Step of Faith - Walk Series #4

A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. A little different feel than the previous books. Still not used to the fact that he ends each time with such dramatic cliff-hangers. Frustrating when you are used to reading the entire journey in one book. Good storyline and relevant character feel. If you like his other books, this will fit in well, but 1) read in order and 2) wait for the entire series so you can read straight through!

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My Foolish Heart

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoy SMW's books. In this one, she didn't shy away from difficult topics throughout a compelling story. A take on the 'boy/girl next door' storyline, she did a wonderful job of creating real, believable characters. Caleb was injured in combat, and is trying to create a new life where people don't pity him. He moves in next door to Isadora, who is fighting an internal combat. Plenty of emotion, Christianity, and heart. Recommend!

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Mystery Woman

The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable book. Stayed within her Amanda Quick persona, using the Victorian-Englad era and high society for the background. Connected with the previous Ladies of Lantern street book, but not so much that you couldn't read it alone. Her format is fairly predictable, but the characters are still interesting. Strong heroine who must join forces with a reluctant hero (who is typically wounded physically/emotionally) to right a wrong. Along the way, romance blooms, and by the time the book is over, it's happily ever after. Some suspense, some good one-liners.

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The Chance

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good book, same as most of her writing. I enjoy her Christian fiction. This particular story lacked some suspense, since you knew what was going to happen. The only question was how and when. Overall a good read. This story is about two teenagers who are best friends on the verge of more when they are separated by tragedy and time. Good story on forgiveness and faith, although slightly predictable.

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Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book, but definitely too short! Not sure where I would recommend reading this. Maybe a prequel to the O'Malley series? Good to have some back story to Jennifer O'Malley. Great Christian fiction read. Highly recommend the entire series and any books by Dee Henderson.

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Our Lady of Kibeho

Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa by Immaculee Ilibagiza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is Immaculee's 3rd book, it is the first one of hers that I have read. I had the opportunity to hear her at a conference earlier this month, and it was amazing. She has an incredible story to tell, which is detailed in her first book, "Left to Tell". I am told that once you start, you can't put it down. Our Lady of Kibeho gave some insight into the story she shared at the conference. If you have any interest in current (or more recent) Marian apparitions, this is worth reading. Our Lady loves each of her children, regardless of faith/religion, and she wants to spread a message of love and peace. That is something that I want to emulate.

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Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

Rediscovering Catholicism: Journeying Toward Our Spiritual North Star by Matthew Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Highly recommend for a variety of reasons. It may not always be easy to read (in the sense of taking a look at ourselves, habits, etc) but it is worth it. It is not going to be perfect for everyone, but it has so much good content that I hope everyone gives it a chance. Great tool for Catholics who may have lapsed or have gotten into a rut with their faith. Great analogies for today, and the general expectation of 'entertain me'. If we come to our churches with that approach, no wonder we wander, unfulfilled. Good insight for non-Catholics as well, to help them understand Catholicism a little better. This most certainly will aid those who don't want to be lukewarm anymore (Revelation 3:16), and it has rekindled my faith to be stronger. Blessings!

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