Mammoth Cave from a different perspective

I loved visiting Mammoth Cave with my hubby just before we had baby #3, so I was thrilled to stumble upon a novel about the Mammoth Cave area.  Guide Me Home, written by Kim Vogel Sawyer, is a delightful novel set in the early 1900s.  It's a great look at the culture of the times, from family ties to family responsibilities, to the dichotomy between rich/poor and educated/uneducated, to gender roles. It delves into the issues of guilt, forgiveness,  independence, rebellion, faith, hope and salvation.  I judged the book by it's cover, which wasn't very appealing, and almost set it aside. But I was immediately drawn into the story when I started reading. Very well-developed characters, beautiful descriptions of the cave/grounds, well thought-out plot, just enjoyable all the way around.  I also appreciate Sawyer's well-researched descriptions of the cave and it's surroundings - it makes me want to visit again and learn more about the cave!

From the publisher:  "Working as a guide in Mammoth Cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family. But will the cave claim more than it gives? After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job.  Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave. The two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale. The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise. Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight of her past?"    

This is the first book of Sawyer's that I have read, and I look forward to reading more!

Thanks to the publisher for inviting me to be a reviewer of this book.  I appreciate sharing my honest review.

From Mike Nappa - The Raven

My read during our trip to Arizona this week was The Raven, a new release from Mike Nappa. This book was slow to start, but eventually intriguing.  It’s an interesting look at business and politics explored through the lens of a magician and 2 detectives.  It’s also a long and deep look at bitterness and revenge.  One of the main characters, The Raven, is pretty quirky.  I almost put the book down because he drove me a little crazy at the beginning of the book.  But there is development of the character as well as redemption, as the story unfolds.

It's written in a time lapse format, starting in the present, then backtracking before going forward in the book again.  It's narrated by several different characters.  Parts are violent, but not too graphic.  The story does have elements of suspense and several good twists.

From the publisher:  "As part of his regular street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch. It's harmless fun--until he decides to keep the spare wallet a city councilman doesn't seem to miss, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds not money but compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants," The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named, "Nevermore."  Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues--and their complicated feelings for each other--to rescue The Raven and save hundreds of lives from a wildcard bent on revenge."

I would recommend this book to male and female readers age 15+.  I received this book as a gift from the publisher, so I am sharing my honest review.

New author to enjoy - Johnnie Alexander

When Love Arrives by Johnnie Alexander Enjoyable novel - fresh ideas, well-written and easy to read.  It's an easy novel to fall into - the characters are well-developed and the plot is very unique.  Readers will enjoy the story line, the glimpses into time's past, and the redeeming story of twisted characters. From the publisher:  "Dani had planned to spy on Brett--so how did she end up on a date with him? Dani Prescott can't believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media. During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani's mother. But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother's reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something--but he's got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is?" The book presents a good opportunity for readers to reflect on family, fame, fortune, relationships, forgiveness, and values.  I would recommend this book to ladies age 18+. I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

365 pocket prayers

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365 pocket morning prayers is subtitled strength and joy to begin each day. It is just that. 365 short but powerful reflections on scripture.

​  You'll find topics ranging from accountability, to forgiveness, to competition, to contentment to loneliness, to God's care, to motives.  I laughed when I saw multiplication in the concordance, because my daughter has been spending so much time learning her multiplication tables.  But I think they mean a different kind of multiplication.   :)  

  

​Each of the daily entries contains a title and an action, such as "A prayer about God's leading: Remembering the Past" or "A prayer about restraint: controlling my temper." Then there is a prayer to read, reflect upon and pray. Then there is a related scripture that you an meditate on or memorize.

The opening reflection of the prayer book talks about prayer as a privilege, the personal relationship that is nurtured by prayer, and the power of prayer.​

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​I would recommend this to any believer that wants to grow his faith, especially his prayer life.  Youth or adults, male or female.

​Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.​

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