Talon by Ronie Kendig

Aspen's twin brother, Austin, is missing after an assignment for the government. There had been a serious attack, but his body was never found. Aspen is sure he is alive. She has his combat dog, separated from her brother during the attack. But Talon is traumatized. Aspen knows the dog could lead her to her brother, but is he up to it?

Enter “Cardinal,” a government undercover operative who manipulates Aspen into going with him and his unit to find Austin. Cardinal has a Russian past that he would rather keep hidden.

Aspen is an odd character. She boxes – men. She's tough. Yet she makes the dumbest decision when she is in a dangerous situation. It seemed so out of her character. I wanted to like her as a character but it was difficult.

Kendig's writing irritates me. (“Plaster leapt at her.” Well, no. Plaster is not alive. It didn't leap. It was propelled by a bullet hitting the building. “The pang of conscience clunked him over the head.” Really. Clunked?) Sometimes her use of descriptive words just don't work for me. For example, “A war seemed to erupt within him, dancing in his blue eyes.” Somehow an erupting war and dancing in blue eyes just don't seem to go together. But then a few sentences later his eyebrows danced...

She is also a master of the cliff hanging end of a chapter. You know, the kind where the gun is aimed at his chest and the trigger is pulled. Then we find out in the next chapter, a few paragraphs in, that at the last minute the gun was pulled aside and he just received a graze on his arm. I don't like that kind of writing that deliberately jerks the reader around.

If I find her writing so irritating, why have I continued to read her novels? There is something compelling about them. There is so much action, so much feeling. At the same time, I think much of the novel's intensity is created by Kendig's style of writing, not necessarily the action itself. For example, “His steel eyes rammed into hers...”

But I think this is it. I am going to pass on any more of her galleys I'm offered.

Ronie Kendig has a degree in psychology, speaks to various groups, is active in the American Christian Fiction Writers, and mentors new writer. He novels have won several awards, including the Christy Award. You can find out more at www.roniekendig.com.

Barbour Books, 352 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not? by Thompson Square with Travis Thrasher

A love story. But someone pressed the pause button.

Daniel saw Casey for the first time the first day of classes their senior year in high school. Well, really saw her. There was attraction there but they struggle with their differences. The two create a song for a school event and find that they can write good music together. College separates them by distance yet they try to maintain a relationship. They write a few more songs, hit songs. Finally Daniel decides he has to try to make a name for himself in the music industry in New York. Life for each of them goes on. She marries the rich college football quarterback. He ends up writing songs for a kids' television show. He'd dated, even been engaged once. Then he's fired. He'd heard from a friend that Casey had divorced. His heart still longed for her. He knew they could make beautiful music together. Was there even a chance?

The authors use flash backs to take us along in the present while giving us the background of the last seventeen years. Theirs was a rough relationship, knowing they should be together but having so many impediments in the way. This is a novel of second changes, of remaining faithful to a dream even when it seems all is lost.

I am sure people interested in music, who listen to popular songs, will enjoy this book. While it does not reveal anything about the music industry, it does show the struggles musicians have to “make it” in the industry. It seems a certain chemistry is needed to compose a winning song. For me, the getting together to write a song, having a tiff, going apart – that was a bit repetitive.

There is a little mention of God and going to church but there is also mentions of swearing and lots of beer drinking by Daniel. I know, the Christian message does not have to be overt in every novel, but this one does come under the “Christian” imprint of Simon & Schuster, Howard Books. I would think there should be something Christian about it.

The story was inspired by the musical composition “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?” written by Jim Collins and David Lee Murphy, recorded by Thompson Square.

Thompson Square is an American country music duo composed of husband and wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson. They were named Vocal Duo of the Year in 2012 by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Their breakout song “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?” was a #1 hit and reached double platinum status, and it earned two GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance of the Year in 2012. Keifer and Shawna live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Travis Thrasher is the author of more than twenty works of fiction. He and his family live in a suburb of Chicago.

Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, 367 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Loves God, Likes Girls by Sally Gary

Sally shares vignettes from her childhood with a father who had bouts of raging anger and then may not speak to her for months. She had fear of him, even into adulthood. The inconsistency of his personality took a toll on her. She believed her father didn't love her as much as her mother did.

