If I Run by Terri Blackstock

Review

If I Run is an engaging read, keeping my eyes glued to the pages as I follow Casey's story. It was plausible why Casey would run away when she found her best friend Brent dead even if she was not the killer, because of self-defense instinct. However, it was later revealed that the truth is much darker than what I thought. 

The literal prose is very good - words flows smoothly, good transitions from one point to another and overall very fast-paced and filled with twists which are revealed over time. The characters are well-developed, each with his/her own feelings, emotions and secret fears. 

However, the ending was a little abrupt and took me by surprise as I was expecting a new chapter of Casey's escape from the evil that haunts her. I later found out on Goodreads that this was supposed to be the first book of a new series. That made me feel better, because the story is going to continue.

Even though this is published under Christian-related literature, it is not an overly-religious/preachy type of book. It seemed to me that Casey is portrayed as someone who had lost faith in God but finds it for a short moment towards the end of the book. If I Run is definitely worth reading.

Rating

Giveaway
I'm giving away one (1) copy of this book. You can come pick up at Heritage Center SLC or pay for the shipping and I will mail it out to you. Contact me at aikychien@yahoo.com to arrange the pickup/delivery. First person who emails me gets it. If you are claiming, please leave a comment below so that others know that the book is claimed.

Book Review : Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published January 12th 2010 by Penguin
Available at my Facebook Album for RM 30.00

Synopsis

Twelve-year-old CeeCee is in trouble. For years she’s been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille— the crown-wearing, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town. Though it’s 1967 and they live in Ohio, Camille believes it’s 1951 and she’s just been crowned the Vidalia Onion Queen of Georgia.

The day CeeCee discovers Camille in the front yard wearing a tattered prom dress and tiara as she blows kisses to passing motorists, she knows her mother has completely flipped. When tragedy strikes, Tootie Caldwell, a previously unknown great-aunt comes to CeeCee’s rescue and whisks her away to Savannah. Within hours of her arrival, CeeCee is catapulted into a perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricities—a world that appears to be run entirely by women.


While Tootie is busy saving Savannah’s endangered historic homes from the wrecking ball, CeeCee encounters a cast of unforgettable, eccentric characters. From the mysterious Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in an outdoor tub under the watchful eyes of a voyeuristic peacock, to Oletta Jones, the all-knowing household cook, to Violene Hobbs, the loud-mouthed widow who entertains a local police officer in her yellow see-through peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer.

But CeeCee’s view of the world is challenged in ways she could have never imagined: there are secrets to keep, injustices to face, and loyalties to uphold. Just as she begins to find her ballast and experiences a sense of belonging, her newfound joy collides with the long-held fear that her mother’s legacy has left her destined for destruction.

Laugh-out-loud funny, at times heartbreaking, and written in a pitch-perfect voice, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is a spirited Southern tale that explores the intricate frailties and strengths of female relationships while illuminating the journey of a young girl who loses her mother but finds many others.

Review

The synopsis pretty much sums up this book, and indeed, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt is a heartwarming, entertaining story about a neglected little girl who found love in places and people she could never imagine.

I warmed up to the character Cecelia Rose Honeycutt from the very begging. Being merely twelve years old, she is burdened with the task of taking care of her mentally-ill mother who dreams of a glorious life which has long-passed. Her father is always running away from harsh realities of life by using his job as an excuse, and Mrs. Odell is her only refuge.

After her mother's sudden death, Cee Cee moves in to stay with her great aunt Tootie. The first person she gets to know besides her aunt is none other than Aunt Tootie's personal cook, Oletta Jones. At the beginning, Oletta is cold towards Cee Cee, but after knowing her past, she sympathizes Cee Cee's plight and offers the child her support.

Cee Cee quickly learns that the women in the neighbourhood are kind, though each of them have different personalities. Aunt Tootie is always optimistic, Oletta Jones has a warm heart beneath her cool behaviour, Miz Goodpepper is nice but somewhat quirky, and Miz Hobbs' presence always makes her uneasy.

Jam-packed with wit, humour and charm - spiced up by the presence of two quirky, eccentric, always-at-each-other's-throats neighbours - Miz Goodpepper and Miz Hobbs, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt will definitely make its way into your heart.

