Book Review | Singing Through Fire

“God always writes the best stories.” -Singing Through Fire

As I write this review, my eyes are still puffy, and my head is still aching from crying. Yet, there is peace and joy laced within the sorrow. “Joy in grief,” as Lara would say. I don’t think any review can fully capture how powerful and emotional this book is, and I encourage everyone to read Singing Through Fire, even nonbelievers.

I didn’t know what to expect when Lara reached out, asking if I’d read a book about her life and the passing of her husband. However, I was immediately compelled within the first few pages and couldn’t put it down. It transformed me for the better–having grown my faith, compassion, and desire to live life to the fullest for Jesus. There is so much Biblical truth written in this memoir, and the way Lara writes is poetic, intelligent, and beautiful–drawing you deep into the moments of despair and hope as you walk alongside her and Matt. I feel like I’ve known them for years, especially Lara, as we’ve gotten to talk back and forth since I acquired her book, which made this story all the more heartbreaking and impactful. There is much wisdom to be found in these pages, and somehow, I felt like one of the kids in the youth group Matt so dearly loved. Whenever he shared his thoughts and knowledge, it sank deep into my heart, encouraging me and making me want a stronger faith like his. This book is a mentor to all, regardless of age. I believe anyone will benefit from reading it.

Matt would be proud of Singing Through Fire, Lara. I know it. Not only does it glorify God amid suffering, proving He sustains us in the fire, but it also honors a man of God whose life and testimony will transform people’s hearts from all generations, softening them and bringing them closer to the God we love and serve.

“Test to testimony.”

Our stories are some of the most powerful instruments in the hands of God–evidence of the Gospel and His sustaining grace. They are meant to be shared, and I praise God Lara has shared hers.

First Impression 5/5
The introduction instantaneously piqued my interest as it laid the groundwork for the memoir and its contents. Despite the heavy topics–death, cancer, illness, grief–there was a joy and lightheartedness between the lines. The peace of God shone through the pain and heartache. I found the story’s layout–separated into four Acts like that of a screenplay–unique and creative. Singing Through Fire is based on the testimony of Lara and her late husband, Matt. But even though it’s true, their story is written like a lovable and heartbreaking novel you can’t put down. Lara takes you on a journey from the start of page one with a prologue that draws you into an emotional scene. Despite just getting to know the characters of this memoir, I couldn’t help feeling attached the moment I read the first sentence. Right off the bat, we see how real Matt and Lara are in their suffering and turmoil. Their emotions also help visualize a story promising to be filled with wisdom, light, and hope.

Character Development 5/5
I don’t usually consider character development in nonfiction, but Singing Through Fire calls for it. The growth in Lara’s faith and perspective on life is one only God can bring. Watching her step away from her lukewarm, prosperity gospel type beliefs into the everlasting truth of God’s Word was beautiful. It also showcases the importance of being equally yoked with your spouse. Matt performed the image of a spiritual leader in a humble, wise way, never failing to bring out a stronger faith in Lara. Through his terminal cancer, her chronic illness, and all the hardships to follow, you can’t ignore how their faith grows. Nor does Lara hide her raw vulnerability; instead, she leaves everything bare to better showcase the grace of God.

World-Building 5/5
This “world-building” rating isn’t necessarily based on the setting (though that was equally well-written) but more so the structure of Lara’s relationship with God in the thick of struggle. She paints the most beautiful pictures as she recounts her life story. Even while bedridden for three years–and continuing on and off–Lara’s walk with God grew, and it was vibrantly described, emphasizing the heightened intimacy of her relationship with Jesus. Creativity, love, joy, sorrow, and laughter exuded from the pages, building the story into one of transformation.

Writing Style 5/5
Lara’s words flowed easily. The idea of sectioning the book into four Acts was brilliant. I adored the splash of humor and sarcasm in Lara’s personality and writing. Singing Through Fire is crafted in an astounding way, leaving no doubt that God wanted this book written–for Lara, me, and others. But ultimately, written for Him. Every page seemed to point back to God as the anchor of hope in the storm. He was and is their strength, peace, and life.
Along with Lara and Matt’s testimonies, the amount of Scripture on every page added even more life to the words. Most of Lara’s writing was Biblically inspired as she studied God’s Word and compared her suffering and all she was learning through its lens. Like her character growth, we see her grow in knowledge as she feeds her zealousness for God through His Word.

Emotions 5/5
Tears pricked my eyes when I read the first pages, so you can imagine how the rest of the story made me cry. Lara doesn’t hide the pain and suffering she and Matt faced. She doesn’t sugarcoat the ups and downs or brush over the fact that life is hard. It’s painful, and it can feel hopeless. But even in the valley of death and despair, the hope and peace of God shone from this story. I could sense His presence even while sobbing until my head hurt. Because suffering, though often unwanted and difficult, brings people together in a beautiful way. It connected me to this memoir and provided me with a new friend in Lara. I was surprised that it wasn’t all gloom and sorrow, too. The humor made me laugh more than any nonfiction book I’ve read, which is unusually delightful considering this is a memoir on suffering and grief. Lara’s jokes and satirical approach to situations and big questions never failed to put a smile on my face. It reminded me of Proverbs 31:25. Joy is often our greatest weapon against sorrow, even when we can’t feel it.

Cleanliness 5/5
Lara courageously tackles all the brutal details of chronic illness and terminal cancer, which some readers may find triggering. She dives deep into her grief and despair of death, terminal illness, and overwhelming fear of what’s to come. But she did so in a way that provided hope. Even during the constant pain, spinning, brain zaps, vomiting, CAT scans, surgeries, and everything in between, there was never a lack of opportunity for Matt and Lara’s faith to grow. Though these heartbreaking realities of their illnesses were challenging to read, they showcased God’s mighty strength in the face of helplessness. The way He transformed both of their faith is like a ripple effect, a spark that will leave every reader changed from soul to breath. Yes, the sorrow is intense. My heart broke. The tears poured. But so did the hope and joy because of the promise of eternity.

Conclusion 5/5
The last pages of Singing Through Fire will undoubtedly bring soul-aching grief. I struggled to finish the book because I could barely see the words as tears blinded me. It was hard to read how things ended in so many different ways. I could feel Lara’s pain on a level I never knew possible. But the message, even after Matt’s passing, echoed the power of God’s life-changing grace. “The story’s not over yet.” No, with God, every “ending” is a new beginning. This book is a reminder of what’s important and how anything done without God is meaningless. But everything done for God is filled with an eternal purpose. Singing Through Fire was five stars all around and a new favorite book. I can’t recommend it enough, and look forward to seeing how God uses this story for His glory!