In grade school, Sally felt like she didn't belong. When with other girls, “I knew I didn't belong. I acted as though I did, but inside I knew I was all alone.” (102) She didn't feel like she was doing a good job of being a girl. She was often mistaken for a boy. By high school, she hadn't developed physically as quickly as the other girls. She felt uncomfortable being a girl.

She shares events over her early life that built up her mistrust of men. Men were angry, deceptive and dangerous. Women were safe and were her advocates.

While she dated men in college, by her junior year she felt like she was in love with another female student. Although she did not act on her feelings, she could not deny they were a part of her.

Sally went in to a career of teaching after college graduation. She continued to have experiences, such as with male principals, that reinforced her feelings toward men.

Being a Christian, and having been raised in a Christian home (yes, a Christian home with a Sunday School teaching, raging father), Sally knew the life of holiness to which she was called. She sought counseling. She was able to talk with her parents and form a relationship with her father. She decided to go back to school and get a law degree.

Sally does not have any easy answers for her life. She still finds herself living in tension, the unresolved conflict of what God calls her too and the longing to be in intimate relationship. She is still filled with questions as to how to live the life of holiness.

This is a very insightful memoir. At first I thought Sally spent too much time on her childhood but I realized how important those childhood experiences were in the development of her personality.

In the end, Sally offers no pat answers. She knows what Scripture says. She knows what God requires of her. She still struggles. She writes that if someone can relate to her story and feel less alone, then it has all been worth it. (239) She has established a nonprofit ministry providing safe places for conversation about same-sex attraction. Find out more at www.centerpeace.net.

This is an excellent book for Christians experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction, for families and church leaders who want to understand and respond to those experiencing same-sex attraction, and for parents who want to instill healthy views of gender in their children. (Fathers beware. Your anger could have a devastating effect on your children.)

Watch the book trailer here.

Sally Gary holds degrees in communication from Abilene Christian University and a law degree from Texas Tech University. A former high school debate coach, trial lawyer, and college professor, Sally is a teacher at heart. She is the founder and director of CenterPeace, a nonprofit ministry providing safe places for conversation about same-sex attraction in families and churches. She lives in Abilene, Texas. Follow her blog at http://sallygary.wordpress.com/

Leafwood Publishers (ACU Press), 240 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

The Point by William E. Jefferson

Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze travel to the Isle of Estillyen for inspiration and refreshment. Hollie has recently found out she has polycystic kidney disease and wants to think about it and life. Creative monks on the island stage dramatic readings based on biblical stories. Hollie looks forward to the time of reflection, thinking deeply about the biblical events.

Goodwin has another goal. As a child he had sketched a cottage on Estillyn his grandfather used to visit. Now that his grandfather has passed away, Goodwin wants to find the cottage and understand his attraction to it.

What they find on Estillyen is more than they could have ever imagined. Goodwin meets the owner of the cottage, a recluse. Oban Ironbout is a man deeply hurt. As Hollie describes her experience with Oban, “He didn't just speak sorrowful words, he became the words. He was Burden, the character true to form. The characters Misery, Bitterness, Defiance...” (116-7)

But God has plans for Oban Ironbout and those plans include Goodwin and Hollie.

This is a very interesting novel. It is hard to describe. It is a novel about words, about their meaning and influence. The monks on the island are very creative in their story telling, emphasizing the importance of words. The characters say lots of words. And Jefferson himself masterfully used words in the creation of this novel.

There are several stories going on at the same time in this novel. Hollie and Goodwin are trying to come to grips with their future. Oban has a past that has captured him and held him prisoner. And the monks, the monks want to bring people into a place where they can contemplate their faith in a community discussion setting.

This is the kind of book that you'll want to read over again, savoring the stories and the words that are used to create them. This is the kind of book you will want to read and then discuss with others, especially the stories the monks tell.

The only aspect of this book that makes it less than perfect, I think, is that it is very wordy. I know, it is a book about words, but there are times when a conversation just goes on and on. With the plot of the book as it is, I think a more concise book would have worked better.

