The Crimson Cord

The Crimson Cord
by
Jill Eileen Smith


MY THOUGHTS:
I am amazed at the way Jill Smith can take just a few verses from the Bible and create an amazing story that makes you feel like you are there. This is the story of Rahab -- a woman that we don't really know much about. Smith gives her a backstory, a tragic situation, and hope for a future with the leader of the tribe of Judah!

All we truly know of Rahab is that she was an innkeeper (which in those days often meant prostitute) who willingly hid some Israelite spies in exchange for safety for her family. Some how later in life she ends up marrying a prominent Israelite and gives birth to Boaz! God can take anyone and use them for the good of his plan.

This is a story of survival, forgiveness, and new beginnings. It is set in an amazing time of history, and the characters have real depth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or who wants the Bible to come to life (in an admittedly fictional way).

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.

In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity--and a permanent place in your heart.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and The Desert Princess, first in the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

At Home in Last Chance

At Home in Last Chance
by
Cathleen Armstrong


MY THOUGHTS:
It was wonderful to meet with 'old friends' from previous Last Chance books! This book is the third in the Places To Call Home series, and I'm presuming it's the last, however the ending makes me think there may be more to come. You definitely need to read these books in series -- it would be confusing to pick up one without the background of the others.

I really enjoy the comfortable style of Cathleen Armstrong. The books are easy to read and the characters are fun and consistent from book to book. This book addresses some personality issues that very few do -- those people who have really messed up in their lives and seem to be expected to continue that path. Kaitlyn led a true prodigal's life, leaving her daughter behind in book 2 to be raised by her brother, Chris. She returns to Last Chance in an attempt to reconnect with her daughter (who is quite the character) and hopefully to finally settle down.

Stephen, the cousin of Chris's fiance Sarah (book 2) and brother of Ray (book 1), has always been a self-proclaimed ladies man and had abandoned his brother earlier in the series. Everyone expects him to continue to leave pain in his wake.

Kaitlyn and Stephen find kindred spirits in each other and they learn together how to change the perceptions and expectations of others.  But it is a slow and painful process, so true to real life.

I won't give a spoiler, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I'm hoping that there is yet another book to be written in this series, because it doesn't seem to really close. That said, I would recommend the entire series for it's writing style, emphasis on second chances, and small town charm.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
What happens when the life you're running from won't let go of your heart?
Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.

Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves?

With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into your heart, Cathleen Armstrong invites you to return once more to the dusty and delightful town of Last Chance.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. She is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction, and One More Last Chance.
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. She is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction, and One More Last Chance.
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. She is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction, and One More Last Chance.