Editorial Review

It was the surprise of a lifetime for recluse Molly McCreight when single dad Ethan Hunter entrusted her with his infant daughter while he delivered medicine to an elderly man during an ice storm. Past experience had taught Molly how fragile life could be, but she was touched by this stranger's faith in her abilities. Once the storm had passed, though, and her guests returned home, normalcy eluded Molly. The Hunters' presence had brought much-needed joy to her quiet world, but their absence threatened to crush her forever. Still, was she ready to admit that this tiny family held the key to the future she'd always secretly craved?

Reviews

Strong Christian romance!, March 19, 2010
I liked this one because it was written from two christian point of views. IT lacked sex scenes which I found quite refreshing. It also shows that their can be a hot romance without sex. Happy endings all around. I loved this book and will read it over again.

Worth the read, February 19, 2010
I have to say that I am disappointed by the reviews and ratings this book has received. I thorougly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a quick, feel good read. For those who feel that religion was being forced upon you in the book, open your eyes. It is not overly religious...it just shows how the two main characters deal with issues from their past. I am not a religious person and do not feel as though it was forced upon me. Absolutely worth the read!!

worth it!, June 26, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. In contrast to other reviews about feeling preached to, I did not feel that way. Great story and definitely worth the read!

wonderful, sweet christian romance, May 22, 2010
It was wonderful to read a book that revealed how faith in God and his love for us can conquer all. I love that the characters are not filthy rich with fairytale lives, but are down to earth people with real situations. I hope there will be many more of these books published. I am already looking for my next Linda Goodnight book to read.

Good Book, April 20, 2010
This was a really good Christian Romance Book. I liked the main characters very well. Both had suffered tragedies in their life and seemed to be afraid to trust. This books tells about how they learned to trust again. Very good. I recommend this book.

A good heartfelt story, March 14, 2010
While I was surprised at the Christian faith based storyline, I was not offended nor did I feel preached to. I liked it. There should be stories for everyone's taste or preferences.

A Bit on the Cheesy Side..., March 22, 2009
***** Spoiler Alert *****

The first half of this book was strongly written in my opinion. You come to find the female lead has a tragic secret (her sister blames her for the death of her child) and her mother and sister have turned their back on her.

Then when you get to the middle of the book, you come to find out that the reason her sister is blaming her is logically explained. The baby died of SIDS.

Although I can understand people are illogical when they blame you for things you're not guilty of, I couldn't believe this particular issue--not due to the blame coming from the sister, but because Molly (the heroine) knew of this issue and still blamed herself to an illogical degree. So it wasn't that she blamed herself... it was the intensity of her blame that I found was not believable.

Molly (in my opinion) simply allowed herself to be accused by her sister unjustly. I found it ridiculous and a subtle ploy just to keep the plot moving. She was way too ok with allowing herself to be blamed wrongly when obviously the death would've occurred anyway. She goes so far as to have no life so her sister doesn't feel "burdened" by her presence.

Her entire choice through the entire book is to be a doormat. Not get upset... not even once. I can venture to guess that most people might feel some guilt but would also be quite peeved at being unjustly accused when there's a reasonable medical explanation for the death of a seemingly healthy baby. One that doesn't implicate you.

Again, I get some guilt, but this woman was just immersing herself in it and just being a doormat her sister could walk all over. She had my sympathy all the way up until I realized the death could be logically explained and all of this supposed self-recrimination was just her playing the victim. How about standing up for yourself a bit? I don't believe God would mind that as long as you did it in a decent, upstanding manner. Come on now. If she had attempted to do that some, I would've found the plot more believable.

Also as the plot moves along she gets more ridiculous and acts silly about her relationship with Ethan. She continues to play the victim and it begins to get annoying.

I believe what was initially a good plot gave way to predictable scenes and a wobbly story-line after the halfway point. I commend Linda Goodnight for trying, but I think her book would've been quite a bit stronger if she'd pushed the heroine to own up to a believable set of events.

This is why I gave it 2 stars. Because it's a book that relies heavily on unbelievable actions in order to keep the book going. And also because the wrap-up along the end of the book between the sisters was lacking in depth and not the best way (in my opinion) to go about resolving the issue. It was too predictable and weakened the story's strength.

I couldn't finish this book., May 22, 2010
If you're Christian you might love this book. Don't get me wrong I don't mind god being mentioned in passing but this book shoves It in your face. Which made the book unreadable for me. I got a few chapter in and gave up.

Apart from the god stuff I really enjoyed the story. It had potential but I don't read these sorts of books. they lack logic. I guess since I don't think this was I didn't understand the charter motive and actions. Seemed very strange to me.

For example the Hero insists on sleeping outside because he doesn't want to compromise the Heroine honor. I might understand this if it was a regency romance but it's a modern one. The hero also dumps his baby girl on a complete stranger and seems to believe that god will keep the girl safe. Just didn't sit right with me. I can't like a hero like that.

I thought that it should be mentioned in the blurb what kind of book this was. Some people don't believe in god/christian god and don't want to buy a book and find out it's all about that. I understand you can intimate this from the online website but the kindle store does not display as much information.

a good plot gone bad, April 6, 2010
I honestly bought this book because it was free and i was desperate for something to read, that being said i had no idea it was a religious Christian book until i started to read. And though i am religious and practice Christianity i was appalled by this book and the authors writing, though i am religious i don't like to hear about God/Church/Religion in every other sentence, I also NEVER want to hear how anyone FORCES a woman to have a child when she doesn't want to.

The book could have had potential with the plot and the author could have even made it a Christian book, but she wasn't able to mix it together and create something that is worth reading

ash

Beyond Dreadful, March 8, 2009
I downloaded this for my kindle because the price was right. I am a Christian, but not one who believes that my beliefs are more important than anyone else's human rights (or religion). And I don't really think it makes enjoyable reading when they are praising God ever few lines, talking about Church endlessly, etc. But when I got to the part of the story where the really sweet guy who is single and raising a baby alone and is so helpful to others told how he forced the woman who was pregnant to have the child she did not want, I wanted to throw up. Sure, once a baby is here on the earth we should love it and cherish it, and I would not personally have an abortion, but forcing that decision on anyone else, is so very wrong. WWJD? He would respect the rights of the one who had to carry the baby and give birth. I read romances to escape the harshness of reality, not get my blood pressure up from the morality police who want to impose their opinions on all of us. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This best-selling trilogy chronicles a tale of persecution and perseverance of 1st-century Christians in hedonistic Rome. ... Read more

Reviews

Yes, you want the complete trilogy....., October 12, 2004

You could buy these books one at a time, but why? As soon as I finished one, I was immediately reaching for the next. They are that good.

The first book in the series, *A Voice in the Wind*, introduces us to the characters. During the first half, the pace is rather frenetic, and the chapters skip from one character's story to the next. I found it a bit confusing at times. It was an interesting tale, but one I could put down. Halfway through the first book, the characters converge, the tension builds and I was absolutely hooked.

In my opinion, the second book was even better than the first (which is saying a lot -- I LOVED the first book). All of the magic of the first book is found in the second -- and more.

A word of advice: when you read the first book, be sure and read the chapter that is included introducing *An Echo in the Darkness* that follows. I ignored it, thinking that it would be redundant; however, this chapter is NOT included in the sequel, and it VERY important. A quarter of the way into *An Echo in the Darkness*, I went back and read this and it answered a lot of questions!

As soon as I finish writing this review, I will start reading *As Sure as the Dawn*, the final book in this series. I can't wait to discover what happens to Atretes, the German warrior whose story we were introduced to in *A Voice in the Wind*.

All in all, a wonderful, heartwarming and inspiring story. Sparks your imagination of what it would have been like to be a First Century Christian living in Rome and Ephesus.

Life-Changing Fiction (And Fun To Read!), November 11, 2000
In a short time Francine Rivers has become one of our finest Christian authors, and The Mark Of the Lion Trilogy is her crown jewel. Quite simply, these are my favorite works of fiction, ever. While other authors may sell more books at times, none can WRITE like this woman.

The trilogy's setting is a short time after the resurrection of Christ, in the Roman Empire. Using a Hebrew slave girl (Hadassah) and a German gladiator (Atretes; think the movie Gladiator) as the main characters, three books are crafted with themes of faith, redemption and sacrifice. Rivers is one of the best at writing characters and the ones she creates here are absolutely convincing -- flawed and heroic on multiple layers, with developmental conflicts that relate to modern times almost seemlessly.

These books will not only grab hold of you and demand to be finished but they will challenge you to take your walk with God to a much deeper level. Do not read this series unless you want to be changed. No other stories have every affected me in such a deep way. Forget the Left Behind series and go invest in a true Christian classic. Five Stars, times three.

Completely enthralling! The best books I've read in years!!, October 5, 1998
A friend recommended Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series to me, and I am so grateful!! I love to read, but it is not often that my life is enriched by a work of fiction. From the very first book I found myself not only engaged, but challenged. Rivers begins by challenging her readers to a life committed to sharing the gospel and living Christ's love, through her main character, Hadassah. The second book takes an honest and powerful look at forgiveness, as God would have us forgive and love those who have hurt us most deeply. Finally, "As Sure As the Dawn" takes us into the heart and mind of an unbeliever who is chained by his anger. As I read of God's work in this man's life, I felt I was seeing an eye-opening perspective of my own life. Each book became so personal to me. The writing and research into each book is absolutely incredible. As a person with degree in English literature, it is so nice to read a book that I don't find myself editing as I read it!! I am certainly a new fan of Francine Rivers, and look forward to reading the rest of her work!

Not just an incredible read; It greatly impacted my faith!, November 20, 1999
Francine Rivers has an amazing gift from God to tell a believable story from completely foreign time and place and make the reader feel like they know the characters personally. The linkages between today's culture and that of the Roman Empire are astounding - This book helped me fully appreciate the unchanging nature of God throughout history . Thank you for writing this series Francine, I can't wait to read more of your books!

Outstanding, a remarkable achievement!, June 13, 2002
Generally, I dislike fictional books, however, in the "Mark of the Lion" series, Francine Rivers has successfully achieved a remarkable feat. By creating what could soon become known as a masterpiece in Christian fictional literature, Ms. Rivers brings the characters to life with incredibly evoking realism, emotion, and soul. The chapters quickly engulf you, and the portrayal of life in the Imperial Roman Empire is surreal. The life of the Jewish slave Hadassah, the tragedy and triumph in her life, nonlessthan captivate the imagination, and are a testiment to what faith really is.
The historical accuracy and the terms (which are well defined throughout) are evidence that Ms. Rivers researched her material thoroughly, and add to the validity of the story. This is not just another novel, but rather a story that vividly depicts a glimpse into the cultural history of "the Nazarenes" (early Christians) during the first century. These books are not only a great read, they will change you - every Christian should read them. Perhaps the only negative thing about these books is that I couldn't put them down! I've read them all twice, and now they're circulating among my Christian and non-believer friends, and their reviews are all extremely positive. Buy all three, otherwise you'll be paying for overnight delivery from Amazon to ship the second and third books.