Here are some of my favorite quotes (I say “some” because I literally would’ve highlighted the whole book):

“If just one more life is saved because of my suffering, I am happy to go through it again.”

“Life is a precious gift–we don’t waste it, but we don’t idolize it either.”

“Sometimes it’s in our greatest sufferings that God gives us the best opportunities.”

“The Christian may not always be healthy, but he is always loved.”

“When you stop clinging to the illusion that you’ll live on this earth forever and you’re not afraid to die, that’s ironically when you really start living. You start choosing life–not just for here and now, but for eternity.”

“…the God of Christianity doesn’t just allow suffering in this world. He entered into it when He suffered on the cross. ‘That’s not a distant God who ignores suffering. That’s a God who bled for us.'”

“We were never meant to be the source of our own strength.”

Final Rating: 5/5 stars

Recommended Age: all ages, but those 13 and younger read with discretion concerning the heavy topics discussed

Genres: Christian, memoir, nonfiction, grief, romance

!Trigger Warnings!
Death, grief, terminal illness, chronic illness, anxiety, fear, depression

Follow the Author on Instagram: @larapalanjian

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV

Book Review | Eternal, Everywhere, With You

Eternal, Everywhere, With You by Sherry Rossman

“The knowledge that we belong to each other comes over me so strongly tears come to my eyes.” -Eternal, Everywhere, With You

This book was a mysteriously humorous and delightful story that exceeded my expectations. I wasn’t sure what was happening half the time, but I loved it!

Briefing
An ordinary town. A group of friends on the fringe. A house full of extraordinary secrets.
High School grads Dovie and Silas begin their summer with a shortcut and a wish. But what happens before they arrive home turns their world upside down. That same night, a stranger shows up at Dovie’s summer home, adding more questions to the mix. Supplied with a few peculiar clues to piece together, they quickly learn one very important thing: never wish upon a falling star.
Travel through time, suspicion and romance, as Dovie and Silas discover what lies beneath their own identities, and in the very dust of the earth.

First Impression 5/5
From the first scene, we get a glimpse of the characters through Dovie’s eyes, and instantly, I fell in love with them.
The beautiful imagery and creative narrative shrouded in mystery could not be resisted. Dovie was immediately relatable, and I loved seeing everything from her perspective. Not only this, but a dozen questions flooded my head after chapter one, and they only accumulated as I read on. Then suddenly, I finished the book! Sherry did a fantastic job of making the reader want to read for answers and the adventurous journey.

Character Development 4/5
These characters were real and hilarious, regardless of them being caught up in a tangling web of time. Through this story’s ominous demeanor, a joke never failed to arise, and I could not contain my laughter. I wasn’t expecting to laugh as much as I did, but this book brought joy in various ways. The author did a stunning job with the deep relationships and friendships. The co-op is now one of my favorite family dynamics. One could easily see how much these characters loved one another. It was interesting to read about them solving the mysteries of time together and growing even closer as a family. We also see the very essence that makes up a person and how no child of God is ever ordinary, but extraordinary through Him. I adored the way humans were compared to dust and how light lives within all of us.

World-Building 4/5
With the concept of this book centered heavily on time travel, there were vast opportunities for new and unusual settings. Everything was so vibrant in this world Sherry created and easy to picture. The unique imagery brought life to the story in a new way, and I loved it. As an avid fantasy reader, I’m delighted this book had me on the edge of my seat with its marvelous world-building. I will say I got lost a few times in the geographical aspects of the setting, not knowing where or when one person was–which may be intentional. The book is categorized under “fantasy,” which could refer to various things. I detected a more urban fantasy setting; however, there was never a specific time and place mentioned, apart from when the characters traveled to different periods. I assumed they were in a more modern time, considering the technology and mentions of everyday activities. It was difficult in this sense to fully connect to what I was reading, but not too much of an upset in flow. With the constant going back and forth and traveling to new places, the setting seemed, at times, all over the place, which confused me. But it was poetic in a way, and there was a uniqueness to this story that I’ve never encountered before.

Emotion 4/5
I found this book not connected to emotions in a way that made me cry but instead enthralled me with its suspense, thrill, and mystery. The romantic aspects were sweet and subtle, and the humor balanced all the chilling encounters out.
Other than the above, I didn’t connect much emotionally to this story. I will admit I teared up near the end, and I fumed at some other scenes, but this book ran more on imagination and mystery, which was perfect for the story that needed to be told. It had more to it than “feelings.” This book was light, entwined with a beautiful plot, and sealed with truth.

Style 3.5/5
There were a few questionable grammar errors and typos that somewhat disrupted the flow, but not to the point where I was deterred from reading. Apart from slight confusion, it was hard to stop reading this book. Near the end, I became a bit frustrated because it felt like the story came full circle, only to loop around once more. However, the way Sherry writes reminds me of the poetic books of the Bible: mysterious, astounding, with underlying layers of light and truth. The mystery and intrigue were kept up to the end, which gave me no choice but to finish the book or otherwise suffer from a lack of answered questions. I loved the Biblical truths woven between the lines, such as fallen stars and our essence being of dust and light. This book was one of the most unique ways I’ve seen Biblical elements portrayed.

Cleanliness 4.5/5
There were only a few insinuations, whether sexual or other, but they were very vague. I will say various “handsy” scenes occurred, but nothing ever escalated above this. Eternal, Everywhere, With You has “Christian” and “fantasy” as its main genres, so there was nothing that made this book overly secular or inappropriate. The romance was little to none, and there was no profanity. The only thing, however, that may trigger some readers are the implications of abuse and domestic violence.

Conclusion 4.5/5
This book was a mind-boggling, fantastical journey that was impossible to predict. Each page was woven with a pleasant narrative and doused in vibrant light and suspense. The mystery held firm to the very end, and when one question was answered, another fell right into place, trapping me in an inevitable “binge-read.” As the story came to a close and things fell into place, my eyes were opened to the hidden meanings between the lines. When the questions were answered, it was evident that this book held far more meaning than I had first believed. I have never read anything like this. It was completely unexpected and entirely original. The ending itself was thrilling and could not be read fast enough. Although I feel as though I still have some questions left unanswered, perhaps that’s okay. Eternal, Everywhere, With You picks at the deepest parts of the mind and prompts one to think about that which is above.

Final Rating: 4 Stars

Recommended Age Group: 12+

Genres: Christian, fantasy, romance

!Trigger Warnings!
Implied domestic violence, implied child abuse

Thank you, Book Sirens, for this copy of Eternal, Everywhere, With You. This is an honest review and entirely voluntary.

“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 ESV

Come As You Are

How often, as modern-day Christians, do we hear the phrase, “Come as you are”? Or perhaps, “God loves you just the way you are.”
I’ve listened to both on various occasions and in all different settings, whether in a worship song, on social media, or even in church. When the idea for this blog post came to mind, I searched for the verse that correlated with the above phrase. But I discovered something. There is no Bible verse with these words, “Come as you are.” None. Am I the only one shocked by this? Because I thought I most definitely read those words somewhere in the Bible. I didn’t even question the phrase until now. I just assumed it was a word-by-word quote.

The most astonishing thing about this phrase is how beautifully it describes the true meaning of who Jesus Christ is. A Redeemer, a Friend. An invitation to freedom.
The fact that this phrase isn’t found in Scripture doesn’t necessarily mean it’s false. However, I do fear it’s become greatly distorted by the jagged snares of Satan’s lies. The phrase is an “almost-truth”–a lie so close to the truth, a deceptive “angel” hidden in the shadows–that one can easily overlook, which makes the lie all the more dangerous.

“Come as you are.”
What, exactly, does this mean, and how is it possibly true? There may not be a Bible verse that flat out says these words, but the meaning is implied in various Scriptures, although the verse that most likely sparked this phrase is Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.”
I believe the proclamation that we can come to Jesus, no matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been, to be true. Over and over again in the Gospels, we see Jesus eating with the outcasts, rescuing the lost, and freeing the enslaved. Even before Jesus’ life, dating back to Genesis, we see how Jesus didn’t come to save the healthy but to heal the sick (Luke 5:31-32). What we do and have done doesn’t determine the authenticity of the power of Jesus’ blood. He knew what we would do in the shadows and all we would try to keep hidden from seeing eyes. But regardless of this, He became the Mediator between us and God, providing us a pathway to ultimate freedom.

Unfortunately, an important detail is often left out of this phrase, “Come as you are.” In this world and society, things have become twisted to fit within humanity’s desires. All truth is truth. Whatever is, goes. You believe what you want, and I’ll believe what I want. All religions are pathways to Heaven. Truth has been completely thrown out the window, and the results are “almost-truths” that are perhaps more dangerous than glaringly obvious lies.
There’s no doubt an unbeliever can come to Jesus no matter what their past may look like. But an error we often make is this act being the end. “Come as you are,” period. That’s it. There’s nothing left for us to do. We’ve made the right decision. Now, we can go back to living how we were. We often think that because we’ve “given” our lives to Jesus, because we believe He died and rose from the dead, we can live however we want without any consequences. After all, He defeated sin and death. Others may bring up Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” If Christ does all the work, if our salvation is through grace alone, if there’s nothing we, as humans, can do, why should we have to do anything at all?

Dear reader, it’s because of this fact, because of the truth found in Ephesians 2:8-9, that we want to do good, though not by our power but through His. Along with this, in the book of James it says, “Faith without works is dead.” We don’t pursue righteous living or strive to do good things because we’re trying to gain salvation and prove ourselves to God. It’s because we already have salvation through Christ that we are given a new desire to do right instead of wrong. But to be frank, we can’t even do that. As humans, we are quite literally incapable of doing any good by ourselves. It’s because of Jesus that we can do any good at all. It’s God working through us. He is merciful and so loving that He calls the broken and lost to bring glory to His name.
Thinking we need only to claim belief in God and continue to live in sin contradicts the very character of God. It brings to mind James 2:19, for even the demons believe, and they tremble. It takes more than belief. It takes relationship, obedience, and consistency. Claiming to be a Christian and believing in God is one thing, but it’s a whole other journey when one lives that proclamation out and fully submits to this confession by becoming more like Christ.

When we, as Christians, say, “Come as you are,” what do we mean? Because it shouldn’t be to influence people into believing God will love them no matter what. Indeed, nothing will separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39), not even our human failures. But there’s an act of obedience in our relationship with Jesus, one we must cling to even when we fail. Instead of telling non-believers that God will love them just as they are, we should say, “Come as you are, because God loves you regardless of what you’ve done and who you were. Now, transform into who He designed you to be.”
Regardless. That’s the keyword in this phrase, or at least it should be. God loves you, but not as you are. He says to come as you are, but He loves you regardless of who you are (a sinner, a liar, a thief, a killer, an adulterer, a deceiver). Is this not even more beautiful of a reality? God invites us into His arms regardless of what we’ve done and who we’ve become under the influence of the world and the lies of the Enemy. Yet—and don’t miss this—He also calls us to be transformed as we step into who He is. Our new identity.

There is so much more to our walk with Jesus than simply coming as we are. The moment we come and accept Him into our hearts is the moment we invite change to take place in our very souls until the shift in our attitude, character, heart, and actions is uncontainable and leaking out into everything we come in contact with. So, yes, do come as you are, but don’t stay as you are. God didn’t invite you to come to Him so you could remain unsatisfied, hopeless, lost, and broken. He called you to be transformed, redeemed, forgiven, and freed.
This doesn’t go to say that once you begin a life with Jesus, nothing complicated will ever happen to you ever again—quite the contrary. Tribulation is promised, even more so for the Christian, but so is Jesus. Don’t let these words deter you from diving deeper into your relationship with Him today. Let them bolster you closer to Him until all you desire is more of His unending love, miraculous peace, and everlasting hope. Coming to Jesus as broken, lost, and defeated souls was never meant to be the end of our walk with Him, but the beginning of a beautiful adventure in a life filled with good and evil and a Creator ever present by our sides. A relationship with Jesus is a lifelong journey where we are reformed and redeemed by the wonder-working power of our God. This is something to shout for joy over because our relationship with Jesus was designed to be and go deeper than we could’ve ever thought possible. The Creator of the universe, of the mountains and the seas, galaxies and stars, chose you as an individual to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. A Friend like no other. We were never meant to stay as we were but to become more like Christ and share that truth with the world.

