret Smith were Scottish, not American, and most of the book is complete fiction.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible