The Queen's Handmaid By Tracy L. Higley Book Review

/ / The Queen's Handmaid / /

 

Book Review Written By Madi

Book Title: The Queen's Handmaid

Author: Tracy L. Higley

Source: The Litfuse Publicity Group

Genre: Christian Fiction/Egyptian Fiction

Number Of Pages: 390

ISBN: 978-1-4016-8684-0

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Year Of Publication: 2014

Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars

 

/ / Book Description / /

 

From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

 

/ / Book Review / /

 

 When I started this book, I honestly wasn't sure if I was gonna like it or not.  I had never read anything by this author, and I don't remember hearing much about her, but it turns out that Tracy L. Higley is a force to be reckoned with! This book was marvelous! I don't believe that I have ever read a fictional book that included so much history. The amount of research that had to go into the making of this story is astonishing, because it appears the author really knew her stuff. This novel is about Queen Cleopatra's maid, Lydia. Lydia serves as a personal maid for two or three different queens before the facts about her heritage and calling came to light. Though this is a completely fictional book, it is based off of real people in Egyptian history. I don't know a whole lot about the Egyptian culture or their history, but I did of course recognize a few key names, such as Julius Caesar, King Herod and Cleopatra. It was nice to get a little insight as to what Egyptian life was like in those times, and how kingdom's were ruled. I know that a lot of ancient kings (and some not so ancient rulers) govern by cruelty and force, but the way the author described some of the horrors created by these morally polluted politicians made me shiver. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't gory, just eye opening. The thought of having to watch the deaths of your friends and family with indifference upon your face is terrifying. I loved how the characters progressed with the story. Certain ones grew weak, and others strong as the plot progressed. Oh, did I mention that it is a total page turner? I simply couldn't put it down! The suspense was killing me! This is one of those books that you choose over sleep. I also liked how well written it was. The author has a writing style that will keep your eyes glued to the page. She is descriptive (not to the point of boredom, but enough to give you a clear vision of what is happening), she is passionate, and she is very well rounded. I would encourage anyone with a love of historical fiction or Christian fiction alike to read this book. I certainly am glad that I did.

 

 ~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion by the Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not further compensated to review this product and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.

A Heart's Rebellion By Ruth Axtell Book Review

/ / A Heart's Rebellion / /

/ / A Novel / /

 

{Review Written By Madi}

 

Book Title: A Heart's Rebellion

Author: Ruth Axtell

Source: Revell Buzz

Genre: Christian Fiction/Regency Romance

Number Of Pages: 347

ISBN: 978-0-8007-2090-2

Publisher: Revell

Year Of Publication: 2014

Rating: Four Out Of Five Stars

 

/ / Book Description / /

 

Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it. When things go too far, Jessamine will learn that the man who is faithful through thick and thin is more worthy than the one who speaks pretty words. But will her disgrace keep Lance from reconsidering her as a wife? And when tragedy strikes and Lance becomes his father's heir and a titled gentleman, will he think she only wants him now because of his title?

 

/ / Book Review / /

 

When I requested this title, I didn't really know what to expect. I had never read anything by this author, nor had I ever heard of her. I had a friend that read this book before I did and said that she thought that it was a bit slow, so I was mildly concerned. When I started reading it, I noticed that the author had a writing style similar to another author that I had trouble with reading because she was pretty slow paced, but my fears were unmerited. This book was a pretty good read! Not a favorite, but I did enjoy it. It wasn't slow moving, as my friend had claimed, but instead it kept me interested until the very end. I'm not saying that it was a super fast paced story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat biting my fingernails, but I had no problem concentrating on it, and toward the end things really started to pick up. The ending was the best part. I definitely think it was worth the time that it took me to read it. And the cover is so pretty! This is one of those beautiful books that you will want to showcase on your favorite bookcase. I am really glad that I got this book, despite my earlier reservations. If you like Christian Fiction or Historical Fiction, I would greatly encourage you to try "A Heart's Rebellion". I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author.

 

 

 ~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion by Revell Buzz in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not further compensated to review this product, and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.