Poetic, moving, and well-researched!, January 21, 2005
Having never read a Francine Rivers novel before I gobbled up this trilogy, I was enthralled by the passion she feels for her characters. Even as she describes the actions of Julia, lost in sin, and those of Marcus, rebellious towards God, you know that her heart goes out to them. It's as if she's describing people she truly knows, and for whom her heart breaks. Though Hadassah's character is by far the sweetest and gentlest, I must say that most of us, Christian or not, are more like the others: blind to our own faults, selfish, and hard-hearted. This series, beautifully, eloquently written, opened by eyes to that. In addition, the tale is carefully researched. Having studied ancient civilizations for the past twelve years, I often read historical fiction with a mental "challenge" for the author to "get it right." After her portrayals of violence, sexuality, religion and politics during the early years of the church, I think Ms. Rivers has met that challenge head-on. I admit that some scenes could be considered disturbing to readers (the portrayal of homosexuality and gladitorial games, for instance) but what makes it worth it is to see how much each character grows out of his or her sin to walk in the love and forgiveness of Christ. For someone who sees these struggles in today's world, it's encouraging to know that early Christians faced the same problems we do today. These books feature the issues of feminism, homosexuality, promiscuity, abortion, racism, genocide, and religious intolerance. In case you're unaware, we as Christians face these issues daily, too! Ms. Rivers took our problems, gave them ancient faces, and created a tapestry of accessible, moving, interwoven tales of love, adventure, and salvation. How can I give it less than five stars?

Mark of the Lion -- (Vol 1-3), February 19, 2004
WHAT AN AMAZING TRILOGY! Francine Rivers has done it and she has done it well. When I was first recommended this book, I was a little aprehensive about reading it, only because I had never read a Christian novel before. All it took was the very first page and I was hooked!!! Francine Rivers writes with such vivid imagination and color. The characters were so real that I felt I knew them personally, I felt I could touch them and talk to them. I read this book about 2-3 years ago and I will never forget the impact that it has had on me.
The story focuses on a young Jewish girl named Hadassah who is of Christian belief. She falls in love with Marcus Valerian, the wealthy son of Decimus and Phoebe, and older brother of snobbish and spoiled Julia. (They happen to be her masters; the family that she works for) Hadassah's solemn, humble, and plain way positively affects everyone she meets. She is a true example of the Child of God; strong and admirable.
This is truly a masterpiece, and I would recommend this book to ANYONE, no matter what types of books you are into. This story will stay with you for years to come. A story like this should definatly be made into a movie!

WOW!, February 16, 2000
Words can't even describe how much this series touches your very soul! I read this series years ago and I still can't believe how wonderful this series is! Your heart will fill to the brim (so there is room for nothing else) with so many emotions throughout the course of the books. Joy, extreme sadness, serenity/peace, thrill, wonder/amazement! Get ready for the read of your life. I recommend these for anyone! After reading these, I found myself comparing other books to them, i.e., good, but not as good as Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series! I can't say enough, so I'll stop now without repeating myself too many times! Enjoy!

Rivers at her best, June 5, 1999
I read this series not long after it was published, and Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series is one of the best Christian trilogies published. Following Hadassah, Marcus, Atretes, Rizpah and all the other characters' lives is truly a journey well worth the time. The books are historically accurate and very informative while still being highly entertaining. This is Rivers at her best. Her other books are good as well; I especially recommend _Redeeming Love_ and _The Scarlet Thread_.

I loaned my books to a friend at church, and from there, the series fanned out to at least nine people -- moms, daughters and even my father is now reading the series. These are books everyone can enjoy, learn and grow from.

Fair warning -start and you can't stop, April 6, 2003
Once you get into the very first book, you will not be able to put it down. Everything else will get ignored. This series shows God's amazing love when things are going just as awful as they can get. You involve yourself with the characters and are stunned at the end by God's love and forgiveness. The characters surprise you by their love, their violence and their heartfelt repentance.

This trilogy is a must for everyone. A must! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Can God’s Love Save Anyone?

Best-selling author Francine Rivers skillfully retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is a godly man sent into Angel’s life to draw her into the Savior’s redeeming love. This remarkable novel has sold over a million copies globally and has been a fixture on the CBA bestsellers list for nearly a decade. A six-part reading guide, suitable for individual use or group discussion, is included in this best-selling novel.

Story Behind the Book

“Writing Redeeming Love was a form of worship for me. Through it, I was able to thank God for loving me even when I was defiant, rebellious, contemptuous of what I thought being a Christian meant, and afraid to give my heart away. I had wanted to be my own god and have control of my life the way Eve did in the Garden of Eden. Now I know to be loved by Christ is the ultimate joy and fulfillment. Everything in Redeeming Love was a gift from the Lord: plot, characters, theme. None of it is mine to claim.” ... Read more

Editorial Review

Rome comes alive in this tale of Jewish Christian slave girl Hadassah. Her story encourages readers to represent Christ in their world.

Spanish available ... Read more

Reviews

An awesome book but....., May 25, 2005
I just finished "A Voice in the Wind" this evening and I'm already plowing through the second novel in the series. I read Francine Rivers first novel for the Christian market, "Redeeming Love", and was impressed with it. The Mark of the Lion Series lives up to the rave reviews, but I do have a few words of caution.
The novel is set in the Roman Empire of the first century and deals quite frankly with the society of the time. The story opens with the destruction of Jerusalem in 79 AD. Here we meet Hadassah and her family, trapped in the city by the Roman army. When Roman legionaires enter the city and slaughter its inhabitants, Hadassah's starving family is among their victims. Hadassah herself is taken prisoner and sold into slavery. The descriptions of death and war violence are vivid and this somewhat shocking opening sets the pace for the story to come.
Ancient Rome is probably one of the more captivating periods in history. The romance and splendor of the empire have been depicted in countless films and novels. Ms. Rivers effectively places the reader in the midst of this world, with all of its decadence and debauchery. While Hadassah is technically the main character, a great deal of time is spent developing the other characters in the story. These characters include Hadassah's owners, the Valerians, and a German gladiator named Atretes. Ms. Rivers deals very frankly with the sensual nature of ancient Rome. Many of the characters are promiscuous and the descriptions of the gladiator matches are graphic enogh to make you cringe. In all honesty I would have preferred less vivid detail. Sexual content is present. We don't read every lascivious detail, but we know that characters have slept together. The story deals with murder, abortion, idol worship, witchcraft and various forms of sexual depravity. Some have criticized the graphic nature of the stoty. However, as the novel draws to a close, we can see that Ms. Rivers has used these elements to show how depraved some of the characters are, throwing other character's virtues into sharp contrast.
Hadassah herself seems to represent what Christians should be. She falls just short of being too perfect, but one can't help but connect with her just the same. The climax of the novel is heart wrenching. This story is not about happy endings and we see virtually nothing resolved with the novel's cliff-hanger ending. However, we do see Hadassah mature into a model of Christ-like behavior that we should emulate. Aside from the graphic depictions of violent battles and the seemingly endless stream of debaucherous behavior, the story is engaging and powerful and will leave you with a great many things to think about in your own walk with the Lord. I would not recommend this novel for a young audience, however mature older teens might be able to handle it. Have the second book on hand as you'll race rather quickly through the last few chapters.

A Great Surprise!, May 26, 2006
I don't normally read much in the way of fiction, but occasionally find historical fiction worthwhile for expanding the mind, so when an employee of mine recommended this book, I decided to give it a read. My initial assessment, after only 20 or 30 pages, was that Francine Rivers was a devoted Christian using her literary talents to witness for Christ. An admirable undertaking, to be sure, but I soon learned I underestimated the authors' ability. She has woven a tremendous story here and in the process, has reached out to disperse the good news of Christ through a captivating story.

I was first Impressed with Rivers as a writer by her glaring knowledge of the subject matter. Not just of the Christian aspect of the story, one would expect a Christian writer to well versed in that venue, but her knowledge and descriptive prose in battle tactics of two millennia ago. Weaponry is rather easy to comprehend with a little research, but to comprehend battle tactics of that era is a much deeper challenge and Rivers has mastered that challenge magnificently.

The story revolves around a young Jewess, her family killed by the Romans, taken captive and sold into slavery in Rome to a well-to-do Ephesian merchants family. She finds herself in the servitude of a Roman day Scarlett O'Hara, roughly a generation after the death and resurrection of Christ. Over what I gather to be roughly a seven year period in the service of the family, the young Jewess serves their every wish and has a profound influence upon all the family members, but is torn by her inability to make them understand her beliefs.

Rivers draws masterful parallels between Rome of 2,000 years ago and the U.S. today, particularly in the area of social decay, moral decline, juvenile disobedience and the overall degenerate social environment. Some might find this a stretch but readers well aware of the state of Roman society of the time will understand the correlations and know this is not just a writer using literary liberty to make a point. The truth is, the similarities of Rome, just prior to its fall, and the U.S. today are more than coincidental.

This is a well-told story with a message for all. It's not just run of the mill historical fiction, but rather a valuable work which will enrich the lives of readers open to its lessons. Upon finishing this one, I immediately ordered part II of this story.

Monty Rainey
www.juntosociety.com

Why Did I Wait So Long?, January 21, 2002
The year is 70 AD. Hadassah has been captured at the fall of Jerusalem. Taken to Rome, she is bought to serve the Valerian family. The Valerians are having their own problems. Decimus, the father, is very traditional, yet his children, Marcus and Julia, embrace all the decadence Rome has to offer. Hadassah wants to share her faith in Jesus the Messiah with this family, but she cannot find the courage to do so. Meanwhile, Atretes has been captured in Germany and taken to Rome as a gladiator. As their lives intertwine, they will all face problems that will challenge who they are and what they believe.

I just read this book for the first time, and can't believe I waited so long to do so. This is an amazing novel. The characters are strong, the writing is crisp, the plots are remarkable, and the detail given to ancient Rome makes it come alive. Every time I picked up this novel, I was drawn into its world and had a hard time putting it down.

This was my introduction to the books of Francine Rivers, but by no means will this be my last. I am looking forward to finishing this series and exploring her other novels. She is truly a gifted author.

Voice In The Wind - Fantastic!, December 15, 1999
I borrowed this book from my elder sister while on holiday. I was so astounded by the characters and how easily they were to identify with! To start with, the book chronicles the start of a trilogy about a young Christian slave girl sold into a Roman family. There she finds herself clinging to a faith she took for granted and finding joy, peace of mind and a strong steadfastness in the Lord despite her circumstances. Fall in love with Marcus, rave against Julia and find yourself in awe of the power of the Lord. Rome in those days was not so different from now - extremes of poverty and wealth accompanied by greed, enterprise and the emptiness found in material things. I was so affected by this book that I took down the title, author and publisher's name so that I could order my own copy plus the next 2 in the series, An Echo In the Darkness and As Sure As the Dawn. As soon as these books came through the post, I stayed in my room till I'd finished reading them - there was no way I was leaving my room till I'd finished! Later, I ordered The Scarlet Thread and decided there was simply no point in looking for a better fiction/scripture writer than Francine Rivers. FR, you're brilliant - don't change!

An Instant Classic, December 6, 2000
In a short time Francine Rivers has become one of our finest Christian authors, and THE MARK OF THE LION trilogy is her crown jewel. Quite simply, these are my favorite works of fiction - ever. While other authors may sell more books at times, none can WRITE like Rivers.

The trilogy is set in the Roman Empire, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. Using a Hebrew slave girl (Hadassah) and a German gladiator (Atretes; think the movie Gladiator) as the main characters, three books are crafted around themes of faith, redemption and sacrifice. Rivers is one of the best at writing characters and the ones she creates here are absolutely convincing -- flawed and heroic on multiple layers, with developmental conflicts that relate to and parallel modern times almost seemlessly. A VOICE IN THE WIND, the first and best of the series, lays the groundwork for the trilogy but stands tall on its own merits as well. The character of Hadassah, in particular, shines most bright in this part of the trilogy. You can read it on its own, but I guarantee that you will have to order the rest of the series when you're through.

These books will not only grab hold of you and demand to be finished but they will challenge you to take your walk with God to a much deeper level. Do not read this series unless you want to be changed. No other stories have every affected me in such a deep way. Forget the LEFT BEHIND series and invest in a true Christian classic. Five Stars.

Easily one of the best books I've ever read, April 15, 2000
And I've read enough to get a good sample of what's out there. I have found a lot of Christian fiction has undeveloped characters, and repetitive plots in subsequent volumes (such as any Janette Oke book) This book was the total opposite. I totally forgot I was reading and was transported to 1st century Rome, Ephesus, and Germania. Ms. rivers totally made the characters come alive, and I could barely put it down from the first page.

A piece of advice: While you buy this book, buy the second and probably the third. Trust me, you won't want to wait for it to be shipped to your house. I just finished reading it, and guess what I'm doing: ordering the next book.

The only flaws in this book were that they made it sound too much like liberal America, although it does make you think. Some parts get a little graphic, so I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers (Ha ha, what a laugh coming from a 14 year old!) or people with a weak stomach. Other than that: READ THIS BOOK! If you don't like it, email me and tell me why!

AMAZING!, February 16, 2005
AMAZING,AMAZING,AMAZING!!! Francine Rivers is definately at the top of christian fiction! If you haven't read this book, I HIGHLY recomend it!
No matter what you're looking for in a book, you'll get something out of this. If you're into romance or are simply looking for a good read, you'll enjoy it!
For me personally, this book challenged me as a person. Francine Rivers writes with such an honesty, I can't really describe it, but she captures the essense of man and his need for a higher purpose and really the heart of the Christian faith as well.
Hadassah, while quiet and dealing with her fears throughout the book, is really the strongest character of the story. Her unwavering faith is really the centerpiece of this story, and her beautiful humility seems to outshine everything else.
A few of the other more "flawed" characters really served to point out how I am so much more like them then Hadassah and really got me thinking.
This is a very touching, fascinating, inspirational book, and I don't know how someone could read this and not sense a need in their life to change, to be a better person, to be more like Hadassah.
For whatever reason you feel like reading this, you DEFINATELY should. I HIGHLY recomend this book!!!

A Voice In The Wind, January 2, 2000
This was absolutely the BEST book that I have ever read. I have read this whole series 5 time over, I'm still not tired of it! Francine Rivers really puts this story of a slave girl in Rome, in a light that is realistic and understandable. You can feel the stuggles that Haddassah faces, not only read them. Its a book that can be really enjoyed by both genders. I stongly recomend this book to anyone. Man OR women. This book changed my life.

Fantastic!, August 7, 1999
I've read a great deal of Christian fiction, and it seems sometimes that almost all of it is about either American pioneer days or WWII. Seeing a book set in ancient Rome caught my interest, and I bought a copy as a Christmas gift for my stepmother (we share books quite frequently). I later ended up reading it when I was living in France for a year; everyone I know who's read it shudders sympathetically when they learn that I had to wait several months to read the sequel!

That's to give you an idea of how wonderfully gripping this book is. I have yet to meet someone who didn't like it, and all but one of the people that I've discussed it with (including men and women) feel that this series is one of the best that they've ever read.

It did have a few minor weaknesses (the key being that Rome did seem an awful lot like a Conservative view of the US; the anthropology student in me wonders if our culture was overly projected onto theirs). However, I loved the characters, and especially Hadassah. She seemed human and real, yet in many ways like a role model for what Christians can strive to be like. I would definitely recommend this book.

Christians in a corrupt culture: superb & suspenseful, September 8, 2000
In this first volume of the Mark of the Lion series, Francine Rivers spins a spell-binding and deeply-moving story that entertains, educates and enthrals. The captivating tale of the Christian Jewess Hadassah took me on a breath-taking ride that starts in the ruins of Jerusalem, travels to the godless hub of first century Rome, and concludes in the Artemis worshipping city of Ephesus.

This book has the capacity not only to keep you captivated for as long as it takes to read (500 pages plus!), but long afterwards also. Rivers' story-telling capabilities are simply superb, as is her colourful characterization, and these are unquestionably some of the highlights of this novel. Particularly compelling is the touching manner in which Rivers portrays the special relationship between the slave Hadassah and her master Julia, and I gained valuable insights and understanding about slavery from this relationship. Rivers' theological weaknesses (endorsement of Arminianism and belief in ongoing revelation outside of Scripture) are evident, but only occur incidentally, and do not really detract from the power of the novel.

Her portrayal of first century Rome is especially outstanding. The culture of the Roman empire is described in vivid detail, complete with its godless and decadent lifestyle, political intrigue and corruption, infatuation with gladiators and games, sex and sensuality. The description of Rome's decadence is at times almost too vivid, and consequently the book is not really suitable for younger readers. The inclusion of contemporary issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and common-law marriage at first seem anachronistic, but I soon realized that the decay evident in contemporary Western culture is merely a mirror image of the decay that also characterized and eventually destroyed corrupt Rome.

Over against the destructive decay of Roman culture, Rivers describes its counter-culture: Christianity. The only hope for a people trapped in a immoral and disintegrating world - both then and now - is the Saviour and restorer of life: Jesus Christ. Ultimately this age-old contrast between the church and the world is at the heart of this epic novel. As never before, I was able to picture and appreciate the extent to which the Christians of the early church were counter-culture in first century pagan Rome. This renewed understanding of Christianity being counter-culture quickly became a personal incentive to be a faithful Christian in our equally corrupt times. It is especially this quality that made "A Voice in the Wind" not only immensely satisfying, but also incredibly stimulating for my own faith.

This novel is not just good, it's great, and is undoubtedly one of the very best in contemporary Christian fiction. Very highly recommended! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Through the courageous faith of the Christian slave girl Hadassah and the troubled lives of the Roman masters, An Echo in the Darkness continues this moving tale of first-century Rome. Having narrowly escaped death, Hadassah conceals her scars--and identity--with veils. But it is her God-given ability to heal others that brings her to perhaps her greatest trial. God's forgiveness and redemption triumph as this young woman, assumed to be dead, is called to risk her life for the one who would have destroyed her.

Spanish available ... Read more

Reviews

Powerful Story of God's Love and Forgiveness, February 12, 2002
It's been a year since the end of A VOICE IN THE WIND. Marcus is feeling restless. His life of pleasure no longer holds any happiness for him. Julia is finding that her friends really don't care for her, and she is fighting an illness that no one seems to be able to cure. Their mother, Phoebe, prays constantly for their salvation. Fortunately, God has not given up on them. And the answer might come from the strange woman hidden in veils who assists the young doctor Alexander at his shop in the poor part of town.

Francine Rivers has once again captured the Roman empire of the 1st century AD. Rome, Ephesus, and Israel come alive with compelling people and small historic details. The theme of God's love and the power of forgiveness are beautifully shown through the lives of these characters. The ending was so powerful, I'm sure it will stay with me for quite some time.

This novel is definitely a sequel to the first book in the series, A VOICE IN THE WIND. Enough of the first book is explained so you won't be lost if you choose to read this one first. However, since you'll ultimately want to read the first one, I recommend starting with it so none of the surprises will be spoiled.

These novels are some of the best Christian fiction I've ever read. If you enjoy a good story with strong characters, you'll want to pick these up and read them today.

This Book Will Change You, September 13, 2001
Francine Rivers is arguably Christian fiction's finest writer, and THE MARK OF THE LION trilogy is her crown jewel. They are my favorite works of fiction -- ever. While other authors may sell more books at times, none can WRITE like Rivers.

The MARK trilogy is set in the Roman Empire, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. Using a Hebrew slave girl (Hadassah) and a German gladiator (Atretes; think the film GLADIATOR) as the main characters, three books are crafted around themes of faith, redemption, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Rivers is one of the best at writing characters and those that she creates here are absolutely convincing -- flawed and heroic on multiple layers, with developmental conflicts that relate to and parallel modern times almost seamlessly. AN ECHO IN THE DARKNESS, the middle book of the series, picks up immediately after A VOICE IN THE WIND's climax. Where A VOICE focused mainly on Hadassah and her struggle to stand for her faith, AN ECHO's main conflicts surround the Valerian family (whom Hadassah served) and their responses to the sacrificial price that Hadassah paid. The resulting journeys towards redemption play out wonderfully and, as the book progresses, become more and more moving. Though A VOICE is my favorite of the series, from a literary standpoint AN ECHO is probably the best.

You can read AN ECHO on its own, but you must read A VOICE first, and you might as well order the entire series because once you read one you will have to read them all. These books will not only grab hold of you and demand to be finished but they will challenge you to take your walk with God to a much deeper level. No other novels have ever affected me so profoundly. Forget the LEFT BEHIND series and invest in a true Christian classic. FIVE STARS.

Absolutely Incredible, April 26, 1999
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. Of all of the books I have read, I keep coming back to this one, it simply draws me. I have read it 13 times or more. If you haven't read it yet, please do. It is one of the few books that draws me in completely from the very beginning. I can sit down on a lazy Saturday and read nearly all the way through it. And I get so involved in the book that if you want my attention, you may as well call me by the main character's name. It is that good!!

A definite page-turner., November 17, 1998
This book is much darker than the first. I would not recommend reading this book without reading the third afterwords. Much of this story is graphic. Definitely not intended for younger readers. This book has many parallels to current day life. It will cause you to look at the world around you. An excellent book.

Powerful, have tissues, will cry, June 9, 2005
Francine Rivers second title in the Mark of the Lion series delivers a pleasant suprise. The saga begun in "A Voice in the Wind" takes a dramatic and dark twist in "Echo in the Darkness". It stands in sharp contrast to the first book and shines in its own right.
The characters we met in the first novel are developed a great deal in the second novel and we get down to some of the deeper issues motivating these people. Almost non-existant is the frivolous debauchery seen in the first novel. In the first book Ms. Rivers lays a groundwork of the lives the main characters are enmeshed in. Here, in the second book we see the tragic consequnces of those actions. We see the ravages of promiscuity, the hopelessness of idol worship, and the sobering effects of the apathy of a society that is crumbling under the weight of its own debauchery. You can't help but see parallels to the present day. This novel, more so than the first, will make you think and examine your own walk with the Lord.
The pace is breathless, be prepared to have difficulty closing the book. I ended up taking it with me to work and reading on my breaks, I couldnt tear myself away from the story. I read the last 100 pages in one sitting ending well past 3 AM.
As far as christian fiction goes its sometimes like navigating a mine-field, you pick up a novel not knowing what the author's theology may be and what your about to be exposed to. In this novel, Ms. Rivers has done a remarkable job of presenting what true christian faith is all about. She shows various people from all walks of life coming to know the Lord. Ms rivers novel shows us that the wages of sin indeed are death, but that no matter what, God loves us, and through redemption in christ, there is life and that nothing is impossible with christ.
I strongly recommend this series but with some caution. The issues addressed are heavy ones and a younger audience probably shouldnt read it. Issues such as promiscuity, witchcraft, false religion, EXTREME violence, abortion, and sexual debauchery are all factors in the stories. While these issues are used to show just how depraved certain characters are, and are desrcibed with a great deal of vague care (we know what the characters are doing but are not forced to read graphic descriptions) they are nonetheless there. If these books were ever made into a movie I think they would be pushing the limits of a PG-13 rating. the battle sequences in the first book alone are enough to make one a little unsettled.
All in all though this series is a powerful one and one cant help but be changed by reading it. I picked up book 3 today and already I'm hooked. Enjoy!

Read this book! Really!, February 9, 2001
This is an excellent book, exciting and always real. The characters are true to life, so much that you miss them when you're done with the series. Rivers is an amazing, descriptive, powerful writer and I can confidently recommend every one of her books.

Some say that Rivers overdoes the parallels between ancient Rome and modern America. However, though the similarities are accentuated in the books, they are included only because they are historical--Rivers spent six months researching ancient Rome and was herself astounded by its similarity to modern America.

I encourage you, as one who reads much and knows good literature--read this series! Especially the first two books.

Exquisite, July 12, 2006
Rivers produced another book replete with interesting characters, a compelling plot, and rich, vivid imagery. This is a story of love between people and the Lord who loves them, but that sentence does very little to describe the story. Highly recommended.

Outstanding Adult Fiction, March 28, 2002
Francine Rivers sets the bar for historical Christian Fiction writers. Her deft, graphic touch places her books firmly in the adult fiction section (as opposed to youth fiction). With its realistic portrayals of lust and love, this series is not yet for our teenagers, but I would recommend it to any adult.

Thank goodness for the epilogue at the end of my copy of A Voice in the Wind! Otherwise, I might not have been able to bring myself to read An Echo in the Darkness. If I had been told in advance that Hadassah and Marcus wouldn't speak for more than half of this book, I'm not sure I would have read it. I certainly would have expected to find the book dry and slow. Au contraire! I was as eager to discover Hadassah's future and Marcus's and Alexander's decisions regarding Christ as though I were reading a mystery. The ending is very satisfying and worth each page.

The series is a Keeper. Make sure you have your name written in the front of each book--in ink!

Engrossing, July 3, 2000
If you want to laugh, cry, have your heart taken out, wrenched dry, and put back better than it ever was before, you simply MUST read this book! I have read many books, but the story of Hadassah touched me as nothing else has-and I read a lot. The way Hadassah trusts in God is something I admire.

Even better than than the first....., October 12, 2004
*A Voice in the Wind*, the first in this series, really pulled at my heart. The storytelling was truly compelling. Sequels rarely live up to the magic of a great first book, but I felt that *An Echo in the Darkness* not only lived up to the magic, but surpassed it!

You MUST read *A Voice in the Wind* first. The characters are developed and their experiences lay the foundation for this book. Oh, and when you read the first book, be sure and read the chapter that is included introducing *An Echo in the Darkness* that follows. I ignored it, thinking that it would be redundant; however, this chapter is NOT included in the sequel, and it VERY important. A quarter of the way into *An Echo in the Darkness*, I went back and read this and it answered a lot of questions!

All in all, a wonderful, heartwarming and inspiring story. Sparks your imagination of what it would have been like to be a First Century Christian living in Rome and Ephesus.

As soon as I finish writing this review, I will start reading *As Sure as the Dawn*, the final book in this series. I can't wait to discover what happens to Atretes, the German warrior whose story we were introduced to in *A Voice in the Wind*. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Christmas bells and wedding bells chime in these classic tales by Lenora Worth

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Just weeks before Christmas, widowed mother Myla Howell and her two children are saved from the streets by a wealthy oil tycoon nicknamed "Scrooge." Has the chill surrounding Nick Rudolph's icy heart begun to thaw in time for the holidays?

One Golden Christmas

Take one small-town Christmas pageant. Add in three motherless children with a secret holiday wish and a handsome widowed father. Mix justso with pageant director Leandra Flanagan. Will yield big surprises by December 25th.

... Read more

Editorial Review

Atretes and Rizpah discover the fires of faith and their own burning devotion to a Lord who draws them into a love that is as sure as the dawn.

Spanish available ... Read more

Reviews

Worth Reading, January 1, 2006
Although this book was different from the 1st two books in the trilogy, I must say that I did enjoy it. The 1st 2 books were dramatic, intense, heart wrenching, & tearful. While this one made me laugh out loud many times, especially in the beginning. This book is definitely not a tear-jerker like the first two.

It was hysterical trying to picture some of the scenes described in the early part of the book. For example, Artetes, a total barbarian, arrives to live in a lush villa after living in a cave for 5 months. Some of the descriptions of his behavior and the responses of his slaves are priceless.

Another hysterical description is when Artetes wants to confront the apostle Paul on an issue. He finds Paul at a gathering in which he is preaching to a large crowd. In the beginning Artetes sits under the tree waiting for the service to end. He gets tired of waiting and decides to interrupt. He breaks through the crowd, heading for the front to confront Paul at the same time there is a call for anyone to come forward who wants to be baptized. So, as Artetes is breaking through the crowd everyone is cheering him on and encouraging him, thinking that he has just given his life to Christ and wants to be baptized. His reaction to this and other interactions with believers is extremely funny.

In contrast to Hadassah (the main character in the 1st two books), who is gentle, soft spoken, and humble, Rizpah is independent, spirited, and strong-willed. This results in amusing interactions between her and Artetes.

I did feel pretty sad at how Artetes treated his wife near the end of the book and wish more was written on his remorse. But other than that, I enjoyed the book. It really takes your mind off all of the drama that occurred between Hadassah, Marcus & Julia from the 1st two books. It was a nice way to bring closure to this amazing, well worth reading trilogy.

Fitting end for strong series, March 29, 2006
This is the third and last entry in the Mark of the Lion trilogy. I felt that Atretes had slipped a little from his softening in the previous book, but as the book went on I could see how necessary his hardness was. The character of Anomia is a bit cliched, but to tell the truth, she's a well-written cliche and some people are truly that self-centered. I admired Rizpah's strength throughout the book and how her love for Atretes softened her and allowed the Lord to use her for great works. The level of detail in 1st century AD daily life is astonishing. Rivers fills the book with breath-taking descriptions and detail so that it's easy to fall into that world. I held off on reading this series despite the good feedback I'd heard about it, because I was concerned that it would come off as too stiff or so full of trying to preach that the story would be neglected. I should know better from Rivers. She never makes the story secondary to the message; they are always entwined so carefully and completely that one without the other would fall flat. And I've yet to read a Rivers book that falls flat. This whole trilogy is definitely a must read for Christians. We're blessed in this country that we have freedom of religion. These stories of people who have to hide their faith or die for it is amazing.

In a seperate class, July 21, 2005
Alot of the people reviewing this final installment in the 'Mark of the Lion' series are saying how it is disappointing compared to the other two. This book seems to stand in a place by itself. To be fair you can't exactly take it as a continuation of the second book in the series but more as an alternate sequel to the first book.
Let me explain: 'A Voice in the Wind' introduces us to all of the characters in the series, primarily revolving around the slave girl Hadassah and the german chieftan Atretes. Both of whom are captured and sold into slavery. The end of the first book leaves much in question and very little resolved. It is here that the story diverges into two directions. In 'An Echo in the Darkness' we continue the story of Hadassah and the Valerian family to which she belongs. We hear almost nothing of Atretes save a few passing references from other characters. We never know what Atretes is up to as the events of this story unfold. By the end of this book, most of the threads have been tied up and the book closes completely the story of Hadassah.
'As Sure as the Dawn' picks up around the same time that 'Echo' does. This story picks up the thread of Atretes again and we see the story exclusively from his perspective. Here the other characters we met in the series such as Hadassah and the Valerians are referred to only in passing, like Atretes was in 'Echo'. The story starts in Ephesus and then follows Atretes and a woman named Rizpah (whom we met briefly in the first book) as they journey north the Germania in search of Atretes' family.
The romance and grandeur of the Roman Empire that gave the first two novels such a wondrous backdrop is almost non-existant here. Like Rizpah being uprooted from her home and taken to Germania, we are pulled out of what is familiar with this series and taken on a trip with uncertain results.
Elements of the story are predictable, but others will leave you guessing.
Some have critcized the use of the miraculous in the story. There are several events that occur that are miraculous, but keep in mind that these elements existed as well in the other two novels. Nothing Ms. Rivers describes seems to be out of line with scripture. None of the miraculous events occur casually, and they are treated with a great deal of respect. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where nothing short of a miracle will save us, and Ms. Rivers does a good job of portraying just that.
There are some dark elements that show the battle between good and evil. Atretes and Rizpah have to contend with pagan religion and witchcraft in the later half of the story. One character is demon possessed at one point, and the account is a little unsettling, although the spirit is eventually driven out in the name of Jesus. However, the power of God prevails in all things in this story.
Ultimately the novel is one that I read through rather quickly and was just as engrossing as the first two.
Each novel in the series seems to have a different flavor to it, each unique. Like any series or collection, each individual reader will have their favorite installment.

This book was excellent! A MUST READ!, November 6, 1997

Atretes : Mighty German warrior who was arrogant, fierce, hot blooded - until God changed him.
Rizpah : A beautiful widow who was has a tongue like fire and a shady past.
Theophilus : A Roman Centurion who has a heart and mind for God.
Anomia : Younger sister of Atrete's dead wife who is beautiful to behold but like Satan in character.
Rolf : Young Chatti warrior, caught by the deception of the Chatti god, Tiwaz.
Freyja : Atrete's mother, who is a high priestess of the Chatti god and shudders at the name of Jesus.

This novel is about a mighty German warrior named Atretes who was help captive by Rome as a gladiator after his village was raided. When he finally earned his freedom, he found out that his son who was supposed to have died, was alive and in the hands of a widow named Rizpah. Rizpah had lost her own baby and was a woman after God's own heart. Atretes finds the widow and demands to have his son back. Rizpah did not want to let the boy whom she had named Caleb go. After certain circumstances she was allowed to live as a hired hand to take care of Caleb.

Atretes found out that the persons who had taken him captive and thrown him in the ludus wanted to have him fight in the arena as a gladiator once again. He did not want to and therefore fled Rome with Rizpah and his son to go back to his homeland, Germania. With the help of a Roman centurion, Theoliphus, who was a Christian, they were able to travel to Germania and back to Atretes' people, the Chatti where deception, evil spirits, murder, and redemption occur.

I will leave it at there. I do not wish to reveal too much. This book is filled with adventure, romance, resurrection and spiritual warfare where God prevails. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Inspirational but Disappointing, December 9, 2001
As Sure as the Dawn is the third and final book of Francine Rivers' series of fictional Christian novels. Rizpah, a young Christian widow living in Ephesus, is given an unwanted baby shortly after the tragic death of her husband and only child. The baby, named Caleb by Rizpah, is the son of a renowned ex-gladiator name Atretes. Caleb's real mother lied to Atretes and said the baby died during childbirth. When Atretes finds out his son is alive, he demands to have him back. Because of Rizpah's love for Caleb, she is hesitant to return him. Although Rizpah gives the baby back, Atretes still needs her to feed Caleb because of the baby's refusal to nurse from anyone else. When Atretes decides to return to his home in Germany with his son Rizpah follows. Theophilus, a Christian and retired Roman centurion, guides them to Germany. The journey they take is not only physical but more importantly spiritual. In Germany the group spreads the gospel to those who will listen and overcome their own personal dilemmas.
The main characters were well developed and realistic. By writing with omniscience, the author gave the feelings and emotions of the other characters. The setting in Rome and Germany during A.D. 79 was interesting. It gave insight into the period's culture and the difficulties that they faced. I especially liked the character of Rizpah who is a good role model for Christian women today. The overall theme of the book describes the struggle for Christians to witness to an unbelieving world and overcoming difficulties.
Compared to the preceding novels, this one was a disappointment. It was not nearly as exciting or romantic as the other two. One weakness was the use of miracles for every turning point in the novel, making it slightly predictable. Overall the book was inspirational and enjoyable. I look forward to reading another Francine Rivers novel in the future.

Miracles, throat tight with tears, muscle twitching in jaw, March 29, 2003
An interesting but uneven telling of an improbable, but possible, story. AD 79, starting in Ephesus. The heroine, a widowed Christian given a rescued baby to care for, is one of the leakiest characters I've found. She's either weeping, speaking through a throat "tight with tears," exhibiting eyes glistening with tears, or nursing the baby. (She had lost a baby and could be a wet nurse). The ex-gladiator whose baby she was given shows a twitching muscle in his jaw every few pages. Oh, editor, how could you?
The Scripture woven into the account is carefully done; the apostle John is shown with deep respect. The struggle of the early church is clear. We do move a little swiftly over the incredible journey to Germania and a little incredulously over the inexhaustible funds of Theophilus, a retired centurion. The baby develops at a peculiar rate as well.
The crown of the novel is the conversion of the gladiator, and it is accomplished by a miracle, the raising to life of the young widow, fatally shot by an arrow as the little travelling party is ambushed. For shame - even Jeffrey Dahler's conversion didn't require that. This is a good series, though.

AVL's review, December 17, 2002
I enjoyed reading As Sure As the Dawn. It was so exciting that you dont want to stop reading it. Although the second book in the series is still my favorite, I think As Sure as the Dawn is definately worth your time.

Pretty Good, July 18, 2002
This book was real good. The characters were believeable. It was well written. The characters faced problems, that we face in our every day lives. But I was apprehensive about the miracles that happened in this book. I believe miracles do happen, but I felt that the author used miracles in this book, to show that the characters did have hardships, but to make sure that everything turned out okay in the end. It was good, but 'A Voice in the Wind' is my favorite book out of the entire series.

Okay, Okay, just take a second to read this!, April 6, 1999
Some of the reviews say that this is not as good a book as the 1st and 2nd in the series, but believe me, it is just as wonderful! I liked this book just as much as the others. Of course, their story only took up one book and not 2 like Hadassah, but that doesn't mean that it is in any way worse! I totally loved it! Wow! It's great, and anything less than 4 stars is a total injustice of a rating!!!

Great series!! Brilliantly written!, November 1, 2010
Wonderful book in the Mark Of The Lion series! These books are certainly a blessing!Francine Rivers is an anointed woman of God with a blessed anointing on the books she writes! ... Read more

Editorial Review

FBI agent Dave Richman from Danger in the Shadows is back. He's about to meet Kate O'Malley, and his life will never be the same. She's a hostage negotiator. He protects people. He's about to find out that falling in love with a hostage negotiator is one t ... Read more

Editorial Review

When I wrote my first novel, The Christmas Box, I never imagined it would become an international bestseller. It was a story for my two (then) little girls. But as I wrote, I realized that it was also for my mother -- to ease her pain over losing a child. My mother was my staunchest supporter and my biggest fan. A receptionist at a doctor's office, she would sell my book (sometimes by the case!) to patients in the waiting room. When The Christmas Box hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, no one, including me, was more excited than my mother.

I lost my mother on Valentine's Day of 2006. After weeks of struggling with my grief, I decided I would write a story for her. As she loved Christmas, I chose to write a Christmas novel, my first since The Christmas Box.

Finding Noel is about how people come into our lives for a reason. It is a love story about Macy and Mark, two young people from different worlds.

I'm sorry that this Christmas, for the first time since I became a writer, I won't be able to present my mother with a copy of my book. I think she would have enjoyed reading it. But, then again, I'm not certain that she hasn't.

As you read Finding Noel, I hope that you enjoy the journey and feel the same powerful emotions I felt as the story came to me.

Fondly,

Richard Evans ... Read more

Editorial Review

Women are turning up dead, and Lisa O'Malley has a habit of walking into crime scenes, curious. She's a forensic pathologist, and mysteries are her domain. U.S. marshall Quinn Diamond has found loving her is easier than keeping her safe. Lisa's found the killer, and now she's missing too. Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit. ... Read more

Editorial Review

When Anna decides it's time to leave her abusive boyfriend, she doesn't know where to turn. Rob has completely won over her parents, and the entire community, with his good looks and smooth charm. Only Anna has seen his dark side.

Desperate, she runs to the only place she's ever felt completely safe—the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, where Anna met life-long friend Katie Brenneman. The family welcomes her in, and with few questions asked allows her to stay, dressed in Plain clothing, and help around the inn.

Katie's older brother Henry is the only one who doesn't take too kindly to the intrusion. He tries to ignore Anna, knowing no good would ever come from caring for an Englisher like her. But as he gets to know Anna, he discovers her good heart and is surprised with her readiness to accept their lifestyle.

The more time Anna spends with the Amish, the more she feels she's found a true home. But how can she deny the life she left behind? And will her chance for happiness be stolen away by the man from her past?

Reviews

Hidden, August 7, 2008
Anna has finally seen her abusive boyfriend for what he is, an overgrown bully, and she knows that she will have to go into hiding to escape him. Since Ron has completely bamboozled her family and support system she knows of only one place to run. She runs to the place where she has always felt completely safe - the Brenneman's Bed and Breakfast. Anna does not have much trouble fitting into the Brenneman's simple way of life as Amish plain folk, and it actually seems to help her to decide what she really wants out of life. Anna is glad she and Katie have stayed friends since the quilting class she took years ago. Now if only Katie's brother Henry would just stop jumping to conclusions about her.

The longer she stays the more she figures out what she wants in life. And the more that Henry learns where he might have misjudged her. Will Anna decide what is best for her or will Ron catch up with her? And will her parents abide by her decisions?

Hidden was a sweet and thoughtful story surrounding not just the simple lifestyle of the Amish. It deals with an individual's real path in life and also deals with actions of abuse, and how someone might get in too deep to see what is happening. I found I was drawn into this story from the beginning and when it ended I was hoping the next book in the series was already out, I'm not that lucky and am now left impatiently waiting for it to be printed. But, that is ok as it will allow me to share my thoughts on Hidden. I think Ms. Shepard Gray did a fine job in telling the story of Anna and what is really important in her life and where she is the most comfortable. It also shows the strength of a community that many see as too simple. I thoroughly enjoyed Hidden and hope you will also.

Tanya
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

1st book kicks off series right, July 2, 2008
Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first book in the Sisters of the Heart series. Anna flees her abusive, powerful boyfriend Rob by going to Ohio's Amish country where her Amish friend Katie lives. Katie's family takes Anna in, and she adopts their clothing and ways in order to hide in their B&B. But Katie's older brother Henry takes an instant dislike to Anna with her fashionable clothing and makeup for bringing possible danger to his family's doorstep. Anna quickly falls in love with the Amish way of life: no constant noise, working together, simple clothing, and time to think and focus on God, and her search for the self that has been hidden is really the most powerful part of the book. Anna's relationship with her parents is very sad and all too realistic. The home she finds with the Amish allows her to become more and rather than remain hidden, for the first time, she finds her true identity. Gray's book is a wonderful story of faith and romance.

HIDDEN * ( SISTERS OF THE HEART, August 17, 2008
THIS AGAIN IS ONE OF THE BOOKS YOU CAN;T PUT DOWN ONCE YOU START READING IT. THIS GAL IS AN AWESOME AUTHOR AND I WILL BUY ANY MORE OF HER BOOKS SHE PUTS OUT. VERY PLEASED AND I READ LOTS OF BOOKS AND COLLECT ALL OF THE AMISH BOOKS I CAN GET MY HANDS ON. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
JUNE THOMPSON--jtpvallred@sbcglobal.net

Best Amish romance I've ever read, July 31, 2008
I loved this book! I am a great fan of Amish romance and thought nobody could top Wanda Brunstetter's novels but she has met her match with Shelley Shephard Gray. I felt Anna was very realistic and human and I really liked that about her character. So many authors protray their heroine as perfect and flawless. I also really liked Henry- definately the strong silent type, but I wish he would have acted a little more concerned when the nutcass boyfriend showed up at the B&B to kidnap her at gunpoint. But then again he is amish so it would be out of character for him to beat the crap out of the guy, which was what I was hoping for. Overall this was an awesome book and it was such a tease getting the first two chapters of the next book in the series. I don't think I can wait till Jan for it to be released.

Magnificent Read!!!, June 20, 2008
The book Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray was a book that held my interest from start to finish.Can hardly wait for her next book, "Wanted" due out in January!!! Keep up the good writing Shelley Shepard..

An outstanding romance !, November 10, 2008
This was an excellent book. I loved it! It was so sweet and exciting! I could not put it down!

An enjoyable read., November 7, 2008
I met Shelley at the 2008 ACFW conference AFTER I had read her novel. I didn't have the book with me so she graciously signed a book plate for me to bring home from the conference.

This is an Amish story with a difference. Even though I am also an anabaptist (Old German Baptist Brethren) I do not always feel the published Amish stories are "realistic," This one was. I highly recommend this book and will read the next one.