I challenge you, as well as myself, to take a leap of faith after coming to God as broken, destroyed sinners and invite Him into every area of our lives; to keep nothing hidden. Then you and I will watch as we transform from the inside out, and see how our circumstances around us shift in tandem with our heart and soul. We will breathe in that redemptive peace and those around us will see this new light inside of us and begin to hunger for it as well. God is known for His transformative power, and it is not limited to the flaws and failures of humanity.

Come as you are, but refuse to stay as you are. Leave the old behind, for behold, the new has come.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

My Poetry Book

He Is Faithful In Every Season by Julia Rose

Yes, you read that correctly. I wrote a poetry book!

I am beyond excited to announce that He Is Faithful In Every Season is finished and so close to being released to the public. While I work out the publishing details/last edits, I’ll be emailing ARC copies to beta readers on January 19th. If you’d like to join the team (or just want to help with the cover reveal and release date stuff), email me at juliarosebooks2016@gmail.com. I’ll be accepting new beta readers until the end of February 2024.

>Keep Reading If You Want To Beta Read<

>Keep Reading for A Poem<

You don’t need any experience in beta reading, and I won’t ask much of you! I simply want your thoughts and feedback on this book to help aid in the editing process. There’s no deadline to finish, and I encourage each beta reader to read at their own pace. More information and details will be emailed to my beta team on January 18th, followed by a complimentary ARC copy of my poetry book on January 19th. (Disclaimer: all ARC copies will be electronic).

Book Summary
Fifty poems intricately woven together with the truth of God’s Word and faithfulness. He Is Faithful In Every Season is a book of worship, love, redemption, freedom, and dependency. It touches on topics such as anxiety, fear, loneliness, insecurity, and grief. It brings to light the abounding hope of a Savior regardless of the darkness in this world. The raw and emotional prose written is solely to glorify God in the highest and to give hope to those who are lost.

Below, you will find one of the fifty poems I’ve written, all thanks to God for the words inspired and used. You are some of the first people to read it. I hope you enjoy!

Without You (A poem from He Is Faithful In Every Season, by Julia Rose)

I have nowhere else left to turn
Except to You, my Jesus.
You are the only real peace;
You are the only real love.

Without You, my life would be void
Of the sunlight and blue sky.
I fix my eyes on You, Jesus,
Because You are the strength
Of my life.

You are my shield,
You are my hope and peace.
Without You, I’d be lost in this storm,
My soul deceased.

Without You, I’d be trampled
By the weight of my sin;
Drowned by the shadows of life.
Without You, I’d have no light.

Oh God, what would I do
Without You?
Who would I be, where would
I go, if I didn’t have You grounding
This hope in my soul?

Without You, I’d be thrashed
In a sea of lies and false dreams;
Twisted at the seams as
The world swallows me whole.

Yet, You’ve taken hold of my heart
And I know You won’t let go;
You guide my life and restore my soul.
You transform my being and
You renew my perspective.

I see a new life before my eyes,
One You’ve perfected.
Every day I battle against the
Forces of evil, and every day
You stand beside me.

Already in victory, You reign,
Constantly giving me strength
To walk through the fire,
Again and again.

Without You, I’d be lost
Without You, I’d be chained
Without You, I’d be searching
Without You, I’d feel useless pain.

But with me, You are;
Never leaving my side.
You’ve called me, Lord.
Use me to reflect Your light!

Without You, I’d have no hope;
Thank You for never letting go.
Because with You, my life is full.

“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 ESV

Thank you so much for reading!! Follow my Instagram @julia_rose_books for more updates on this project and future ones!

Switching Lanes

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV

Are you an “always on time” person or a “has five minutes to get ready and just woke up” person? I think I fall somewhere in between, but traffic no doubt favors anyone running late. Yet, I’ve found that commute is one of the best ways to mediate with God and take advantage of some quiet time and worship time. Anyway, back to the point of this post. I have an analogy for you today. Inspired by, yes, you guessed it: driving! Yay.

The story begins like this,

One morning, I was on my to work—generally a 30-minute drive. However, if we factor in red lights and the insane Florida rush hour, one must expect to drive at least 40 minutes. I try my best to leave early every morning to arrive on time, but on this particular morning, I found myself running late.
There I was, going just a bit over the speed limit, eating my chocolate Belvita (safely, I promise), and listening to worship music. Apple Maps was up, and I searched for the fastest route (again, safely, at a red light). I chose a different way than my usual, for it was supposedly the quickest route on that said morning. As I was driving, nearing the 10-minute late mark—not too bad—and hitting almost every red light, I attempted to pass traffic by switching lanes *insert cry of despair*. Alas, the lane I was now in happened to be turn-only. With the hundreds of cars speeding by me, I didn’t stand a chance of returning to the lane I needed to be in. I was trapped.
As soon as that curving arrow appeared, the dread and panic settled in. I had no choice but to turn away from my directory. Apple Maps, of course, redirected me, and I pretty much went full circle only to get stuck in traffic again. Because I decided to rush my trip to work, I was now even tardier. In that moment, I laughed at the irony and couldn’t help but notice how similar this driving decision was to life.

How often do we rush things?

How often do we switch lanes away from the path God has set for us in hopes of getting to the destination sooner, only to find ourselves lost? In this life, many things vie for our attention, traps set to lead us astray from the correct path. But there is only one proper direction, and we can either choose to go against it or comply with the work of the Lord in us and follow that guidance. Our ultimate guide and destination is Him. One of the many things I’ve been learning is this: satan can’t make us do anything, but he will try with all his power to tempt and lead us into doing something. But get this, he’s limited.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 1o:13

I often find myself in the wrong lane and fail to return to the right lane until God opens another path for me during the confusion (and just an FYI, God is way more reliable than Apple Maps). I sometimes forget that the waiting is also a part of the journey, an unavoidable aspect in this grand adventure I’m partaking on with God, one He already has planned out. In the long run, we can’t see the big picture God has painted, but He does. How untrusting and doubtful can we be to think that, by switching lanes, we can reach the place He is guiding us to sooner? Do we have so little faith in God that we believe He won’t lead us to the place He has called us to, whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, or mentally? If God is guiding us, He is also preparing us. (Phil. 1:6)

God has given us the objective to further His kingdom (Matt. 6:33), and nothing can change His sovereignty. Nothing can redirect the plan He has for our lives. God will equip us with what we need to fulfill the purpose He has called us to (Heb. 13:21). And that purpose, no matter who we are, is to live for Jesus and give Him all the glory in everything; it’s to follow Him in a relationship of obedience and love, dedication, and faithfulness. So wherever God may lead us to further His kingdom and our relationship with Him, we can have faith and confidence, knowing He will get us there. It doesn’t matter how long the wait feels; it doesn’t matter if we feel like we’re falling behind everyone else or running out of time. God never runs out of time because His timing is perfect (Ecc. 3:11). Nothing we do can change that, and nothing can speed up God’s process or slow Him down. The moment we say yes to Jesus, the moment we take up our cross and deny ourselves, the moment we hand over our lives to Him, we have every reason to believe what God has in store for us is far greater than anything we could’ve conjured.
I know this is difficult to believe sometimes, especially with the hurried nature of culture and society looming behind us. But I pray God opens our eyes to the truth of His incredible power. It’s okay to wait, just as much as it’s okay to take a leap of faith into a decision you know God has inspired inside of you.

The next time we decide to switch lanes and choose a path that diverts us away from His, perhaps we should remember God is in control, and we will arrive at whatever destination He wants us to reach when the timing is right. And it will be. Instead of rushing ahead and worrying about the future or even slowing down to dwell despairingly on the past, let us focus on the present circumstances around us and search for the work God is doing right now (Matt. 6:34). Because He is always working, whether we see it or not. We don’t have to get stuck in a turning lane to find out if the path God has planned for us is better. It is.

When we get stuck in a turning lane, and we will, I pray we have a peaceful reassurance that God will provide a way out. He will guide us back towards the correct path, even if we choose the wrong one. Our hope isn’t in what we can do but in the faithfulness of our God. And that faithfulness will withstand all generations!

We simply need to enjoy the journey and trust that we’ll get there when we get there.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Book Review | My Refuge

“The cross is where we see the proof of God’s love for us. Jesus’ death on the cross is really convincing evidence that God is for us, not against us—that He loves us deeply—even when our circumstances appear to contradict that.” -My Refuge

My Refuge is a beautiful example of how God is with us in all circumstances. It also revealed the importance of good friendships and how we should surround ourselves with reliable people to hold us accountable as we pursue a relationship with Christ.

4.5/5 Stars

(SPOILER-FREE ZONE)

(Briefing)
Four stories. Four girls. All pursued by hope.
Eden, a young musician suddenly hospitalized with heart failure, awaits the day when she can lead a normal life. Will she overcome the anger and confusion inside of her as she waits for a heart transplant?
Zahra, an aspiring engineer trapped in a refugee camp, desperately tries to further her education with limited resources. Will she finally find something that no one can take away from her?
Mei, a girl experiencing the effects of quarantine, battles the onslaught of insecurities and self-worth as she finds ways to impact the world from the safety of her home. Will she learn to see herself the way God does?
Katya, a victim of war, longs to be reunited with her mom while waiting beneath the protection of a bomb shelter. Will she overcome her growing fear and anxiety as a war rages above her?

(First Impression 4/5)
The story begins with Eden, a girl hospitalized with heart problems. Her anger and frustrations, as well as sorrow for her predicament, leaped out of the pages. Tears were brought to my eyes as Eden watched the days go by from the hospital window and saw her friends living the life she once lived on social media. What a drastic change to happen in a young girl’s life, yet a beautiful opportunity for God to reveal His glory. Ashley introduced Eden and her story with precision, filling me with anticipation for the next three stories to come.

(Character Development 5/5)
All four girls were vastly different, just like the storylines. They grew in so many ways, from fear to hope, despair to joy, insecurity to confidence, from feeling trapped to being free. Eden, Zahra, Mei, and Katya transformed and took flight. Yet, I know there’s so much growth left to come, and I cannot wait to continue walking alongside these girls on their journeys through life and as they are brought closer to Christ.

(World-Building 5/5)
The circumstantial world-building was exquisite. I say “circumstantial” because of the four unique concepts brought to life. Each story focused on an important issue that inspired and brought forth the floodgates of tears. The imagery and settings were easy to fall into. Ashley made each story powerful and impactful in their own way. We see Eden struggling with anger, Zahra with desperation for more, Mei with self-worth, and Katya with anxiety. Though their lives and circumstances differ, each girl is brought closer to Jesus. I thought this was a lovely concept. No matter the difficulties worldwide, God offers hope to all.

(Emotions 5/5)
There was a point when I was reading this book in public, and let me say it was a challenge to keep the tears from falling. Many heavy and sorrowful topics were tackled in My Refuge, ones that teenagers, girls specifically, battle with daily. This world needs more books like this; the younger generation needs books like this. Ashley did a phenomenal job reaching out to young girls and touching on issues I’m sure many are familiar with. I believe even adults would be able to relate and feel inspired by this book. My Refuge is a tear-jerker and will make your heart ache, but it will also bring a smile to your face to see how God is faithful no matter the situation.

(Style 4/5)
My Refuge was written well, with plots and emotional situations that were easy to get lost in. The only issue I had was with the two POVs that would clash from time to time. It changed from third to first person, enabling the characters to share their thoughts instead of being referred to in third person. I loved reading what they were thinking, but the clarity was a bit fuzzy and didn’t separate the two POVs all the time, apart from a few thoughts being in the classic italics. Even so, I barely noticed this because the story was so intriguing and held my attention in a firm grasp. I’m only mentioning this because it did cause a bit of confusion. Other than the POVs, this book was excellent, and I quickly absorbed the captivating points Ashley aimed to get across.

(Cleanliness 5/5)
This book was almost entirely clean, apart from a brief indication of inappropriate photos. These photos, however, were not detailed at all. War is mentioned, as well as some dramatic scenes that may be sensitive to some readers, but still PG. Ashley tackles anxiety, despair, and loneliness in the most lovely way. My Refuge is undoubtedly the perfect atmosphere for the age group it’s geared towards.

(Conclusion 4/5)
I didn’t think I’d cry as much as I did while reading My Refuge. The best word to describe this book is powerful. Ashley excelled at handling daunting and challenging situations, and she did a wonderful job of keeping each story intriguing. I’m a little bummed with how it ended because there’s still so much left to be told of all four stories. However, I saw the mention of a possible second book in the future, so I’m thrilled about that. I was sad when it ended because I didn’t want to stop reading.
My Refuge was an incredible read and makes you think about other people’s sufferings and how even the most minor acts of kindness and compassion can make a huge difference. We may not always see this difference, but God certainly does, and I believe He uses our small acts of love to further His kingdom in so many ways. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially teenagers and young adults.

Genres: fiction, Christian, young adult, contemporary

!Trigger Warnings!
War, violence, emotional, anxiety, despair, loneliness, mentions of inappropriate content online

Thank you, Ashley, for sharing a copy of your book with me. I feel so blessed to have been able to read and review your book. It will no doubt impact the lives of the teenage girls you are aiming to reach. I will look forward to reading your next book!

Follow Ashley on Instagram!: @ashleyalsalibywrites

Book Review | Children of the Forgotten

Children of the Forgotten, by Charles Franklin

“What was living life without giving part of it to another?”

“Hope can conquer more than any army can.” -Children of the Forgotten

We have two quotes today because I couldn’t choose just one.

What a magnificent story of faith, hope, courage, and perseverance. Children of the Forgotten excelled past my expectations. It no doubt lived up to the Christian, post-apocalyptic genres!

4/5 Stars

(Spoiler-Free Zone)

(Briefing)
In a post-apocalyptic world, most people by the age thirty have succumbed to the Sickness, a mysterious illness. But the Sickness is not the only enemy for Collin Mann’s city. Hordes of deranged killers live in the hills around it. With few trained protectors, the future of the little city looks bleak. Collin, fifteen years old, buries those the Sickness consumes. Slight and awkward, he shuns warrior training, avoiding the example of his big brother and guardian. When killers attack at the watering hole, he’s called to step forward and defend. Instead, he freezes. He’s ashamed. His people need him to fight. But can he do it? Or would a clumsy person like himself make any difference in the battle of existence?

(First Impression 4/5)
Charles did a great job introducing this dystopian world in the first couple of chapters. A few battles took place that were action-packed and thrilling to read. The descriptions of these fights and the actions taken by the knights were wonderfully detailed and believable. The beginning was a little slow, but it intrigued me. From the first line, it was evident how hopeless the people were. I instantly loved the somewhat medieval vibes. Post-apocalyptic stories that revert to older traditions and societies are always interesting to read.

(Character Development 5/5)
I loved these characters. Each one had a story to tell, and they all performed and added to the plot perfectly. The growth was unmistakable, especially with Collin: from being a boy who hid from conflict, soon becoming a man who stood for justice. So many characters faced various horrors and trials, and the depth of their wounds made them so real. It was beautiful to see people grow stronger from their pain, yet heartbreaking when others became forever changed by the horrific things that happened to them. Whether it was the main character, side characters, or antagonists, each person was written with a personified structure and personality. It was inspiring to see the reason for the conflicts and how each difficulty prepared the characters and aided them in future battles. The setting of the world no doubt added a layer of complexity to each character, and it had me wondering about the hundreds of stories untold in this book.
Another favorite character was Felicia. Reading about her finding confidence more so in her Creator than herself was a beautiful thing. Then we have Ty, the perfect comedy relief, and much more: a loyal friend, a beloved protector, and a fierce warrior. With jokes ;). I did confuse Arik and Ethan a few times, as their personalities and character traits were similar, along with their luscious hair. But other than that, the character development was phenomenal.

(World-Building 4/5)
There was beautiful imagery within this society and broken world. It was effortless to imagine the small city consumed with fear, the mystery of what awaited them past the mountains, and the vast cultural changes. I loved the return of swords and arrows as the regular weapons, and the farmers, villagers, knights, etc. Even the history and backstories explaining the world’s destructive state, the Sickness, and barbaric criminals threatening all who lived nearby made Children of the Forgotten a thrilling and intriguing read. Charles created a fantastic new society and economy from the fallen world.

(Emotions 5/5)
The loss of hope and peace was the perfect foundation for strong emotions. The concept of faith, God, and the Bible being banned, yet not wholly forgotten, introduced powerful moments of change. There was heartbreak, grief, potent fear, sadness, brokenness, and yet…an underlying hope. I loved the many moments of God’s power being revealed, the truth of Him never leaving us, and an undeniable hope and perseverance that flooded the pages. Charles created such realistic fear and hopelessness. Looking at today’s society, the downfall of humanity in this story and the overall darkness wasn’t hard to imagine. I cried, laughed, and hoped with these people.

(Style 4/5)
I enjoyed the way Charles wrote. The plot itself was a bit drawn out, and it took me a chapter or two to fully immerse myself, but Children of the Forgotten was a remarkable adventure. I could not stop reading. It was also multiple point-of-view, which I think Charles performed wonderfully. The POV created the perfect amount of suspense and clarity, being able to read from all different angles. The inclusion of Biblical principles was incredible. Every time that sprinkling of Christianity came up, I’d jump in excitement. It was subtle initially and then grew, just like one’s relationship with the Lord—a constant journey of growth and obedience. The Christian aspects weren’t preachy—not that I have issues with “preachy”—as in, they weren’t forced but flowed naturally with the plot. This isn’t easy to do, not only because of today’s culture but also in the post-apocalyptic setting the author chose. Charles did a lovely job inserting Scripture and breathtaking moments at just the right time.

(Cleanliness 4/5)
With Children of the Forgotten being a Christian read, cleanliness wasn’t much of an issue. Little romance was included, but not entirely out of the picture. It was sweet and more subtle. I actually enjoyed there being little romance, which isn’t always the case. Sometimes…I finish a book partly because I just want to see my ship sail. But in this story, I read literally for the plot! *applause*
There was a big issue with sexual harassment that appeared in written scenes—mostly foreshadowing and not highly detailed—and mentions or insinuations. With the state of the world and the new society, an unfortunate normalcy to sexual harassment was created, along with violence and gore. It was heartbreaking and frustrating. The many battles were filled with brutal actions, and when added to the Sickness, death was common. A short scene hinting at suicide does come up, but nothing too severe, though tragic all the same. Ritualistic practices were included—inevitably so with all those whacko killers on the loose—but nothing obtrusive and more so near the end. In light of all this, however, God’s presence and power shone through the darkness.