Rating:

About The Author

Before beginning her writing career, Beth Hoffman was the president and co-owner of a successful interior design studio. An artist as well as an award-winning interior designer, Beth's paintings are displayed in private and corporate collections in the United States, Canada, and the UK. She lives, along with her husband and three very smart cats, in a fully restored Queen Anne home in a quiet historic district in northern KY.

Book Review : Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl

Paperback, 336 pages

Published January 3rd 2012 by Thomas Nelson

The Triple Threat Club novels follow three fiercely intelligent women-a TV reporter, a Federal prosecutor and an FBI agent-as they investigate crimes as current as today's headlines.

The Triple Threat women have faced intense situations before…but never such a cunningly cold-blooded murderer.

Elizabeth Avery is a stunningly beautiful woman. But her perfectly managed exterior hides the ice cold heart of a killer. She ingeniously manipulates everyone who crosses her path to do exactly as she wishes--from crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, who thinks Elizabeth is her new best friend, to a shy young man Elizabeth persuades to kill for her.

As Elizabeth leaves a trail of bodies in her wake, Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI agent Nicole Hedges must piece together clues from seemingly unrelated crimes. Can they stop her before she reaches her unthinkable, ultimate end-game?

Heart of Ice features a cold-blooded killer who could be your next-house neighbour, best friend, gym teacher, and swimming instructor anytime. Elizabeth Avery has good looks and the prefect body. She is the envy of all women. However, beneath her mask of perfection hides a scary monster - one that will do anything to get what she wants - including eliminating those who stand in her way. And once again, the Triple Threat Club members are in action to find out the mastermind behind a series of plotted evil.

Similar to Lis' previous books, this story is filled with twists and turns, and you'll find yourself entangled in the web of lies and deception. The author displays a brilliant understanding towards jurisdiction processes and the inner workings of the media by her choice of certain words and special settings.

Nicole, one of the heroines, is plagued by a serious problem and this causes her to distance herself from her friends. She is afraid that she might not live to see her daughter grow up into a fine lady. Forever an atheist, she is shocked and somewhat surprised to find out that she may have been blessed by an angel after an operation.

I'm not satisfied with the ending of Heart of Ice as the author does not reveal the fate of the psychopathic killers, but rather leave readers to imagine it by themselves. It's a thoroughly enjoyable novel, nonetheless. If you're looking for a good crime novel with elements of life-like action and human psychology, then don't hesitate to pick it up.

Rating:

Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.

Book Review : Beyond the Dead Forest by Steve Groll

Beyond the Dead Forest by Steve Groll

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Tate publishing and enterprises (May 4, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 161566436X
• ISBN-13: 978-1615664368
• Available on: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

It just appeared one day out of nowhere—a dead forest that the partners had never seen before. Carter and Kat think they know every tree, river, and rock within five miles of their homes, but this section of wood, completely devoid of life, was not supposed to exist. Stepping through a doorway into a bizarre world filled with darkness, terror, and death, they embark on a quest to discover the greatest treasure of all. Aided by a strange old man they called the Guardian, and armed with spiritual weapons, their wits, and a growing arsenal of wisdom, they battle against forces of darkness that are determined to destroy them. Hitch a wild ride with the arrogant Mr. Stewborn with a raving madman in hot pursuit. Come stay awhile in the inescapable People Rule Inn and experience a place where nightmares are real. Travel through the depressing Valley of Shadows, and meet dark creatures you have never imagined. Join Carter and Kat as they venture Beyond the Dead Forest and discover, with our heroes, the unsurpassable riches of wisdom that can empower you to change your life and your world.

Beyond the Dead Forest is a book with depth and layered meanings. I enjoyed reading about Carter and Kat's adventures in the strange places they visited along their journey. The events in the story catalyze their inner growth and increased their determination, wits and strength. This book is interesting and likable, but I believe it would be better if the story is cut short as it is intended for middle graders, and it spanned a good 416 pages. I discovered some typos and found some strange dialogues and descriptions. But anyway, this book is nicely written and would be a great gift for young readers.

Rating:

Steve Groll has written and published his first novel, Beyond the Dead Forest. Groll has worked with children and families for over 40 years. Steve's goal is to write suspenseful adventures that take place in strange worlds and that are both intriguing and profound. Though his novel is geared to older children and younger youth, many adults enjoy the excitement, and wonder at the wisdom found in his uniquely dark, tense, and personally challenging novel.

Book Review : The Blackberry Bush by David Householder

Two separate continents...
two unfinished stories...
two connected destinies

The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Summerside Press (June 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609361164
• ISBN-13: 978-1609361167
• Available on: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
  

Who are You, and what are you doing here?

Two babies—Kati and Josh—are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls. You'd think such a potent freedom metaphor would become the soundtrack for their lives, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Despite his flawless image, Josh, an artistic and gifted California skateboarder, struggles to find his true role in the world, and his growing aggression eventually breaks him.

Kati, a German with a penchant for classic Swiss watches and attic treasure-hunting, is crushed with disappointment for never being “enough” for anyone—most especially her mother.

Craving liberation, Kati and Josh seem destined to claim their birthright of freedom together. After all, don't the “chance” encounters transform your life…or are they really chance?

When David asked me whether or not I would like to review his upcoming novel, The Blackberry Bush, I read the synopsis on Goodreads, and the very first line caught my attention: Two babies, —Kati and Josh, —are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls.

This is actually a novel about family relationships, interweaving destinies, and journeys of self-discovery. David successfully brings out this story in a creative way - the story is layered with words of wisdom and the plot moves on with a suitable pace with the help of passages of the past and current events. Although this book has something to do with Christianity, it is not written in a "preachy" style, so readers of other religions can read it without problems of any sort.

I can totally relate to Kati's hurt that involves her not being pretty and likable enough. She has pale skin, black hair and a big nose, and her mother, mutti is never proud of her. She is always comparing her with her beautiful elder sister, Johanna. She always chastises Kati's appearance without even trying to see her good points. Kati's (only) best friend is her grandfather, Opa Harald who looks past her appearance and loves her unconditionally. Opa teaches her all sorts of things, and she loves hanging out with him. The loving relationship between grandfather and granddaughter is really heart-warming.

On the other hand, Josh is a gifted child, but he seems a bit unsure about how he should live his life. I'm not sure how to describe him, but I feel like I'm a little like him in some ways. I'm glad that both Josh and Kati eventually find their ways in life, discover the goodness of God's love and the beauty of life itself.

In a few words, The Blackberry Bush is a moving, thought-provoking novel in which lies a powerful message. It is a book to read and keep.

"Life is like a coin with two sides--destiny and random chance. The truth is, each side grows out of the other. Quantum stuff. And life spins and spins."

Rating:

David Housholder, Fulbright Scholar (University Bonn ’88–’89) and international conference speaker, speaks three languages and earned his M.Div. at Chicago’s Lutheran School of Theology.

An avid philosophical-spiritual influencer, sponsored snowboarder, and surfing instructor at his home break, he enjoys tinkering on his ’71 VW Bus. Currently he leads an indie-warehouse California beach-church, where he dreams and works for a better world. He has been happily married to Wendy for all of his adult life. They have raised one son together. They can’t do life very well without cats around.

Official site of The Blackberry Bush Novel
ThornHeart.com
RobinwoodChurch.com

Book Review : Deceive Me Once by Valerie Massey Goree

Deceive Me Once by Valerie Massey Goree

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Parson Place Press; 1st edition (September 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984216308
• ISBN-13: 978-0984216307
• Available on: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / IndieBound / The Book Depository
• Source: Won from A. J. Hawke's Blog
  

After more than 25 years of hiding the truth, Chella's past has finally caught up with her. The body of a young woman is found on the edge of Chella's property. As she investigates the mysterious death, she discovers the woman is connected with her hidden past. Will Chella's dark secret finally be her undoing and ruin the life she has built with her husband and sons? Will they ever forgive her for lying to them all these years?

As the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover", this book is really good even though the cover looks plain. Maricella "Chella" McDonough keeps her past a secret from her husband and sons. Until one day, she accidentally finds the dead body of a young girl on her property. She doesn't know who the girl was, but she somehow looked familiar. When her puppy Brutus brings her a half-heart necklace, she is sure that this girl is connected to her past.

As she tries to uncover the mystery that has something to do with the necklace and the dead girl along with her daughter-in-law Teresa, she finds out that her childhood friend, Eva is still alive, but paralyzed after an involvement in a car accident. She also learns that the dead girl, Angelica is actually her friend's daughter. Eva tells her that she thinks her husband Hector is the one who rammed her car, causing her serious injuries and killed her daughter. Fearing her friend's safety, she seeks help from her childhood friend, now a police officer, Raymond Reyes.

This story is full of suspense and mystery, and I really love this. It is also fast-paced and interesting. I finish this book in a short time, and I think the author has done a great job in writing this book, though I'm not convinced by the part where the perpetrators explained everything to Chella because she want answers before her death, thereby fulfilling her "last wish". Why would they want to tell her anything at all, much less everything?

The author also inserted some scriptures from the Bible. The main character, Chella, doesn't think of herself as a true Christian, because although she goes to church with her husband, she hasn't accepted in truth. But this changes as her faith in God grows and she prays for guidance and help.

In a nutshell, this is a well-written and enjoyable story, narrated in first person by Chella. I would recommend it to mystery lovers and Christian readers alike.

Note: This book is a clean read.

Rating:

Thanks to Valerie for sending me a copy of this book! :)

Valerie Massey Goree was born in South Africa and grew up in Rhodesia - now Zimbabawe. She attended a Christian university in Arkansas where she met her husband, Glenn. After attending graduate school, they returned to Zimbabwe as missionaries. Their two children were born there. When they returned to Texas, she began her teaching career in the public school system, working with children with special needs. Now that she's retired, she spends her time reading, writing and spoiling their granddaughter. They live in the Texas Hill Country, northeast of San Antonio.

Book Review : The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray

The Blood of Cain by T.L. Gray

Product Details

• Paperback: 193 pages
• Publisher: Fireside Publications; 1st edition (October 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935517015
• ISBN-13: 978-1935517016
• Available on Amazon
  

Synopsis

Teagan Dacre loves fast cars, loud music and beautiful women, however he carries a secret that keeps him isolated from the general population; he has strange silver eyes, heals really fast and hasn't aged in over a hundred years.

The darkest secret of all - he has a blood thirst that must be satisfied by each new moon.

Believing himself unique, Teagan's world gets turned upside down when he meets an unruly family of immortals seeking their father and maker, none other than the world's first murderer, Cain.

Everything Teagan thought he knew about himself is transformed when he learns how vampires came to be and for what purpose he was made.

For everything, there's a price to be paid, Teagan wonders if he'll be strong enough to pay it.

Review

Cain was the firstborn child of Adam and Eve, and also the First Murderer. Many interpreters suggested that Cain is the embodiment of evil for murdering his own brother, Abel. In this novel, the author views him from a different perspective. Through this book, we learn that Cain actually committed the crime out of jealousy because God favoured Abel over him and wouldn't accept his offering. He sinned and regretted his crime for thousands of years, not having to chance to rest in peace for God laid a curse on him that marked him as an immortal.

Cain lived for a long time in isolation, until he met his friend Abital. He accidentally turned Abital into an immortal like himself, and out of self-reprimand, he tried to end his friend's life because he couldn't bear to see him live with the same curse as he. But later on, he finally learned to think of it in a positive way.

Teagan has lived for more than a century. He wanted to know more about himself - what is he, who made him and what is his purpose of living. He finally found a clue to his answer on the night he met Tatiana, one of the first immortals created by Cain. He discovered more about his new family and the truth behind everything while staying with his new family, one that was composed by five vampires - Tatiana, Blythe, Carpus, Chloe and Bartemaeus.

The author uses alternating points of view in writing the story - Cain's and Teagan's, which supplies the story with a foundation on the vampiric myth. She weaves the story nicely with simple words which gives readers an exact idea of what is going on. But I've a few things to comment. First of all, I discovered some typos. On page 21, Cain is written as Cane and on page 25, Abel is written as Able. I think this may have something to do with the spelling check. Next, in chapter nineteen, Cain had a conversation with Tatiana. The date is 240 BCE, in Greece.

Tatiana: "You've been across the great western sea?"
Cain: "Yes and I've traversed it, too, only to come to another sea. I sailed across it only to find myself back in China and Indonesia."

At this time period, I think Indonesia was known as "Nusantara" or "Sumatra". The term "Indonesia" was first used in 1850 by the British anthropologist J. R. Logan to designate islands called the "Indian Archipelago" by other Western writers. As for China, I'm not so sure what was it called in the olden days, but 240 BCE was during the reign of Qin Shihuang from the Qin dynasty. It should be written as "the Qin dynasty". This is not a big deal, but I think it feels strange to hear an ancient man using modern-day terms.

This book is interesting and intriguing. The author writes in such a way that we can feel the loneliness and yearning for redemption in Cain's heart. He constantly ponders of a way to obtain God's forgiveness, not knowing that he is already forgiven (pg 166). With a mere 176 pages (excluding the excerpt of book 2), The Blood of Cain proves to be an enjoyable and enlightening read, because we get to learn about the God's never-ending love for us, which is full of grace and forgiveness.

Rating:

I'd like to thank T.L. Gray for sending me a signed paperback copy of The Blood of Cain for this review. Thank you!

About the Author

T.L. Gray lives in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains just west of Atlanta with her family, friends, four dogs and one cat. In childhood when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up she replied, "A Queen". Since that title isn't available within a democracy, she chose the next best thing...and author.

Book Review : Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble by Nancy Rue

Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble by Nancy Rue Bryn’s life has been falling apart for a long time, and when it’s discovered her boyfriend has been abusing her, the final threads come undone. Th ...more

Product Details:

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (April 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310714850
• ISBN-13: 978-0310714859

Bryn’s life has been falling apart for a long time, and when it’s discovered her boyfriend has been abusing her, the final threads come undone. Through the help of her surfing teacher grandma, a few new friends, and a beat-up book she finds in the airport, Bryn begins to piece her life back together.

Bryn is an amazing character! I really love her psychological development as she transforms from her old cowardly-self into a courageous and valiant person. At first, she is intimidated by her boyfriend's constant physical abuse and chooses to keep it a secret. When everything comes to light in an accident, she wants to hide from everything and everyone, and most of all, the fact that she is a "battered" teenager.

As she keeps on receiving threats from her [now] ex-boyfriend and his friends to drop her charges against him, her life is like a living hell. She tries to stay in her own protective cocoon, believing that hear fears will eventually disappear. At last, with the help of her outgoing grandmother, her growing love for the sea and a special someone, her life takes a change for good. With the guidance of a mysterious book called RL, she manages to summon her hidden courage and testifies against her abusive ex-boyfriend.

With an super-interesting plot and storyline, readers will surely be charmed by this remarkable book. The author's descriptions of the scenes, especially in the hospital and courtroom are amazingly written, and the characters are distinctive and realistic. I feel particularly connected to Bryn, who has an authentic voice and gripping character.

Without any doubt, Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble will be embraced by teenagers, especially those who love a good, quirky and entertaining novel.

Rating:

Many thanks to Julie Johnson from My Own Little Corner of the World for sending me this book, which I previously won on her blog!

Book Review : Lucky Baby by Meredith Efken

Lucky Baby by Meredith Efken

Product Details:

• Paperback: 293 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (April 13, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416595503
• ISBN-13: 978-1416595502

All Meg Lindsay wants is to give a child the love and acceptance she wished she’d been given. When she talks her reluctant husband into adopting a Chinese orphan, she expects her dream to come true. But becoming a parent has a way of opening up painful doors from the past, and it’s all Meg can do to hold her new little family together. What started as a good intention could destroy her marriage and her family, especially if the daughter they’ve grown to love abandons them, too.

Meg’s journey is a magical one as East meets West and imagination aligns with reality. Lucky Baby takes the reader on a realistic yet mystical journey into the complexities of family life.