Healer Of Carthage By Lynn Gentry Book Review

/ / The Healer Of Carthage / /

/ / The Carthage Chronicles, #1 / /

 

{Review Written By Madi}

 

Book Title: Healer Of Carthage

Author: Lynn Gentry

Source: The Litfuse Publicity Group

Genre: Christian Fiction

Number Of Pages: 376

ISBN: 978-1-4767-4633-3

Publisher: Howard Publishers

Year Of Publication: 2014

Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars

 

/ / Book Description / /

A modern-day doctor gets trapped in third-century Carthage, Rome, where she uncovers buried secrets, confronts Christian persecution, and battles a deadly epidemic to save the man she loves.Dr. Lisbeth Hastings, a first-year resident, is summoned by her eccentric father to join him at his archaeological dig. She is hesitant to accept his invitation, but when a tragic mistake ends her medical career, Lisbeth decides the only way to redeem her failure is to care for her confused father.

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole and awakens to find herself the object of a slave bidding war! She tries to escape her captor, a wealthy Roman lawyer named Cyprian Thascius, and discovers that the city she remembers as ruins has somehow become brand-new. Who restored Carthage to a thriving metropolis? And if she is in the third century, how did this happen?

Cyprian believes God called him to rescue the beautiful and strange woman being auctioned off as a slave. He doesn’t understand why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a mysterious woman who seems determined to get him killed by her stubbornness. But who is he to question God?

Their colliding worlds spark an intense attraction as Lisbeth and Cyprian soon find themselves united in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Together they confront Christian persecution, uncover buried secrets, and witness the beginnings of a medical revolution, but they fear Roman wrath will separate them forever. Will Lisbeth save the man she loves and the family she longs for—or will their separate worlds pull them apart forever?

 

/ / Book Review / /

 

 This book. I can't even. I don't know that I could even write a review that would give it justice, but I'm gonna try. "The Healer Of Carthage" is the debut novel of author Lynne Gentry, and let us all hope that it isn't the last! What a way to introduce yourself into the writing business. Lynne weaved a tale of love, tribulation, sorrow and adventure. Every detail was perfect, from the plot all the way down to the small character quirks that you might miss if you don't pay special attention. There was a plot twist in practically every chapter, and once I actually sat down to read it I didn't put it down until I was finished with it. I can't think of a single thing that I would change about it. I couldn't say something bad about this book if I tried. I've kind of been in a book rut for the last few months, but this book blew me away. "Healer Of Carthage" is about a doctor that goes to visit her father in an Egyptian desert and while searching one of her archeologist father's  sites get transported back in time to ancient Rome. Lisbeth gets swept up into the plague that she had only read about in history books. Her medical skills do not extend to such severe fatalities, and the primitive conditions are not helping matters along. The best part of this book (in my opinion) is the people that Lisbeth encounters in her new world. Three very important people are introduced at this point, and she has no idea the significance that they put in her life. Wait! I just thought about something that I don't like about it. The ending. I mean, come on! You can't just leave me hanging like  that! There better be a sequel to this book, or I will start a riot. Yet, even with this ending that left me wanting more, I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I don't care if you like historical fiction. I don't care if you like fiction at all. Read it.

 

~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not further compensated to review this product and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.

In The Shadow Of Jezebel By Mesu Andrews Book Review

/ / In The Shadow Of Jezebel / /

 

{Review Written By Madi}

 

Book Title: In The Shadow Of Jezebel

Author: Mesu Andrews

Source: Revell Buzz

Genre: Christian Fiction

Number Of Pages: 412

ISBN: 978-0-8007-2170-1

Publisher: Revell

Year Of Publication: 2014

Rating: Three Out Of Five Stars

 

/ / Book Description / /

 

Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?

 

/ / Book Review / /

 

 If you have been following this blog for a while, you know that I have a soft spot for Biblical based fiction, and that even if it's not the best book I've read, I will still give it a decent rating if it is accurate. It's been a while since I read this portion of the Bible, so there were some parts of this novel that I'm kind of iffy about as far as how biblically accurate it is, but I do know that the main plot was true. I enjoyed this book for the most part, but there were a few things about it that I wasn't thrilled about. For one thing, the emphasis put on Baal. The author made sure to let the reader know that it was a bunch of phooey, but it's such a touchy subject, and a lot of research would have to go into writing a novel about the ancient pagan culture in order for things to be portrayed in the correct way. Just by reading the book, I'm not sure that the author did enough research to make the story authentic. I did, however, like how the author incorporated a great deal of the one true God. If I were to write a book based off of an Old Testament event, I probably wouldn't have chosen this one, but I think that Mesu did a pretty good job with the story that she chose. If you like most biblical fiction then you will more than likely enjoy this one as well. The characters were amazing. I LOVED Jehoiada. He was sweet and caring toward his emotionally abused wife. He was so patient with her and he took all of her little "moments" in stride. He had a little bit of a temper, but that just made me love him more. It made him seem human, considering the fact that he had few other flaws. I also enjoyed watching Sheba grow in her faith and as a person. Marrying the high priest did her a world of good. I would recommend this book to biblical fiction fans that are 15 and older.

 

~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion by Revell Buzz. I was not further compensated to review this product and all thoughts expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.

Echoes Of Mercy By Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Review

/ / Echoes Of Mercy / /

/ / A Novel / /

{Review By Madi}

Book Title: Echoes Of Mercy

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance.

Number Of Pages: 344

ISBN: 978-0-307-73127-2

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Rating: Three Out Of Five Stars

Year Of Publication: 2014

Author's Website

Author's Twitter

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

More Info

 

/ / Book Description / /

When a suspicious accident occurs at the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, in 1904, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate. Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as “Ollie Moore,” he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father.

 

 

/ / Book Review / /

 

 When her co-worker dies in the middle of an investigation at Dinsmore's World-Famous Chocolates Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, Caroline Lang takes his place as a favor to her boss and friend. Though she just came back from a long journey and is bone tired, she heads out on the first possible train. As soon as she arrives, she is put through a series of tests, but eventually lands the job. And right away she is attracted to co-worker Ollie Moore . . . and he to her. Will their different stations in life keep them apart, or will love fight the odds?

 

This book was definitely a step up to some of Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels, but it still wasn't a favorite. I don't know why I keep reading stuff by this author, I never really fall in love with anything that she writes. I suppose that since my best friend tells  me that I just HAVE to read them is a small factor. Not to say that this author doesn't have ANY good books, in fact, I really liked "Waiting For Summer's Return", but that was the only one that I remember really enjoying. Until this one. This book was pretty good! Not a new favorite, but definitely a good time passer. It was a bit slow at times, but it had a well developed plot and the characters were just precious. I probably won't be reading anything else by this author though. Her books are kind of hit and miss. If you're into books that kind of tend to stretch on, then I really think that you would enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer. I know people that are always chomping at the bit for her to release a new novel, so I guess that her books just aren't my style.

 

 ~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free paperback copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion by the Blogging For Books review program. I was not further compensated for reviewing this product and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.

A Heart's Rebellion by Ruth Axtell Book Review

// A Heart's Rebellion //

 

A Regency Romance

 

By Ruth Axtell

 

{Review By Bethany}

Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 0800720903

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 4th, 2014
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

// Book Synopsis //

Taken From Good Reads

 

"Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it. When things go too far, Jessamine will learn that the man who is faithful through thick and thin is more worthy than the one who speaks pretty words. But will her disgrace keep Lance from reconsidering her as a wife? And when tragedy strikes and Lance becomes his father's heir and a titled gentleman, will he think she only wants him now because of his title?"

 

// Bethany's Book Review //

This was the first book I'd ever read by this author. To be honest, prior to read A Heart's Rebellion, I was a tiny bit hesitant due to some middle-range reviews from friends of Good Reads. However I decided to give it a go, since I've never actually read this author before. While this book wasn't a favorite of mine, I did enjoy it and especially liked the end portion of the book. I would definitely read more books by this author in the future. I am glad I decided to read it, and consider it a very nice one time read.

 

One of the biggest things that made me hesitant about this book, was how several people had commented in reviews, how they felt that this book (or the one before it Moonlight Masquerade) was really slow and felt like the story-line was really dragged out, and had significant dry spots that left little enthusiasm to turn pages. Personally, I didn't really see this when I read the book, and while at the beginning things were a bit slow, it was never what I'd call dragged out; and wasn't slow to the extent on not keeping me turning pages.

 

In fact, about three fourths of the way into the book until the end there was a bit of mystery, and that portion kept me up at night wondering if my assumptions about what was going to happen to the main character were actually going to happen (Which they did. I feel like that portion of the book was written in a way to where the reader is supposed to figure out what will happen before it actually did; but this was just one particular scene. The rest of the book did keep me in suspicion and ended up surprising me.)