William Jefferson helped to structure and implement global initiatives and programs for prominent organizations such as the American Bible Society, United Bible Societies, the International Bible Society (Biblica), and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He holds a master of theology degree in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh, and a master of arts degree in Communications from Wheaton Graduate School.

Go to http://www.estillyen.com/ to find out more about the book and the author.

Port Estillyen Productions, 296 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar for the purpose of this review.

By Grace Alone by Derek Prince

“I believe legalism is the greatest problem of the Christian church. Legalism is, first of all, the attempt to achieve righteousness with God by keeping a set of rules.” (157) In this book, compiled from a series of spoken messages, the purpose is to discover what does and does not matter in our Christian walk. The problem of legalism is identified and we are helped to eliminate it from our life, yielding a new understanding of grace.

Prince was convinced that we Christians fail to live the kinds of lives God wants us to live because we are unclear about the relationship between law and grace. He gives basic definitions of both and argues that they do not mix.

He explains the law of Moses, how Christ fulfilled it, that Christians are no longer under it, the reason for its being given, and its effects on those who try to keep it.

He then looks at what God does require of Christians living under grace, what obedience means, how God enables us by grace, the distinctions in the Old and New Covenants, how their operations differ, the contrast between grace and works, receiving grace, how to recognize it in our life, and how to freely give it.

Prince uses lots of Scripture to argue that we must stop trying to earn God's approval by keeping a set of rules. “...[W]hen Christ died on the cross, He once for all time, ended the Law as an acceptable means for achieving righteousness with God. We have, therefore, no other alternative – it is grace or nothing.” (162)

Prince points out that learning to rely on God's grace is a lifelong process. He has given us the tools to begin that process in this book. I highly recommend it. Get started living by God's grace today.

Derek Prince (1915-2003) was born in India of British parents. Educated as a scholar of Greek and Latin at Eton College and Cambridge University, he held a Fellowship in Ancient and Modern Philosophy at King's College. While serving with the British army in World War II, he began to study the Bible and experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. It altered the course of his life, which he then devoted to studying and teaching the Bible. He is the author of more than 50 books. Derek Prince Ministries continues his work. You can find out more at www.derekprince.com.

Chosen Books, 240 pages. Visit the publisher's product page.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Firsthand by Ryan and Josh Shook

Ryan and Josh were like so many young people in church today. They looked like such nice young Christians, but underneath that outer appearance, they had a huge inner hunger gnawing at them. They decided to give up on church. That life was even worse.

Their experience is common for kids who grow up in church. Most young people between sixteen and twenty-six experience a faith crisis.

Ryan and Josh discovered that what they thought was their faith wasn't. It was their parents' faith, their youth pastor's. It was something they had inherited. It was secondhand faith.

What is described in this book is how to experience firsthand faith – faith that is centered deep in your mind and heart. Ryan and Josh lay out the truths that helped them as they pursued their firsthand faith. They tackle the problems people experience on their journey. They use their own experience as the basis for this book, but they also share the experiences of others.

Subjects they write about include God getting our attention, being honest, real change, forgetting the checklist, questioning and doubting, and getting into community. They end each chapter with a Think About It section of questions and then, Might Try This, one or more suggestions.

There is more to Christianity than living by someone else's faith. Ryan and Josh invite you along on their journey to a life of real and personal relationship with God. It will take time and effort but the fruit will be the kind of life you were created for. If you a cynical about the church, are new to Christianity, or just want to strengthen your faith, this book will be an encouragement.

Go to http://firsthandbook.com/ to watch a short video, read the first chapter, and join in the discussion.

A note on the size of the book. The print is large and the lines per page are few (just 26 while most books have 35 to 40). So the actual word content of the book is equivalent to 130 to 150 pages.

Ryan Shook is a filmmaker and blogger. A graduate of Baylor University, he and his wife live in Los Angeles, California.

Josh Shook is a musician, song writer and graduate of Belmont University. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

WaterBrook Press, 208 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard

The story of King Arthur is buried somewhere in legend and Treskillard has begun to uncover it in this historical fantasy.

Merlin is an important character in the Arthur legends and this novel gives us a plausible way he came into King Arthur's service.