(Conclusion 5/5)
I am amazed I haven’t gone broke from all the books I’ve purchased this year, and now, I must buy the second book in this series because of the ending.
It couldn’t have concluded in a better way, my goodness. I didn’t sob as I thought I would but was more in shock and freakin excited to buy the next book. There was great resolve, breathtaking battles my eyes could not keep up with, and powerful moments where God proved time and time again that He was always there. And He always is. Nevertheless, there are still many unanswered questions that I must know the answers to!
Children of the Forgotten was an inspiring story and better than I anticipated. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reads that are Christian, dystopian, apocalyptic, action-packed, adventuresome, and filled with epic battles.

Thank you to Book Sirens for this free copy of Children of the Forgotten. This review is in my honest opinion and voluntary. (Follow Book Sirens on Instagram: @booksirens & @booksirens_crew)

!Trigger Warnings!
Death, sexual assault, rituals, violence, grief, gore, fear, suicide implications

“For the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4

Bookstore Dreams

Daily writing prompt

If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?

View all responses

I saw this prompt and had to jump onto the responses. Goodness, I was almost too late, though, wasn’t I? If I were to open a shop, I would open a bookstore. I would sell books (obviously), bookmarks, and absolutely anything that had to do with books. Like those cute little nook shelf things that are like worlds inside a shelf; or creatures and objects made from book pages, although I don’t know if my heart can take the fact of that being book murder. They’re so pretty, though!
Ever since high school, I’ve thought of opening my own bookstore one day. It was never really a passion or a dream, but more a sweet daydream I wondered would come true. This bookstore would be more focused on the independent and self-published authors of the world. Because sadly, Indie authors can’t always get their books into bookstores. Of course, I’d also sell traditionally published books along with self-published ones, but I think it would be lovely if most of the shelves were filled with the hidden gems in the world of books. Some of my favorite books I’ve read were written by authors no one has ever heard of, and my one review can only do so much. So few people know about these hidden gems because they aren’t trending on social media or were refused to be sold in physical bookstores. Perhaps, one day, God will open a door that leads to a bookstore such as this.
Now, what would this bookstore look like, you may ask? It would be cozy—curled in a blanket on a rainy day cozy—and grand, filled with books on shelves that reached all the way to a two, or maybe three-story ceiling. This bookstore would be vintage but magical, like a hidden world in an enchanted forest. Children would get free goodies whether they buy something or not; once they walk through the door, and from the minute they leave, even if they were only inside for three seconds, they will leave with a lollipop. And every purchase will come with a scripture verse from the Bible. There would be desks and reading nooks where you can read before buying, like a library. But get this: you would be able to borrow books too!! I don’t know about you, but I love reading a book before I buy it. I’d call it Rose Books, Julia’s Books, or Julia’s Book Nook. Something memorable along those lines. Ooh, maybe even Julia Rose Books? Mind as well, right? That’s already every social media platform I have. Problem solved.

I hope you all have a fantastic week! Here’s a verse to start your Monday (even though it’s still Sunday):

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him Who called you out of the darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 ESV

Isn’t that beautiful? Chosen by God. Remember that whenever the enemy tries to darken your mood. Slap him across the face and say, I am chosen by God! Who are you to tell me who I am? The audacity he has, I swear.

Book Review | Positively, Penelope

“I would only regret not starting forever with you as soon as possible.” ~Positively, Penelope

I cry.
No, truly, I did cry.

Dear humans, the lovely quote from above is only one of many. I was given an ARC of this book to borrow and, sadly, could not annotate (though, now I have an excuse to buy another book *cue evil laughter*). Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham releases today, August 1st, 2023!

5/5 Stars

(Spoiler-Free Zone)

~Review~

(Briefing)
Castles, delicious pastries, irreplaceable history, unexpected love, and…sea monsters?
Penelope runs on positivity, movie references, and theater, all of which must come in one total package. Her love for fairytales and magical places becomes a reality when she takes on an internship in Skymar, an island full of wonder and history. As she begins to rebuild the once magnificent Darling theater, someone awaits behind the scenes, plotting to stop any success of reformation. Amid all the chaos and magic, Penelope finds herself falling in love, a plot twist not even she saw coming. With her heart in two different places, she is faced with choices promising to tear it apart. But, like in any movie she has ever seen, love stretches beyond distance, no matter how many sea monsters she has to battle to achieve a happily ever after.

(First Impression 3/5)
I loved this story SO MUCH, but the beginning started a bit strange. Pepper wrote the first hundred pages through the perspective of emails and text messages. It wasn’t poorly written, just a bit unrealistic at times, though Penelope was a great storyteller. I adored her from the first page and all her positive, fairytale-ness. I strive to be as positive as she is and as hilarious. Her humor carried the story, let me tell you.

(Character Development 5/5)
Penelope’s character structure was beautiful and so unique because, as Penelope said so herself, there aren’t many stories with positive protagonists, at least not like her. Her character was refreshing.
I loved Matthias. OMG. I- where are these types of men in the real world? Hello? (no offense intended towards the possible real-world men reading this, though that is highly doubtful). Also, is Skymar a real place? Because I swear, I’d travel there just to meet a Matthias of my own. Pepper wrote the supporting characters wonderfully, too, from adorable Iris to Grandpa Grey and Penelope’s hilarious siblings. Luke has got to be the definition of “best brother ever,” and Izzy is such a sweet and supportive sister. Pepper did an excellent job with the characters. They were genuine, intricate, and lovable. They completed the story into something delightful.

(World-Building 5/5)
*Satisfied sigh.* What a lovely place Skymar is. This little island of history, deep community values, castles, scenic views, and vintage architecture made the story all the more entertaining. Penelope was me whenever she went on one of her many expeditions venturing out into the town. Skymar was the perfect place to spread some positivity. I love small towns with hidden gems and natural beauty. Oh! And let’s not forget those sea monsters. I, of course, didn’t love them as much as the castles, but they are part of Skymar too.

(Emotions 5/5)
Whenever characters have to say goodbye, it rips my heart apart. This story was relatable in that distance between family and loved ones hurts. The grief and tangible sadness of being so far away from those you love is a pain sometimes too difficult to describe. But Pepper did an incredible job at expressing such emotions through this story. I loved the family concept and the love all the characters had for one another. Pepper conveyed the importance of authentic love and trustworthy relationships exquisitely (I’ve always wanted to use that word). It warmed my heart, even though it also made me shed a few thousand tears.