 

The only thing that made this book a little less enjoyable for me was Jassamine, the main character. I just didn't feel like I "got" her, or connected with her personality, and I really didn't like her very much; especially at the beginning of the book. Just something about her personality turned me off, and I think it was how closed she was to the idea of ever finding "that special someone". This was mainly since she thought she'd already found that Mr. Right, only to see him break off with her and quickly marry another lady (who, uniquely is woven into this story, since her story was the main one in the book that is the first in this "series" Moonlight Masquerade). Since she had been rejected in such an emotionally damaging way, she sort of just shut out all thoughts of ever finding someone else as a way of pitying her unfortunate situation. This in itself isn't what turned me off; it was more how she handled it, and her overall unappealing personality; though I will say I think she grew out of it a tiny bit as the story progressed. She just seemed to be a very stubborn and difficult to be around type personality that I didn't really care for much.

 

On a positive note though, I loved Lancelot. He was such a gentleman and was very heroic, especially in one scene, which was for me the climactic point when my admiration for him really grew. I also enjoyed his Christian background of being a missionary to a foreign land, until a dangerous illness that he contracted almost killed him, bringing him home. I loved his passion for the Lord and how he ultimately influenced others around him by being a light for Christ.

 

Overall, I consider this a nice one time read. I didn't at all feel like it was terribly slow, and liked Lancelot, though Jassamine's personality did sort of dampen the story for me. However that's just my take on it and I'm sure there are others who would really enjoy getting to know her through this story. I loved the historical details and all the feminine ball scenes, and would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers. [SPOILER ALERT: NEXT SENTENCE CONTAINS A SLIGHT SPOILER] However due to one scene where a woman is almost forcefully taken advantage of by a man, I'd recommend this book for mature readers, around the ages of 15+.

 

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a free copy of A Heart's Rebellion through the publisher, for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this review and all thoughts expressed are my own, completely honest and unbiased.

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton Book Review

// The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn //

 

By Lori Benton

 

{Review By Bethany}
 

Number of Pages: 400
ISBN: 0307731499

Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Released: April 29th, 2014
Source: Blogging for Books

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

// Book Synopsis //

Taken from Good Reads

 

"Western North Carolina, 1787 ~ To escape a threatening stepfather and an unwanted marriage, Tamsen Littlejohn enlists the aid of Jesse Bird, a frontiersman she barely knows, to spirit her away from Morganton, North Carolina, west beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Trouble pursues, as the two men intent on seeing her recovered prove relentless in their hunt. Trouble awaits in the form of a divided frontier community. Across the mountains the State of Franklin has been declared, yet many settlers remain loyal to North Carolina. Chaos reigns, thwarting Tamsen and Jesse’s hastily cobbled plan to keep her safe.

With her pursuers ever nearing, the region in turmoil, neighbors grown suspicious of her presence, Tamsen’s safety is soon put in greater jeopardy. Gaining the freedom she longs for will mean running yet again, to the most unlikely refuge imaginable—the Cherokees, a people balanced on the knife edge of war.

But the biggest complication may prove to be Tamsen’s growing bond with her knight in greasy buckskins, Jesse Bird. Falling in love was never part of the plan."

Author's Website
More Info
Read Chapter 1
Author Bio

 

// Bethany's Book Review //

Wow! What an exciting journey this book took my on! Before reading The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn I'd never read any of Lori Benton's books, but had always heard great things about her work, and wanted to. I enjoyed this book so much, that I'm pretty much deeming it my favorite book that I've read this year so far, and I'm sure it will keep this place even after I've finished reading all the books I plan to read this year. I was completely blown away with the story which exceeded my expectations for being a good book by such a great level! I'm so sorry I didn't find out about this author sooner!

 

I think one of the reasons why this book was such a favorite, was the combination of the wonderful writing style, well-thought out plot, as well as the characters that you can't help but fall in love with as you read about. This book was so amazing I'm fining it hard to adequately describe how much I loved it, and why I loved it so much. But I think I should start by saying that the writing style and plot, which was full of so many twists and turned and constantly kept me on the edge of my seat; was blew my mind with how amazing it was compared to my expectations! The plot was so original, and written in such a way that you were literally "there" with Jesse and Tamsen, running for their lives. You are actually there beside them as they are being thrust together in unlikely circumstances that test one's true character, which is only revealed in difficult situations (This particularly proved Jesse's character to be admirable, which I'll say more on in a bit). This story-line was so exhilarating that I literally couldn't put the book down, and I was in awe of the constant action and twists that kept me surprised with the plot and wanting to keep reading. There was never any dry spots, and was so fast paced and exciting that there was constant action and excitement throughout the almost 400 pages of the novel, which flew by faster than I thought they would.