Fabulous, June 26, 2008
Fabulous, that's the first thing I must say about this book, but I'll come back to that. I do not know the correct terminology, yet I will try. There is just something about the covers of Avon Inpire books, I have loved every one that I have seen and this is my favorite so far. There is just something about the flat finish, instead of a glossy print that I just adore. Not to mention the road with the Amish sky ahead and the image of the blonde girl with green eyes. (A little curious as to why she did not have the curly hair of our character though...) Now, about the actual story. Anna's live is an interesting one. A girl searching to belong and often as most looking in the wrong places for excitement and affection. (The evil in the book reminds me of the evil in that movie Enough. But this is not a story of how to beat up your evil counterpart. This is a story about strength and growth.)This book is a story about the heart, and about doing things that are right. It brings in the idea of political evil and abuse, but everything bad brought in by the author is handled tactfully and revealed in a respectable manner. This is a fabulous book, and a wonderful romance.

Not your typical Amish plot. An enjoyable read., February 7, 2009
Hidden was an adventure that went beyond it's pretty cover. A cross between a movie like Sleeping with the Enemy, and a novel like Deb Raney's Remember to Forget, Hidden is somewhere in the middle in regards to tension, but with a bit of the Amish culture mixed in. I enjoyed this story and read it in just two days. I loved the premise of hiding out in the Amish community. And the hero was incredibly heroic even though he wasn't all that likeable at first. Then again, neither was the heroine. However, she changed through the course of the story and I couldn't help feeling connected to her. While my parents didn't smother and baby me like hers did, I could certainly relate to her feeling like she had to fight for her independence. The coolest part of the story was experiencing with Anna the drastic change in her life from our modern culture with all of its hassles and conveniences to the Amish life, which in many ways seemed so much better despite all she had to give up in the process of fitting in. This story almost makes you want to convert and become one of the Plain people. After all, they seemed more spiritual because they didn't have the insane busyness that we've grown accustomed to. Plus, they worked hard and labored physically, so they were strong and not soft or weak. In short, Hidden never bored me and the plot never dragged, so it was worth my while. I can't wait for the sequel.

Hidden-A must-read for lovers of Amish fiction!, January 6, 2009
Hidden kicks off the Sisters of the Heart trilogy, and in my humble opinion, puts Shelley Shepard Gray right up there with the best Amish fiction authors. I was drawn into the story from the start, and begrudged every moment I had to tear myself away from it.
Since there are plenty of reviews with the plot line already discussed, I will just say it was so good that I am very anxious to get my hands on the second book in this series! ... Read more

Editorial Review

HARRY BENTLEY'S SECOND CHANCE"To be a father like God, to have God as his father ... perhaps Harry was being given a chance at both."Retired Chicago cop, Harry Bentley, was lying low. He'd blown the whistle ona gang of rogue cops and was awaiting the day when Internal Affairs would callhim to testify and help put their leader, Lieutenant Matty Fagan, behind bars.His cover was working as a doorman in a luxury highrise on Chicago's lakefront.Then Gabby Fairbanks and her husband moved into the building's penthouse.She brought home a bag lady, got a job at the Manna House Women's Shelter,found her life falling apart, and managed to entangle Harry in the whole affair.(Gabby's story is in Neta Jackson's parallel novel, WHERE DO I GO?) But there was an upside. Through Gabby, Harry meets the Yada Yada brothers and the classyEstelle Williams and envisions a second chance at romance.The Yada Yada brothers provide a new circle of friends to replace his old CPDcohorts. But when Harry discovers he has a grandson he didn't know about, willhe find the faith to take on the boy as a "second chance" to be the father he'dfailed to be to his own son-even when the boy creates new dangers in Harry'sfight against corruption, and may derail his "second chance" at love?Dave Jackson and his wife, Neta, are the award-winning authors of the 40-volume Trailblazer series. The phenomenal popularity of Neta's Yada Yada Prayer Group series inspired them to write "parallel" spin-off novels, two stories taking place in the same context ... just the way it happens in real life. They live in the Chicago area, where these stories are set. ... Read more

Reviews

An Excellent and Fun Read!, January 10, 2009
Didn't know parallel stories would be so good. It was engrossing how closely tied Mop Top's and Harry's stories were. I think Dave did a masterful job. Harry Bentley life as a retired cop, who is now recognizing God's hand in his life, becomes as well known and liked as our other Yada members. I'll keep buying these and long as David and Neta keep writing these! I especially like it that Second Chance took Neta's main character, Gabby Fairbanks, from "Where Do I Go?" from the new Yada Yada House of Hope series into one more scene after than Neta did. Gave me more peace that Gabby would be alright!

If you're a Yada Yada fan ..., December 22, 2008
... you will be readily engaged in this companion/parallel novel by Neta Jackson's husband, Dave. As the women characters of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series weave in and about Harry Bentley's story, the males--spouses, friends, and new characters alike--show us "another side" of finding and receiving the support we all need, but in a new and refreshing story. I hope there's a follow-up making this a series, too!

A ten star for this one!!!!, February 27, 2009
I was so disappointed when Neta ended the Yada Yada series. I felt like old friends had left my life. However, when I read the first of her new series, "Where Do I Go" I knew I would be hooked again. The only thing bothering me was having to wait so long for the next (all the Yada books were in print before I became a fan) so when I saw that her husband and fellow author Dave Jackson had a parallel novel, I was excited to order and read. It did not let me down! It amazed me how parts of the book by Neta were woven in and didn't leave you confused.
I will be waiting anxiously for another book by this wonderful Christan husband and wife team.

Great Companion/Parallel to the Yada Yada Series, January 5, 2009
If you love the Yada Yada series, you'll love this book. It offers new characters searching for a relationship with God and at the same time parallels the Yada Yada sisters and brothers. You should read "Where Do I Go" by Neta Jackson first,though. Please keep the series going. I can't wait for the next one to come out.

Harry Bentley's Second Chance, March 17, 2010
I love allll the Neta Jackson Yada Yada books and now her husband, Dave, has written another series to tie right in with hers. It was great!!!
When does the next one come out???

Wonderful Compliment to House of Hope Series!, January 10, 2010
Great job of tying the two series together from different gender points of view. Can't wait for the next installment.

And Now, the Men, December 10, 2009
We've laughed, cried and prayed with the gals; now we learn about the guys. Very good book; shows the men's side of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

A Second Chance to, October 20, 2009
Harry gets a second chance to make it right. Dont we all want that? Well with God there are second chances. Great book to read and really compliments Who Do I Talk To. Couldnt put it down. Great read

Harry Bentley's Second Chance, March 13, 2009
This was pretty good, it was interesting how it tied into the Yada, yada book. It was fun to read a interconected story from a different perspective. It was also fun to find the Yada Yada sisters and their husbands showing up again.

AWESOME Yada Yada men's novel!, February 1, 2009
If you love the Yada Yada Prayer Group series, you will LOVE the Yada Yada Brother novel, "Harry Bentley's Second Chance". This book is a parallel novel to "Where do I go?" from Dave's wife Neta. The books compliment each other nicely.

I could not put the book down and the police drama was fun to learn about. It was great to see Harry begin his relationship with God and find love! Many characters from the original Yada Yada series pops up in this book. You will be very surprised by Carl Hickman. Go Carl. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Book 2 of Love Comes Softly. Their family growing, Clark and Marty look to bind each other together with love and faith. Over 800,000 sold! ... Read more

Editorial Review

In 1860s Seattle, a man with a wife could secure himself 640 acres of timberland. But because of his wife's untimely death, Joe Denton finds himself about to lose half of his claim. Still in mourning, his best solution is to buy one of those Mercer girls arriving from the East. A woman he'll marry in name but keep around mostly as a cook. Anna Ivey's journey west with Asa Mercer's girls is an escape from the griefs of her past. She's not supposed to be a bride, though, just a cook for the girls. But when they land, she's handed to Joe Denton and the two find themselves in a knotty situation. She refuses to wed him and he's about to lose his land. With only a few months left, can Joe convince this provoking--but beguiling--easterner to be his bride? ... Read more

Reviews

Enjoyable little read., May 23, 2009
What a sweet little book this is. No really. Throughout the book I kept thinking to myself, "oh, how sweet." Surprisingly enough this didn't make me roll my eyes and toss the book over my shoulder. You see, to me sweet usually means blah, or boring, or possibly a diabetic coma, but not this time. What saves it from being too good to be true is the author's attention to historical detail. She doesn't pretty it up a whole lot which makes the secondary cast of characters much more human, therefore much more interesting.

I loved the use of Mercer's Girls to drive the story forward, but it's only the catalyst for the meaty part of the book. This is a true love story; love of self, friends, land, career, children and spouse. The only thing that bothered me about this book is that the hero and heroine are a bit unbelievable. Both are a little too good to be true and carry enough guilt to fell a horse. Anna's feelings of responsibility for her deceased family rang especially untrue and I wish the author had resolved the issue much sooner than she did.

I can't say this is the best book I've ever read or that I want to tell all my friends to run right out and buy it, but it's a solid read. I found it to be an enjoyable and comfortable book. And since my interests tend toward action, excitement and steamy love scenes, that's saying something.

Another Excellent Deeanne Gist Book!, May 22, 2009
If you enjoy Deeanne's book then you will again feel this is another excellent book! It is written when Seattle, WA was just a Territory and the main character comes West thinking she is going to be just a cook. This is complicated by the fact that she has had her passage paid for by a man who thinks he has a "bride" coming for him. He NEEDS this bride to keep his acreage and his lumbermill that he has worked YEARS for ... then to complicate matters, of course, he ends up falling in love with her. I enjoyed this book ... and where is was not a deep book it was a fun book to read ... sometimes it is nice to read a lightheartbook that one just enjoys to read for no reason at all except to enjoy and this book is one of those! Deeanne's books often are this type of book ... they aren't deep but they give you a good feeling and are easy to read and enjoyable with good characters!

Short and sweet, May 20, 2009
Orphaned and jobless, Anna answers an ad in a New York newspaper. The ad is searching for "domestics, nannies, or teachers" to come out west to work in the Northwest territory. She is told she will be cooking for a lumberjack camp near Seattle. Little does she know that the lumberjack camp owner has actually sent for a wife, and is expecting one when she steps off the boat.

Set mostly in rural Seattle in the 1860s, A Bride in the Bargain is a gentle and quick read. The plot is a bit predictable, but still interesting if you like this sort of book. I would recommend it for fans of the historical fiction/romance genre.