(Style 4.5/5)
If I were to rate Pepper’s writing style based on page one, I’d give it a 4/5. After page one hundred, I’d rate it a 2/5. But the last half of the book brought the rating to a 5/5, which rounded up—by my unreliable calculations—to a 4.5/5 (anyone else lost, or just me?). As I mentioned earlier in the review, Pepper wrote the first 100 pages from the perspective of emails and text messages, which honestly wasn’t much of a problem; it was an eccentric and intriguing POV. But when the perspective shifted into a regular third-person POV, I was caught off guard. My attention was almost lost and I found myself debating whether to finish Positively, Penelope or not. I wondered if it’d be worth the read. But, you guys, OH MY GOODNESS. I am so glad I finished this book. Positively, Penelope is now one of my favorite reads, and Pepper Basham is one of my favorite authors! Though Pepper’s perspective and style choice were unique and a bit unusual, it was perfect for the story she needed to tell. I do think this book would’ve been even better if Pepper introduced the POV change sooner in the story, but in a way, it made the book what it was, and I ended up LOVING IT.

(Cleanliness 5/5)
Positively, Penelope is classified as a Christian romance, and wonderfully clean. The romantic aspects contained just a smidge of kissing, though it was more passionate than what I’d recommend to, let’s say, a ten-year-old. It was a sweet romance that left me feeling warm and fuzzy. I do wish there were more Christian principles included, not to say there were zero. But they were minuscule enough to where the book could almost pass for a regular clean romance. I did see how Penelope’s positivity correlated with her relationship with God.
There isn’t any profanity, as to be expected, and no violence unless you count Penelope using her Super Ultra Hairspray as a self-defense mechanism. There are a few emotional triggers, such as divorce, broken relationships, grief, the death of a loved one, and overall heartache.

(Conclusion 5/5)
*Cue the sobbing*
Positively, Penelope was a delightful adventure and one I highly recommend. It was heartwarming, funny, sweet, thrilling, and left me smiling more than once. I loved the theatrics and creativity, especially the onslaught of movie, book, and musical references. Not only did this add depth to the story, but the characters as well. I’m not a massive fan of romantic comedies, especially cheesy and predictable ones, but I loved Positively, Penelope. I laughed and cried so much. It was honestly one of the funniest and most heartwarming stories I’ve read in a long time. Positively, Penelope concluded in the most perfect way, with lots of tears and the healing of old wounds. I look forward to reading more of Pepper Basham’s books, especially after reading this one.

Genres: Christian; romance; fiction; contemporary

!Trigger Warning!
Grief; broken relationships; emotional

“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11 ESV

Book Review | Heartmender

“Not every door leads to darkness.” ~Heartmender

I love an entertaining fantasy story with a Biblical foundation, and Heartmender by far gave me that!

~Review~

(SPOILER FREE)

4/5 Stars

(Briefing)
While the Land of Barracks sees trading human hearts as a means to “success” and “fulfillment,” Adelaide Tyde sees but an enemy who stole her brother. After years of despising Heart Reign, when the time comes for Addie to trade her own heart, she finds herself caught between various choices, life-threatening battles, and a spiderweb of lies and deceit. But amongst all the darkness and heartbreak, there is a light beside her every step of the way. As Addie searches for her lost brother while fighting through the Seven Choices, she learns there is so much more to life than being afraid. Alas, when all seems right, evil and darkness leap at the opportunity to thwart any noble cause.

(First Impression 4/5)
In the beginning, I was unsure if I would like this book. Heartmender is a strange concept, but also so creative and entertaining. After a few pages, I was instantly teleported into the wondrous world of Heartmender. Each scene and chapter was unexpected, filled with suspense and adventure. One of the most unpredictable books I’ve read in a long time, and it was great!

(Character Development 5/5)
Addie excelled far past her characteristics from page one, and although she stuck to her original structure, she also transformed into a powerful, fearless young woman. She defeated her fears and grew stronger with each chapter. Her journey was amazing. I loved to see her overcome her faults and come out like the warrior she is. The other characters were lovely, too, like Claire and Eman, even the antagonistic characters were well written—evil and frustrating, yes, but realistic; they brought the story to life and made the reading journey wonderful.

(World-Building 4/5)
The setting for Heartmender is very complex and imaginative. Though I found myself a little confused at times, it didn’t compare to the fantastical journey Burton brought me through as Addie conquered the Seven Choices. The symbolism of life and the Biblical aspects in Heartmender were some of the best I’ve read so far and my favorite details from the book. It was easy to see how this story related to real life—the battles of temptations and how light never fails to overcome darkness. While putting a magical twist into Heartmender, Burton kept the most critical aspects illuminated beneath an adventurous journey. Not every author can create an entertaining story while retaining morality and Biblical attributes!

(Emotions 5/5)
I may have cried a few times, and if you ever read this book, you will know why. Emotions are a big part of Heartmender and are very well interpreted. Addie truly does have so much love to give, while also battling with the emotional strains life throws at her. It was beautiful to witness her overcoming doubt, loneliness, anger, greed, lust, and so much more. Heartmender is undoubtedly an intense and emotional journey.

(Style 4/5)
I found Burton’s style easy to read, apart from a few mistakes/typos. I read through this book easily and often forgot I was reading a book at all, which is how you know it’s good!

(Cleanliness 4/5)
As mentioned above, this book deals with many emotions, including lust. For the most part, Heartmender is a clean read, but one scene does portray a struggle with lust, which provides a steamy situation between Addie and a-person-I-shall-not-name. There is also a good amount of violence. Fortunately, it is a Christian book, and the things above, I believe, are necessary ways of bringing to light just how tempting and dangerous life can sometimes be. It also shows just how involved our God is. He is always there, reminding us we are never alone—a sword for a battle, a lantern in the dark, a friend and protector.

(Conclusion 4/5)
I can’t wait to read Heartbreaker. The ending of Heartmender had me smiling in excitement and beautifully concluded the story. I look forward to reading the next book in Addie’s story!

Genres: Christian; fiction; fantasy; adventure; romance

!TRIGGER WARNING!
Violence, temptations, lust, murder, death, emotional

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” James 2:18-19 ESV