 

Another thing I loved about this book was the bits of history that were woven into the story. Aside from it being a masterfully plotted fictional story, there were parts that were based on actual historical events. I always enjoy getting a "history lesson", if you will, in my novels so I found this to be very much to my liking. Plus it was neat getting to see what it was like for people who lived during this time period, and seeing how that affected how they lived. Especially in Jesse and Tamsen's case where they were constantly on the run and in several awkward situations at times.

 

And then we come to the characters. Oh my goodness! Let me just say this: Lori Benton has crafted such love-able and no-desirable characters, that I doubt I'll forget these dear friends (and enemies!) anytime soon. I just fell in love with each of the good characters, and  felt a deep distaste towards the bad ones. I saw such great character development throughout the story-especially with Tamsen who went from a wealthy girl living while constantly being waited on, who then lost everything and was on the constant run, living in the woods and fearing her father. The characters also were very love-able for me; especially Jesse and Tamsen. I felt such a connection with the characters and particularly love Jesse's character. He was such a gentleman who had a heart for the Lord and it showed through his actions when no one was looking. His character made me deeply admire him and I just loved how he treated Tamsen with respect and gentleness.

 

Overall I absolutely LOVED this novel and for sure declaring it a top favorite which I'd highly recommend! I'm eagerly awaiting more books by this author in the future, and was extremely impressed with this book. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn will forever hold a spot of my bookshelf as a beloved story with beloved characters; which I will make time to re-read again and again.

 

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a free copy of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn from the publisher through Blogging for Books, for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this review, and all thoughts expressed in my review are completely my own, honest and unbiased.

The Thief By Stephanie Landsem Book Review

/ / The Thief / /

/ / The Living Water Series / /

{Review By Madi}

Book Title: The Thief

Author: Stephanie Landsem

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group

Book Genre: Christian Fiction

Number Of Pages: 324

ISBN: 978-1-4516-8910-5

Publisher: Howard

Year Of Publication: 2014

Rating: Four Out Of Five Stars

 

/ / Book Description / /

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage. Abandoned by the God she once loved, her only recourse is to depend upon Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem, to keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and the landlord satisfied.

Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure and is desperate to escape the accursed Judean province. Accepting a wager that will get him away from the aggravating Jews and their threats of revolt, he sets out to catch the thieves harassing the marketplace.

When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Nissa hopes for freedom from her life of lies. But the supposed miracle brings only more misfortune, and Longinus, seeking to learn more about the mysterious healer, finds himself drawn instead to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.

Cedron, Longinus, and Nissa are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. As danger closes in on them from every side, they must decide if the love and redemption Jesus offers is true or just another false promise. How can the so-called Messiah save them from their shackles, when he cannot even save himself?

/ / Book Review / /

I have always loved biblical fiction. This book took real life events that happened in the new testament and turned them into a compelling story about love of family and love of God. I have been anxiously awaiting this book's arrival for quite some time now, all I had to do was read the back cover and I knew that it was going to be a book that I would enjoy immensely. And I was right. This novel was marvelous. It took my love for Biblical Fiction to a whole new level. Within the first few pages there was a major plot twist, and I mean MAJOR. It was very interesting to see the events of Jesus' lifetime through the eyes of this author. Do you remember how Jesus healed a blind man by mixing his saliva into the dirt, rubbing it on the blind man's eyes and telling him to wash it off? That man (in this novel) was Nissa's big brother. How cool is that?! I only have one complaint. After things slowed down from the initial whirlwind in the beginning of the book, it took a while to speed back up. It was kind of the same thing repeated in a few of the chapters between the beginning and the end. I had a hard time keeping focused on the book there for a bit, but once things started to get going, I was a goner. I wonder if this author has any other novels? That is something that I will have to look into. Anyways, this book was fabulous over all, and it was definitely worth the time that it took me to read it (which might have been a bit longer than usual). I would recommend this book to someone that has a soft spot for Biblical Fiction and page turning novels (because it WAS a page turner in most parts).