Wonderful!, May 27, 2009
The worst thing I can say about A Bride in the Bargain is it's over.
You know what I mean. You pick up a book and scan the first page. It interests you enough to read the second. And the third. Pretty soon, you're skipping lunch and the laundry piles up. You can't seem to put it down.
The heroine, Anna Ivey, is someone you get to know and care about. She's desperate. Her father and her brother were killed in the War Between the States, and her mother died of a broken heart. Anna blames herself.
In the south, we tend to view our own war aftermath of destruction as catastrophic, and it was. But in December of 1865, people in Massachusetts were also destitute. Wives and children of soldiers who would never return were starving and begging in the streets.
Anna found employment as a cook in a boarding house. Unfortunately, the job came with an employer, and she was forced to run for her life or at least her virtue. She makes a deal to travel to Seattle for employment. The procurer swears Joe Denton needs a cook for his logging company, and he will pay her passage.
Sounds good, right? A classic win-win solution. Well, no, not quite. Joe Denton believes he's getting a bride.
What will happen when they meet? Now you're hooked. You swear you'll read just one more page.
I'll tell you just this much without revealing too much of the plot. When Joe picks her up at the dock, he's delighted. The girl's a beauty, and he drives her directly to the church. Although he wasn't particularly interested in a purchased wife, he needs one to hold onto his land. A bachelor could receive 320 acres, but a married man would get 640 acres of prime timber land. Since he is unable to prove he had been married when he claimed the 640 acres and is now widowed, the judge has given him a deadline to produce a wife.
Even though the attraction is there and growing between these two strong characters, their problems are insurmountable. Anna believes she is sudden death to anyone she loves; everyone in her family told her so just before they died. As she slowly begins to realize this is untrue and she gives the power of life and death back to God, she still resists Joe's proposal. Believing he only wants her to marry him to keep his land, she refuses.
Joe will have to find a way to convince her he wants her for herself. He must love her more than the land.
Plan to send out for pizza and forget the laundry. You won't put this book down until the last page and then you'll cry because it's over.

Better than most Christian Novels, January 12, 2010
I am a Christian, but I have a hard time really getting into Christian based novels. They usually are pretty corny and not well written. HOWEVER, I really enjoyed this book! I found myself laughing a lot at the lovable characters. But I do agree with some of the other reviews, and it was quite predictable from the beginning. One thing I found surprising, is the level of sexuality in the book. I have made it through several Christian romance novels, but this one was the most sexual by far. Don't get me wrong, I had no problem with the level of sexuality, I just found it surprising. And when you read it, please count how man times the line "talk with our hands" is used. I noticed about halfway through the book that that line is used A LOT. Almost to the point it is annoying.

But all in all, like I said, I liked this book. It was surprisingly good for the genre. I may look into more of her books now.

A sweet, Christian romance, September 15, 2009
DeeAnne Gist weaves a touching tale about mail order brides in her novel "A Bride in the Bargain". I wish American history were this enjoyable to learn while I was in school, because this author has researched her subject matter impeccably and taught me a lot with her wonderful books. This story follows Joe Danton, the owner of a Washington state logging camp. He is in a serious predicament: he accepted a land grant to settle in the Seattle area, but his wife died before joining him in Washington, so he is now only entitled to keep half of the land. Unfortunately, he has put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into his land to make it a successful logging community. He must marry or lose his land and his business. He doesn't want a wife - he loves his land. But he pays his money for a bride.

Anne Ivey is a destitute orphan from Massachusetts. She escapes her horrid existence by contracting to become a cook for a man in Washington state, feeding the lumberjacks in his logging camp. Anne figures it won't be too hard since she is used to cooking for so many people in her current "job". This is the perfect opportunity. She wants to make her own way in the world. She has no desire to marry since everyone she loves seems to die on her. She undertakes the long journey only to find that she has been purchased as a mail order bride. Then the sparks begin to fly.

This is an incredibly written story that grabbed my attention with the beautiful cover (your daughter is lovely, DeeAnne!), and captured my heart from the first page as I digested the plight of the brawny lumberjack. (Did you have the "Brawny" paper towel guy in mind for this character, DeeAnne?) The story will make you laugh out loud. It will make you tear up. It may even make you stop reading, glance wistfully at the clouds and imagine what it would be like to be one of these women who left positions of poverty in the east with the hopes of being taken care of by a non-violent man or given the chance to care for themselves in the west. This is one historical romance that you don't want to miss!

A fun, sparkly read, August 11, 2009
A Bride in the Bargain is a pleasant surprise---not to mention a fun, fast-paced read!

Joe Denton is a landowner in the sprawling Washington Territory who needs to prove he has a wife in order to maintain his vast acreage. Joe had a wife but, unfortunately, she perished before she reached Seattle . Joe, a lumberjack, has acres of trees and men relying on him. The last thing Joe wants to do is sacrifice is land for nothing worse than a misplaced death certificate.

When Asa Mercer advertises the soon arrival of a boat full of Western girls of his picking, Denton is skeptical. Unlike his fellow countrymen, Joe reads disaster in fresh brides plucked from their home soil and transplanted to a territory in desperate need of women.

When the local judge gives him a deadline: get a bride or lose the land, Denton signs up with Mercer and forks over a wad of hard-earned money.

To the West, Anna Ivey is still mourning losses from the Civil War: her brother and her father perished in battle while her mother died of a broken heart. Orphaned and desperate to evade the unwanted advances of her employer, Anna signs up with Mercer who lies and confirms her services as a cook are all that are required.

After a treacherous sea voyage, Anna arrives in Seattle . Joe is expecting her as his bride, Anna is expecting employment. At this cross-purpose, they forge a spicy and sparkling friendship. Anna cooks for his troop of lumberjacks and Joe falls stealthily in love with her.

I read it in one afternoon in a chaise lounge.

I really feel that Gist has found her style here. Where her earlier work seemed to embarrassingly strain at making a statement, Gist seems to recognize that she is best suited in the historical-chicklit; rom/com classification. Her ephemera ( marriage announcements; advertisements for Mercer's brides) is well-placed and not over-bearing; her Christianity is kept subtle and classy and her characters are full-bodied and pretty darned adorable .



This fun, sparkly novel has oodles to offer readers looking for the perfect mid-summer escape.

This will be one I will re-read someday!, June 14, 2010
What a amazing romance. It has humor, passion and everything you could want in a clean romance. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other and the humor Deeanne brings into her novels makes me laugh out loud. I'ver read some of the bad reviews on this book and I couldn't disagree more. But just look at the numbers. As of this review over 80 loved it and only 10 didn't. Decide for yourself but IMO it's a sweet romance and I look forward to reading it again someday.

A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN, November 23, 2009
A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN by Deeanne Gist was so enjoyable, I read it in less than eight hours. Set in 1860's Seattle, Anna Ivey is leaving the East Coast after the War Between the States has robbed her of her family. Destitute and working for the strong-handed Hoke, she decides traveling to the West is the fresh start she needs. Answering an ad in the local paper, she signs on to travel to Seattle to be a cook for a logging camp. Once there, she finds out her contract reads much different from that of Joe Denton's, the man she is to work for.
Joe Denton is about to lose half of what he has worked over ten years for. When he was given the land grant of 640 acres in the Seattle, Washington area, he was married, but he headed to his new land alone so he could establish it before sending for his wife. Unfortunately, his wife died before she could make the trip and as the land grant stipulates, single men only were to receive 320 acres. With the possibility of losing half of what he has slaved over for the last several years, he has no choice but to find himself a wife, and fast. When he reads of Asa Mercer's plan to go to the East and bring back widows and orphans suitable enough for marriage, he signs on. The fact that he finds out Ana Ivey can cook is just an extra bonus.
While Anna agrees to be his cook, she has no intentions of marrying Joe Denton. Though she finds him attractive and caring, she feels she has brought death to the ones she loves and vows never to marry. Joe can't understand Ivey's misgivings about marriage as he sees his time running out. He must convince her to marry or lose the land he loves. But he soon learns he could lose much more.
I thoroughly enjoyed A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN. Ms. Gist pushed the envelope in the areas of attraction and being chaste in a conservative time. But I feel that is what will set this novel apart from the everyday Christian/Historical. Exploring the attraction that both Anna and Joe had for each other gave realism to their characters. Lets face it . . . though these characters are Christians, they're still human. To write them as a man and woman without desire for the opposite sex insults the reader. Overall, a very entertaining story with great characters. Oh- and I also found the historical side of the novel quite interesting.

Fun historical fiction, August 30, 2009
Ahhh, another Deeanne Gist historical romance! How sweet it is! I enjoyed this particular book so much, it is actually based loosely on an actual event. Asa Mercer decides to leave the West and head East to bring brides back by ship for all the lonely fellows out West. Of course he charges the fellows a head hunters fee. Then he charges the women for passage. Then he hits the women up for more half way through passage and forgets to tell some of the women that they are actually supposed to get married to a pre-selected man when they get to their destination. And this is where we meet Anna who desperately needs a new start and thinks she is going to Seattle to be Joe Denten's cook and has no idea that Joe already has the wedding planned because without a bride he will lose half his land. When she refuses to get married everything spins out of Joe's control. But now if he actually falls for Anna, will she ever believe he wants her for any other reason than to just save his land?

Deeanne has such a great writing style, it sends you back in time but makes you laugh and refreshes you while you read. I loved this particular book, a couple of hers have been a little more edgy than I needed, this one was a perfect blend of edgy and sweet and total fun! ... Read more

Editorial Review

In the quiet safety of the Bluebird Ranch, old promises resurface and unexpected love brings new hope.

Though tragedy has wrecked her life, Allie Siders holds on to the hope that her five-year-old daughter, Betsy, will speak again. But with a stalker out for revenge, all Allie can think about now is their safety. She must sever all ties and abandon life as she knows it. She heads to the peaceful Bluebird Ranch, nestled deep in Texas hill country, and to the only person who can help them.

The ranch is a sanctuary for abused horses, and also for troubled youths: the perfect place for Betsy to grow and recover. Ranch owner Elijah DeAngelo eagerly welcomes the duo. But Rick Bailey--the ranch foreman and DeAngelo's right hand man--hasn't decided to let his guard down . . . yet.

Promises made long ago soon force Rick and Allie to work together to escape danger. Will they discover love along the way?

Editorial Review

Still aching over his wife's death, Cody Gunner can't bear the thought of also letting go of his brother, Carl Joseph, who suffers from Down Syndrome. Cody wants his brother home, where he will be safe and cared for, not out on his own in a world that Cody knows all too well can be heartless and insecure.
So when Carl Joseph's teacher, Elle, begins championing his independence, she finds herself at odds with Cody. But even as these two battle it out, they can't deny the instinctive connection they share, and Cody faces a crisis of the heart.
What if Elle is the one woman who can teach Cody that love is still possible? If Cody can let go of his lingering anger, he might just see that sometimes the brightest hope of all lies JUST BEYOND THE CLOUDS. ... Read more

Reviews

terrific inspirational romance, September 11, 2007
Widower Cody Gunner thinks it is time to retire from bull-riding though he is still good at it; the rodeo just no longer has the appeal it once had since his beloved Ali died. Instead he would like to open up a gym for Downs Syndrome adults like his brother Carl Joseph.

Carl likes the idea of a special gym, but disagrees with his sibling on how much help he and others would need. He currently attends a special school that teaches Downs Syndrome people to live independently although Cody thinks that lofty goal is impossible. However, Carl's instructor Elle Dalton believes her student can do it and wants to persuade protective Cody to help not hinder his sibling's progress. Cody and Elle are attracted to one another, but both fears what an intimate relationship between them might do to Carl.