I had no idea how I'd love this book before I'd started reading it. The story was told from three different perspectives, mainly Meg Lindsay, Wen Ming and Eva Zhen An. I was deeply captivated by Meredith's wonderful literary prose. I felt as if there was a power in her writing that deeply affects the reader, be it happiness, joy, grief and sadness.

Growing up under the pressure and disapproval of her mother, Meg Lindsay was determined to be a mother who was able to shower selfless, unconditional love onto her adopted daughter, Eva. However, she sometimes wondered if her decision of adopting Eva was right, because her daughter seemed to hate America and was unhappy while living under the same roof with her. Eva constantly hurt her mother by telling everyone that Meg was not her birth mother and that she wanted to go back to China. But her love towards Eva had taken its roots in her heart and she always forgave Eva's defiance and harsh words.

I ran to her. I wrapped my arms around her and rocked her like a baby. She was getting so big, but still --- I needed to hold all of her at once. I pressed my face into her hair, the sweaty dampness like perfume to me. "I love you! You can hate me. You can tell the whole world I'm not your mom, but I still love you. I will always love you. I will not leave you. I'm staying. I'm staying. I'm staying." --- pg 217

Son of the famous physicist Naomi Ricci --- Lewis Lindsay, who was also Meg's husband, had spent his whole life experimenting to find the Higgs just because he wanted to earn his mother's love back again. He was abandoned by his mother when he was very young and suffered because he was deprived of his mother's love. Before his mother left, she told him to find the Higgs first if he wanted her back. He was at first afraid of the thought of adopting a child because he feared that he would do the same thing as his mother had done to him --- neglect and abandon his child. However, he proved himself wrong at last and that he was capable of caring and loving his child after all.

Wen Ming was an orphan with eye-sight problems. She was a very good friend of Eva, but she turned her love towards her mei mei (little sister) into a kind of possessiveness. Eventually, she learned that loving someone means letting go. An elusive woman taught her this.

"In a family, love doesn't depend on physical location. Love can travel the world in a single heartbeat. Love lets fo. and then bridges the distance. You would put those you love in a cage, but that's not love. Love sets free." --- pg 278

Meredith uses a literary technique called magical realism in writing this story, which includes some elements of fantasy in a realistic world. I don't find this type of writing easy to take in, but it does successfully connect Meg Lindsay's and Wen Ming's worlds together.

In a nutshell, Lucky Baby is a powerful and emotional read. It shows us that being a mother is not an easy task. The author also shows us the incredible influence a mother's love has on the life and development of her child and also her own inner growth. The special bond between a mother and her child is unbreakable and everlasting, even though it may endure various obstacles and heartbreaks. Readers are bound to love this book.

Rating:

I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Meredith Efken, the author of Lucky Baby for sending me an ARC of Lucky Baby for this review. Thank you, Meredith!

MEREDITH EFKEN is the author of the critically acclaimed SAHM I Am series that traces the friendship of a group of stay-at-home mothers through their emails to each other. She is also owner of the Fiction Fix-It Shop, which offers freelance fiction editing and writing coaching, with the mission of encouraging other writers to reach their full potential. She serves on the steering team of her local writers’ group and volunteers as an online teacher for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Blog

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{Book Review} Havah: The Story of Eve by Tosca Lee

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (September 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600061249
• ISBN-13: 978-1600061240

Synopsis:

Myth and legend shroud her in mystery. Now hear her story.

From paradise to exile, from immortality to the death of Adam. Visit the dawn of mankind through the eyes of Eve—the woman first known as

Havah.

Review:

Havah: The Story of Eve is a wonderful re-telling of the dawn of mankind from Eve's viewpoint. Tosca nicely imagines the life of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and writes the story with an excellent literary prose which is bound to captivate readers. As a result of their decision to eat the "Forbidden fruit", Adam and Eve lost their innocence, became separated from God and were exiled from the garden where they were forced to adopt agriculture under less than desirable circumstances for a living.

Their yearning to hear God's voice again after the exile was saddening. They wanted to return to their birthplace and tried to find it their whole life, but all of their efforts were to no avail. They experience the many emotions of life - happiness, sadness, joy, sorrow, hope, heartbreak and despair. They lost their second son, under some extraordinary circumstances. This tragedy caused Eve to grieve for a long time. She remembered him even after many years. Eve's attempts to bring the dying Adam on a unsuccessful journey to return to Eden before he took his final breath was really touching. Even though there were some albatross between Adam and Eve, in her heart, Eve still loved Adam.