 

~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book by the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not further compensated for reviewing this product, and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry Book Review

// Healer of Carthage //

 

The Carthage Chronicles // Book 1

 

By Lynne Gentry

 

{Review By Bethany}

Number of Pages: 416
ISBN: 1476746338

Publisher: Howard
Released: March 4th, 2014
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

// Book Synopsis //

 

Taken from GoodReads.com

 

"A modern-day doctor gets trapped in third-century Carthage, Rome, where she uncovers buried secrets, confronts Christian persecution, and battles a deadly epidemic to save the man she loves.Dr. Lisbeth Hastings, a first-year resident, is summoned by her eccentric father to join him at his archaeological dig. She is hesitant to accept his invitation, but when a tragic mistake ends her medical career, Lisbeth decides the only way to redeem her failure is to care for her confused father.

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole and awakens to find herself the object of a slave bidding war! She tries to escape her captor, a wealthy Roman lawyer named Cyprian Thascius, and discovers that the city she remembers as ruins has somehow become brand-new. Who restored Carthage to a thriving metropolis? And if she is in the third century, how did this happen?

Cyprian believes God called him to rescue the beautiful and strange woman being auctioned off as a slave. He doesn’t understand why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a mysterious woman who seems determined to get him killed by her stubbornness. But who is he to question God?

Their colliding worlds spark an intense attraction as Lisbeth and Cyprian soon find themselves united in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Together they confront Christian persecution, uncover buried secrets, and witness the beginnings of a medical revolution, but they fear Roman wrath will separate them forever. Will Lisbeth save the man she loves and the family she longs for—or will their separate worlds pull them apart forever?"

 

// Bethany's Book Review //

 

Be sure and fastened your seat belts, because author Lynne Gentry will take you on a fast-paced, exciting ride back in time to third century Carthage, Rome. Brace yourself to take part in a thrilling journey with doctor Lisbeth Hastings, as she puts her medical training to good use when helping the people of Rome, when a deadly sickness causes many to die in Carthage. Filled with lots of twists and turns, fast paced action and excitement, and a lot of heart; this ride is sure to delight all historical fiction fans-leaving you eager for the next trip to Carthage!

 

I had never heard of this author, but when I had the opportunity to review her newest book Healer of Carthage, after reading the synopsis and seeing that this book had potential I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did, as I think this book will make it to my favorite list of books read this year! It reminded me a lot of the popular young adult fiction River of Time series by Lisa Bergren, which is also a time travel series. But, Healer of Carthage had a unique doctor/medical aspect which made the book all the more enjoyable.

 

This book is pure action, and is so fast paced and exciting, that there was never a dull moment, and I had no problem turning pages! The plot was written very nicely, and flowed easily. I really enjoyed seeing the true Lisbeth come out during the trying time of traveling back in time to ancient Rome, with no idea of how to return to the current world. I loved seeing her grow and mature in her worldview and how her perspectives changed after going back in time; and I loved seeing how she changed and started making the most of the time she was given. As well as the other valuable life lessons she learned during her time in Carthage.

 

And then there is Cyprian. For sure he is my favorite character, though I really liked Lisbeth too. This guy was a model Christian, and I loved his courage for standing up for what he believed in and how his Christianity effected his choices. I thought it was neat how many of the main characters in this novel, including Cyrian were real people who actually lived during the third century in Rome, and thought that was a neat aspect of the book. He was such a strong sturdy Christian character that I really admired and respected, and I can't wait to see more of him in the second book in this series!

 

Another thing I loved about this novel was the historical detail, and getting to view it through 21st-century Lisbeth's eyes. There were lots of historical details that were interesting to read about, and it was obvious that this author did her research. I felt like I learned a lot, and got a good idea of third century Roman life through reading this book. 

 

Due to some mature content including detailed injuries/violence with the Romans and their persecution of Christians, coliseum scenes, as well as some mature marital content and a lady who's body is in slavery to a man who misuses her, I'd recommend younger readers read with caution as some of the scenes are a bit detailed. I felt like at times the author wrote these mature scenes with descriptive details, and would only recommend this book to mature readers, around the ages of 16+.

 

This is definitely an interesting novel from a new-to-me author that has a unique writing style that I've not read anything like before, and I'm super excited about the next book in The Carthage Chronicles series, Return to Exile! I highly recommend this book to fans of Lisa Bergren's River of Time series, or fans of time travel and historical fiction novels!

 

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a free copy of Healer of Carthage from the publisher for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this review. All thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own, honest and unbiased.