With homage to Rain Man, JUST BEYOND THE CLOUDS is a terrific inspirational romance as Cody and Elle fall in love, but both fears how Carl will react to his brother and mentor becoming a romantic entry. Much of the plot focuses on how people especially the lead duo interact with Carl; thus this is not a typical contemporary romance. Fans will welcome the return of Cody and Carl (see A THOUSAND TOMORROWS) as the former has become even more protective of the latter since Ali died in this well written second chance at love.

Harriet Klausner

good story but a little disappointed, January 5, 2008
This is a good story though the one thing that bothered me was Cody's reason for falling in love. On p. 294 it said that "part of his attraction for Ali had been her illness and that he might protect her, shelter her. She needed him..." and then a few paragraphs later the story went that Cody "wanted to shelter Elle, the same way he sheltered Ali (because of her broken heart)."

And Cody surely loved his brother Carl Joseph... How many times was it repeated, "I just love that kid." I just feel that this story was "told" more than "shown". He surely showed his love, but it was told that he did many more times than necessary.

It also just made me wonder why Cody had to love people that were weaker or needier than him. It seemed he had the classic rescuer complex.

I like Elle as a character. She is consistent in how she would react to a possible love interest in light of her being so hurt in the past.

Great Read!, October 1, 2007
You really should read A Thousand Tomorrows before reading this book. It is listed as a stand-alone novel, but it actually is a continuation from A Thousand Tomorrows.
It is a really good book. As with all Karen Kingbury's books she touches on a topic that sometimes we are not that comfortable with. In this book it is Down's Syndrome. I fell in love with Daisy and Carl Joseph.
You will not be disappointed.

Good, but not as good as A Thousand Tomorrows, October 18, 2007
JUST BEYOND THE CLOUDS is the sequel to my favorite book A THOUSAND TOMORROWS, maybe that's why it fell a little short for me. Though I loved the characters, story, and theme of the book, what hooked my on A THOUSAND TOMORROWS was it be written in a rodeo setting. And since I am a sucker for anything western, that is why A THOUSAND TOMORROWS is one of my all-time favorites. All that said, judging JUST BEYOND THE CLOUDS by itself, without preconceived expectations, it was a very enjoyable read.

The two main characters, Cody and Elly, feel scared by love, though by different circumstances. Cody has come home from the rodeo to try and rebuild relationships with his family that have become strained. Wanting nothing more than to dote on his Down Syndrome brother, he's angered to find out he has been enrolled in a program that is preparing him for independent living. He butts heads with Elly, the director of the program, but soon finds himself drawn to her. Elly on the other hand is not looking for love after a devastating break-up of her own. But somehow, she can't seem to get her mind off of Cody.

A very rewarding love story with three-dimensional characters that you can't help but love

Disapointed!!!!, February 6, 2009
I oredred this book over a month ago and it NEVER came in!!! I never had any problem ordering from Amazon before, but I have lost confidence in this site, we are promised for books to be sent promptly and in a certian time frame...what good is it when you don't act on it??? I will think twice before I order from here again. Its not good for busniess. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Rachel O'Malley works disasters for a living. Her specialty? Helping children through trauma. When a school shooting rips through her community, she finds herself dealing with more than just grief among the children she is trying to help. One of them saw t ... Read more

Editorial Review

Ingeborg finds herself widowed and struggling to keep the new farm and her family together. With spring comes help from a distant cousin. Before long, Ingeborg cannot ignore the attraction she feels toward Haaken. But when her brother-in-law from Norway also arrives to help her, Ingeborg’s simple farm life becomes very complicated! (Red River of the North Book 2) ... Read more

Reviews

SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, August 15, 1999
Ingeborg having just gotten over the her husband's sudden death and is taming the land herself when her husband's cousin comes to her to offer his help. She is at first unwilling to let him but then she gives in and they grow close. IT is such a good love story I cannot even describe how good it is so you'll have to read it yourself!! And please DO!

Fantastic Series, June 13, 2003
The Red River of the North series of books by Lauraine Snelling are fabulous books. If you have any Scandinavian heritage...or even if you don't...you will like these books. I have gained insight into how many of my relatives came to America through Ellis Island and settled in the Mid West states. I highly recommend!

Lauraine Snelling does it again!!, October 6, 2000
Ingeborg, a woman who is tough as a nail and as soft as a flower. In A NEW DAY RISING, Ingeborg meets a man who can and does match her! For a page turner, read this book. Only warning. Don't start to read it if you plan on putting it down soon. Lauraine Snelling keeps the characters so alive you see them in front of you. Working the fields, laughing and crying their tears. The only thing that will make me happy is to see if the third book is in the mail today!!! Lauraine takes a character and makes them your best friend or your worsed enemy! Either way you're going to love them!! A must read! Perfect Christmas Gift!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very Enjoyable, February 11, 2000
I really like Laurraine's style of writing. She shows us all of the details in a day of the life of the characters without making it long or boring. In fact, I read it too fast! Somehow encouraging while being a very good story as well.

Ingeborg turns the corner!, April 20, 2001
A cruel blizzard has taken the life of her husband, Roald and his brother and 2 children. Ingeborg spends the next few months bitter - and dressed in her "britches" works the fields like a man. This way, fatigue and distance keep her from facing the truth and more importantly, her children whom she nearly gives away to her sister.

Her sod-home neighbor and sister (by marriage), Karen, a widow, has accepted happiness in a new life and finally Ingeborg comes to terms and returns to the faith of her youth.

The arrival of the distant cousin of her deceased husband, Haaken, eases the farm work but complicates the decision making. He is there ONLY to help the women with the farm for a crop season - or is he?

The delinquent arrival of the young, spunky, opinionated youngest brother of Roald further turns Ingeborg's world upside down, emotionally. The relationships and the final resolution of some major hurdles end this book and call for the immediate start of book 3, "A Land to Call Home."

Please check my other reviews of Christian fiction.

encouraging, May 13, 2003
Lauraine Snelling is such a wonderful writer. You can relate to the character's behaviors and beliefs. She does a wonderful job getting you to feel like you are there in the book.

This is just a wonderful, clean, refreshing book/series. She gets so many emotions zinging through you as you are reading.

A touching read, April 7, 2003
Ingeborg and Kaaren get help from another Bjorklund, Haakan, who helps make the farm life easier for Ingeborg although she has to come to grips with many issues. All the characters are easy to like and make the hard work of our ancestors clear. Through Ingeborg's problems with winters in the soddy, the books brings the hardships of those settlers to fruit. Andrew and Thorliff are such fun to read about! Lauraine Snelling has a truly wonderful and memorable work in this family's story.

Life gets complicated at the simple prairie, September 3, 1999
This book is really good! Ingeborg loves again and marries again. Haakan is a funny charactor and I'm glad that they got married. This is a good book! Way to go Lauraine! ... Read more

Reviews

A satisfactory ending to the series, December 26, 2008
Review by Gigi Hoffman

Match Point, the third and final book in the Lauren Holbrook Novel series by Erynn Mangum, is a satisfactory ending to the series.

Laurie's matchmaking skills have paid off--four of the couples she's matched are now married, and it's just time before another couple gets engaged. With all her friends married and her singles' Bible study basically the couples' Bible study now, there's no one left to matchmake. What's a girl supposed to do?

While Laurie is trying to find others to play Cupid with, the friends she's matched turn on her, and play matchmaker with her and her boyfriend, Ryan. Laurie's not sure how she feels about that. One matchmaker is enough, and she's already got that role filled. To get away from the constant discussions and pressuring toward marriage, Laurie and Ryan pull a fake break-up. It's a great plan until Laurie realizes one very important thing--she's in love.

This book wraps up everything in the series. Some parts seem to drag a little, but it's got the same fun parts like the previous novels--coffee, chocolate, and chick-flick quotes. If you've read the previous two books, the third one is a must.

A beautiful ending!, July 18, 2010
This is the last book in the Lauren Holbrook trilogy and it ends as perfectly as a book/trilogy can. Lauren has been matching people since book one and now those people want to match her. She's not sure if she loves the guy they want her to marry though. Lauren looks to her friends, God, and even strangers to help her with this dilemma.

The journey with Lauren, also known as the Lauren Holbrook series, was amazing. All three books kept me on my toes and laughing out loud. I was sad to see the series come to an end, but I couldn't have imagined a better ending.

I highly recommend this ENTIRE series to everyone. Even if you don't read Christian fiction, this book is light and funny and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

totally awesome!, August 31, 2009
This book is one of the best books EVER!!! its sweet and totally HYSTERICAL!! I loved
the characters and the plots....I only wish I could have this much fun LOL!!

My daughter loved this book., February 6, 2009
My daughter had read the other books in this series, and she couldn't wait to get it. When she got it she couldn't set it down. The only problem is now, she's finished it, and she has to wait for another either in this series, or from this auther.

great ending for this series!!!, January 28, 2009
Loved this series. You definitely need to start with the first book which is called Miss Match. It is a great g rated love story with some great twist and turns. I highly recommend and I am already patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for her next series to start.

Ah, Laurie, June 12, 2008
I have avidly followed all of the Lauren Holbrook novels. The first two held me captive as I laughed out loud and confessed my own addictions to sweets and caffeine. With this third and final Laurie tale, I read it almost bittersweetly, dreading that it was the last but loving that all was ending as it should. While I felt this final novel wasn't as humorous as the other two, it was still very funny. I devoured every line, banged my head over Laurie's doubts, and cried when...well, I'll let you read it for yourselves. I definitely approve of this end to the Laurie series and will continue to read anything Ms. Mangum writes.

Simply Amazing, June 22, 2008
I read the first two Lauren Holbrook novels and was anxiously awaiting the release of Matchpoint. Well, my wait was ended beautifully when I received my copy. I devoured it right away, couldn't put it down. There were times when I just wanted to jump in the pages and tell Laurie she was being so totally clueless but I knew I had to wait and see what happened. I was not dissappointed with this book at all!

Just a little too much religion..., March 3, 2010
Sorry folks - I guess I should have read a little deeper into this series. If I want to read the bible, I'll read the bible. If I want to go to sunday school, I'll go to sunday school. I dumped all 3 books before I got half way through the first one. I know...I'm on the express train to hell........ ... Read more

Editorial Review

Married off at a tender age to a harsh, older widower, Lydia Gray can't help but feel a measure of relief when an accident claims his life. What happens next, however, is a surprise to everyone: Through an unforeseen fluke, Lydia finds herself the sole recipient of her late husband's fortune. But instead of granting her security, strife ensues as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves.

Lydia longs to wash her hands of the situation and determines to join her aunt in Alaska, putting financial decisions in the capable hands of her lawyer. The beauty and serenity of life in Sitka appeal to Lydia, as does Kjell Lindquist, the handsome owner of the local sawmill. But a new discovery in Lydia's life forces her to rethink her future.

She is bound to her past as never before ... but what more must she sacrifice? ... Read more