Tosca had imagined all these convincingly. The life of Adam and Eve before and after the exile was well-written. This book is truly a masterpiece! I really loved this beautiful tale and highly recommend it to everyone, especially Christian readers. I'm sure you'll find it as interesting as I do.

Rating:

Special thanks to Tosca Lee for providing me a copy of Havah: The Story of Eve for this review! Thank you, Tosca!

Author's bio:

Tosca Lee is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and writer who travels the world in her role as a leadership consultant and performance coach. A former Mrs. Nebraska, she is a regular spokesperson for local charities and has been lauded nationally for her efforts against breast cancer. In her spare time, Tosca enjoys studying history and theology, cooking, and traveling with her family and friends. She currently resides in Nebraska.

~Tosca's Online Connections~
Facebook :: Twitter :: Website

Purchase Havah: The Story of Eve from Amazon / Alibris / Barnes & Noble

Tosca's Other Books:
Demon: A Memoir
Iscariot (Coming Soon)

Watch the trailer:


*Demon and Havah’s first editions published by NavPress have just gone out of print in anticipation of their re-release by B&H publishing this summer, with new covers, and all kinds of cool stuff.

{Book Review} Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (May 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600061230
• ISBN-13: 978-1600061233

Synopsis:

One night changes everything.

Recently divorced and mired in a meaningless existence, Clay drifts from his drab apartment to his equally lusterless job as an editor for a small Boston press until the night Lucian finds him and everything changes with the simple words: I'm going to tell you my story and you are going to write it down and publish it.

What begins as a mystery soon spirals into chaotic obsession as Clay struggles to piece together Lucian's dark tale of love, ambition, and grace only to discover that the demon's story has become his own.

And then only one thing matters: learning how the story ends.

Review:

Demon: A Memoir is told from an interesting perspective, and I really liked how Tosca weaves everything together with her beautifully-crafted words. The concept, main theme and synopsis of the story sounds brilliant. I found it interesting sometimes, but the other times, I found it a little confusing.

I liked how Tosca portrayed the demon's hatred towards humans. It was clear that Lucian was jealous because God loved the humans, who were newly-created but imperfect, more than his kind. When Lucian first warned Clay: "the story is really about you.", I was intrigued. However, it appeared several times throughout the novel and seemed to have become a cliché. I really enjoyed reading the middle part of the novel, because that's where the "real content" is.

After reading this book, I obtained a better understanding about the happenings in the Bible, such as the creation of mankind and the garden Eden, God's reaction to man's first sin and Jesus' sacrifice. I realized that God is forgiving and is always offering a second chance. He still loves us even though we had sinned and sometimes betrayed Him. His love for us is immense and unmeasurable.

"But even the forbearance of El in his grief had limits," he said. "And there came the day that he could abide it no longer. Of course, I expected him to slam down the heavy fist, but the day came, and still he held off. Like a mother giving a child to the count of three, El gave the clay people one hundred and twenty years to change their ways."

And as for Satan, he will do anything to further the distance between God and humans. So, it is up to us to choose whether we want to be on God's side or give in to Satan's lure.

Overall, Demon: A Memoir was an enjoyable read. This novel shows us the limitless extent of God's love and the weaknesses in humans. It is a thought-provoking novel which I'm sure Christian readers would love to read.

Rating: 8/10

Special thanks to Tosca Lee for providing me a copy of Demon: A Memoir for this review! Thank you, Tosca!

Author's bio:

Tosca Lee is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and writer who travels the world in her role as a leadership consultant and performance coach. A former Mrs. Nebraska, she is a regular spokesperson for local charities and has been lauded nationally for her efforts against breast cancer. In her spare time, Tosca enjoys studying history and theology, cooking, and traveling with her family and friends. She currently resides in Nebraska.

Tosca's Online Connections
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Purchase Demon: A Memoir from Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Tosca's Other Books:
Havah: The Story of Eve / A Novel
Iscariot (Coming Soon)