The novel centers on the pagan druidow trying to overturn the Christian influence in Britain. Their leader has found a stone, a meteorite, that has amazing power, evil power. This stone epitomizes the devil and his hatred for Christ. The druidow use this stone on the people in Merlin's village, to entice them back to belief in the ancient gods.

Merlin is a young man nearly blind from an attack by wolves. The son of a smithy, he did not want to get involved in the spiritual battle. But he had to. “Merlin could feel it. Change. Change that would sweep across Britain, erase the name of Christ from the people's memory, and bring suffering and bondage in its wake.” (204)

I am not an avid reader of Arthurian tales but I really liked this novel. It brought to the forefront the spiritual battle between Christians and the druids in the fifth-century. The spiritual future of Britain is at stake. And Merlin is such a little guy, so to speak. He's nearly blind (but that turns out to be an advantage). He's not a burly swordsman. But he has the courage to fight for what he knows is right for Britain. I really like him as a hero.

I also like learning about what Christianity was like in Britain during that time. We sometimes think Christianity has always been like we experience it today. This novel is a good reminder that many have had to fight so that Christianity would survive the attacks of evil.

And fight Merlin did. There is tons of action in this novel, and just a bit of romance. But this is just the beginning of the story. I look forward to the successive books in this series.

Go to Treskillard's website to find out more about the book, enter a contest, get free wallpaper, and discussion questions. Read his blog here.

Watch the book trailer here.

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. In Biblical & theological Studies from Bethel University. He is a software developer, graphic artist, sometimes bladesmith, and has been crafting stories since his childhood. He and his wife have three children and live near St. Louis, Missouri.

Zondervan, 432 pages. Please visit your local Christian bookstore to buy this book.

I am taking part in the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy blog tour for this book. You can read other reviews at the bloggers below.

Noah Arsenault Beckie Burnham Keanan Brand Jeff Chapman Laure Covert Pauline Creeden Emma or Audrey Engel April Erwin Victor Gentile Ryan Heart Timothy Hicks Jason Joyner Carol Keen Krystine Kercher Shannon McDermott Meagan @ Blooming with Books Rebecca LuElla Miller Nathan Reimer Chawna Schroeder Kathleen Smith Jojo Sutis Robert Treskillard Steve Trower Phyllis Wheeler Shane Werlinger Nicole White

I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher, in cooperation with the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy blog tour, for the purpose of this review.

The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney

Mitch Brannan's life changes forever when he comes home from work one evening to find that his wife, Jill, is not there. Her phone message had cheerfully announced she was leaving the conference she had attended and would be home by dinner. Hours go by but she never arrives home. Mitch contacts the police but they have no leads. Then a day goes by. Then two.

Frustrated by the lack of progress the police are showing, Mitch tries to find out himself what happened to his wife. He even gets Jill's best friend, their next door neighbor Shelley, to help.

Weeks turn into months with no clues to Jill's disappearance. And Shelley is such a help to Mitch and his two college age kids. Then Mitch realizes his feelings toward Shelley are not exactly those of mere friendship. And she

seems to be reciprocating.

Raney has penned a good study in character. What is a Christian man to do when his wife has been missing for nearly a year and he is having serious feelings for the woman who is his wife's best friend? I always find it interesting when an author writes a novel with the main character of the opposite sex. I think Raney did a pretty good job, however, on portraying the male lead character. But then, I'm a woman.

And the plot is not all that unrealistic. Thousands of people go missing each year with hundreds of the cases remaining open, never having been solved. I did feel like the novel was a bit long for the plot line though. But I can see that if a Christian man is going to have romantic feelings for a woman, it had better be months and months after his wife has gone missing.

I did feel like the way the mystery was solved was a bit out of left field. That was probably the most unrealistic aspect of the novel for me. Then, poof, the novel is over, after such an agonizingly long wait. That didn't work for me.

This is a pretty good novel but not the best I have read from Raney.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book. You can read more reviews here.

Howard Books, 368 pages. Please visit your local Christian bookstore to purchase this book.

Deborah Raney is the award winning author of several novels. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures' film of the same title. She has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writer's conferences. She and her husband have four children and live in Kansas. Find out more about her at http://deborahraney.com/

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.