Rebel Book Reviews

Heir of Hope by  Morgan Busse   (Enclave Publishing 2015) Daughter of Light , Son of Truth , and Heir of Hope are books that lead the reader down a winding journey to glory. There are hardships. There are loss and pain. There is forgiveness. There is rebirth. More importantly: there's hope. No corners were cut in the novels. It's truth and adventure bound together in a whirlwind saga. The journeys of Rowen, Caleb, Nierne, and Lore were complete with the ebb and flow of faith that we all find ourselves experiencing. Even though I wished for more of Caleb's story and to see more of his gifts and I felt the ending seemed too rushed, the deep plots, symbolism, and spiritual truth embedded within the story enhances the reader's enjoyment. This is a saga that competes with George R.R. Martin and Tad Williams. Morgan Busse wrote an outstanding fantasy story.

Fearless by  Mike Dellosso (Realms 2013) If you can believe that the universe was created from nothing and a sudden bang, then why not believe in God? He is the God of the supernatural and surreal; the God of miracles; and the God of love. In a very intense, dramatic unfolding of Virginia Mills' occupants, the story centers around one miracle child, nine-year-old Louisa. Gifted with healing, and in an allegorical retelling of Jesus' healing of the populace, Louisa's gift is a blessing and curse because others will seek to abuse that which is freely given. But it isn't only Louisa's story, but a deeper tale of Jim, Amy, and Alicia's spiritual healing. Within layers and layers of storytelling, Mike Dellosso weaves a heart-thumping thriller that peels back the preconceived notions of who people really are. He's a killer, evil--but there's more to him and he has a choice. She's a batter woman--but there's more to her ...

Hope by  Josephine Walker (Ambassador International 2015) I watched this novel grow form first line to its final. It's not your typical mystery. It's not your typical romance. It's not your typical novel. Jessica needed a new life. What she received was a new hope, a new love, a new chapter, basically a renewing of spirit. Jo Walker has a way that sucks you into a story. This was no cozy mystery. I was surprised to discover the "ghost"; but looking back the clues were there. This was no simple romance. Jessica finds love in the most surprising places, most of all from God. The budding relationship between Jessica, Clint, and Timmy was heartwarming. A line from the book: "like a gentle rain bringing peace in the middle of turmoil", Hope gives the reader just that, hope. Hope for a future. Hope fro a new beginning. And hope for healing. Jo did an excellent job and I've already read the book twice and plan to read it again, ...

Whitewashed by Amy C. Blake (Mantle Rock Publishing 2015) Not many books can bridge the gap between young adult and contemporary genres; but, Amy C. Blake has written such a novel. Whitewashed is a story set in a small, Deep South town of Mississippi called Hades, and there are dark secrets lurking beneath the college. There are mysterious things happening. There are spiritual soul searchings. There is one family's lineage tied to one college, Verity. This novel is everything but typical. All plots are delivered neatly and with satisfying results. The characters are well developed. The pace and setting written with exquisite detail. I found that Amy C. Blake wrote a great example of Deep South culture. To me, she rivals Terri Blackstock at her best and has quickly made a fan of me.

Daughter of Light (Book 1) Son of Truth (Book 2) by  Morgan Busse (Enclave Publishing, formerly Marcher Lord Press) With any fantasy novel, especially since fantasy and science fiction are my first loves, I find it increasingly difficult to locate an exceptional Christian-faith based story. Morgan Busse presents in her two books, Daughter of Light and Son of Truth all I need: action, deeply developed characters, interwoven plots, and morality . She is in the beloved category along with R.J. Larson, Karen Hancock, and Patrick Carr; but the highest praise I can give her is to liken her to the wonderful author Henry van Dyke and his book The Blue Flower . Just as van Dyke used allegory to tell the love of Jesus, so does Busse with her story of the Word. (John 1:1) At first I was hard pressed to keep reading because the story was told more than experienced, but the more I read and the more deeply I became enthralled with the characters and plot, I disco...

From Dishes to Snow by Kathy M. Howard (Ambassador International 2014) Bayne Harris has lost everything she holds dear in her life. Her husband and children are dead. She was the one who caused the accident--the one behind the wheel. She cannot escape that night as it continuously haunts her thoughts. A year after they're gone, nothing has changed. The memories are still unbearable. She can't breathe. She can't function. She needs to get away. View Top Mountain provides the perfect escape. No one will bother her there. No one will want to check on her or talk about what happened. She can live her life alone, away from do-gooders and any chance of happiness. This is her plan, but she soon finds out God has something else in store. " Bay, your strength is amazing ..." There are many things that people never realize about widows, especially those who follow the Lord. As Bayne said: " The feeling wasn't something I could descr...

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson 2014) Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes. In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron. A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire. As Sera untangles the se...