Aquifer by Jonathan Friesen

In a world where water is scarce and feelings are outlawed, teenager Luca suddenly finds himself declared Deliverer, the one who travels underground to a dangerous enemy world to negotiate for the continued flow of water for his world. Before the day of his travel arrives, Luca begins to suspect that all is not as it seems. As he embarks upon his journey, he encounters both allies and enemies in unlikely places and discovers his true purpose.

Well-written and entertaining, Aquifer has likeable characters and intriguing plot twists. An easy read, I found myself rooting for Luca as he uncovers the truth.

I have always enjoyed Friesen’s writing and I thought this one of his best works. The spiritual undertones were clear, yet unassuming. A great story – I didn’t want it to end. Sequel???

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in return for an unbiased review.

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

Kieren becomes convinced that he’s been dosed with radiation after an explosion at the nuclear facility where he worked. Secrets, unanswered questions, and a missing employee point to a cover up.

As Kieren and his lawyer friend Emily seek the truth, things get increasingly dangerous.

A legal thriller, fast-paced and well-written, Critical Reaction will keep you turning the pages and rooting for justice.

Despite the company’s denial, the suspicious activities following the “incident,” lead some to believe that something sinister is going on. To discover the truth, you’ll have to read Critical Reaction for yourself!

I enjoyed this book. If you enjoy suspense and the thrill of the hunt for truth, I believe you’ll enjoy this book as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House with the expectation of an unbiased review.

Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis

Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis, was a lovely story chronicling the married life of Gabe and Pearl, as discovered through the weekly love poem Gabe sent his wife on a postcard. This love story is viewed through the eyes of a recently divorced and discouraged man who sees the postcards as a clue to how to have a happy marriage.

Well-written and entertaining, Lewis does a good job of juxtaposing the two stories into one good read.

As is becoming more and more common, elements previously disallowed in Christian fiction, such as the Christian characters drinking alcohol, were included in this book. Gabe and Pearl are presented as believers. Otherwise, the story could pass for a good, clean, secular romance.

By the end of the book, this reader felt the bond between these two characters.

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh

Well-written and thoroughly entertaining, this book follows Harriet, a young woman struggling with her past sins. Afraid she’ll give in to the temptation of returning there, she tends to be a bit uptight.

Her life is turned upside down when a tattoo-sporting, motorcycle-riding reformed “bad boy” moves into her territory – her church and her neighborhood. Somehow, he is able to enjoy many of the same things she has given up without allowing them to become pitfalls in his walk with Christ.

Harriet has to learn to let God take her past and accept the clean slate He has given her. Only then will she experience the freedom to open her heart to love again.

Leigh is obviously a gifted writer. This book is a light and easy read with a message of forgiveness, starting over, and living in victory over one’s past.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

For an excerpt of this book, click here:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/workid.php?work=99646

All In by Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson is a best-selling author and I hate to admit I’ve never read him before. You can bet I will be reading him in the future.

There are so many nuggets in this book, I cannot hope to give them justice. The author says, “If Jesus is not LORD OF ALL, then He is not Lord at all.” Ultimately, the book explains how so many believers are not fully experiencing what God has for us/them, because we/they have not fully given ourselves to Him.

Using clever illustrations, Batterson encourages you to give 100%, stop being a rim-hugger, and take the hike. Experience God, don’t just observe Him.

An excellent book, well-written and easy to read, All In is definitely a book to read. Five stars!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book for an unbiased review.

Jennifer by Dee Henderson

Always a fan of Dee Henderson’s books, I eagerly awaited my opportunity to learn more about the O’Malley’s. A prequel to the O’Malley series, Jennifer was a heartwarming little novella giving some nice background to Jennifer’s story. I liked the way the gospel was clearly presented, the way Tom was patient with Jennifer’s exploration of faith, and the way  **spoiler alert** Jennifer grapples with her diagnosis in light of the loving God she just met. **end spoiler**

Though maintaining Henderson’s characteristically great writing, I wish Jennifer had been a full-length novel to go along with the others in the series. It was a charming love story, but didn’t pack quite the punch the other books in the series did. Having said that, reading it did make me anxious to go back and reread the rest of the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House with no expectation of a positive review.