Abigail

By: Jill Eileen Smith

http://www.revellbooks.com/

This Novel is book two in The Wives of King David series. In this book we follow the story of Abigail who was the second wife of David. In the beginning of this story we find Abigail waiting for her husband Nabal to appear and take her from her father's house. Once he arrives she realizes that he is not the man that she thought he was. Being the christian woman that she is she resigns herself to being the type of wife that he wants. Meanwhile, her brother has heard stories that David and his men are near by hiding out from King Saul. He heads out to seek David to see if he and his family can join him and his people. As the story progress Nabal falls ill and dies leaving Abigail a widow and it is at this time that David offers to marry her. The story really becomes interesting at this point as we see the difficulties that she faces having to share her husband with another women and then with many as David is made King. In the end everthing works out as it should.

I really enjoyed this book because it really helped to bring the Scriptures to life. I loved that the author placed the scriptures in the beginning of each chapter to help the readers to keep up. I have often tried to read this same story in the Bible and picture what it must have truly been like to live and face these trial along with David. This story shows the true meaning of sacrifice and how if we are faithful to God he will fight our battles for us and bring us the victory. The overall message in this story is a positive one and a true story of dedication to God's word no matter the circumstances. Keep the faith and it will all work as it says in scripture, all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.

Available Feburaury 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Swinging on A Star

By: Janice Thompson


http://www.revellbooks.com/




This is book two in the Weddings By Bella series. In this story Bella is bout to plan her most daring wedding yet, a Renaissance themed wedding. The only question is can she keep the surprise best man a secret. Trying to hide this Hollywood superstar from the paparazzi is a hard job especially considering that he is staying at her house and her aunt has been chosen to star on Food Network and the camera men are scheduled to arrive right before the wedding. Add to this uncooperative weather, a feuding aunt and uncle who can't get along when in the same room, and a small town and you have a great book just waiting to be read. Things get even crazier when Bella discovers that Brock, the best man, has taken interest in her. Now she must balance the sparks between DJ, her boyfriend, and Brock. Can she handle all this stress, pull off the perfect wedding, and keep peace in her house. Pick up this book and find out.

I really enjoyed reading this book the characters were great and there was enough excitement going on to keep the pages turning. I loved the references to God and how he always has something better in store for us. this book was full of neighbors helping neighbors and really captured to feel of small town life. It was a very well written story that flowed great from beginning to end. The end wrapped up nicely but left just enough to have me waiting to read the next insert in the Weddings By Bella series.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Dreams that Won't Let Go

By: Stacy Hawkins Adams.



http://www:revellbooks.com/

Dreams That Won't Let Go is the third book in the Jubilant Soul series. This novel is about three siblings; Indigo, Ruben, and Yasmin, who have been raised by their grandparents since their real parents were killed in an accident. Indigo Burns is excited about her upcoming wedding to Max Shepherd. Everything seems to be running smooth until her brother Ruben decides to move his family to Jubilant , Texas to be closer to his family. Things in this family began to unravel fast with the return of Ruben. When secrets are revealed there are a lot of hurt feelings and misunderstandings that have to be cleared up. Indigo must learn to forgive her brother for past hurts and misunderstandings and to forgive her parents/grandparents for what she sees as their neglect when he comes back to town. Her younger sister Yasmin has to learn how to chase her dreams but also how to find forgiveness for her parents/grandparents and what she sees as them ruining her career. Ruben has to make peace with a promise that he made to their parents before they died that he feels like he has been unable to keep and he must also learn to open up and tell his family the secret that he has been keeping locked inside all these years. This is a great story of love and forgiveness that everyone should read if they are holding on to old hurts that are straining their relationship with their family.

I loved how the characters in this family are so real and each has their own set of problems to overcome. I enjoyed following along with the story and watching as each character evolved and realized what they needed to do to make peace with themselves and not only that but what they needed to do to be able to move ahead out of the past and become a real family again. I think a lot of families have these kinds of issues or some similar to these and are clueless as to how to deal with them. Most people worry about hurting someones feelings so they keep things bottled up and let them continue to cause hurt. The best way to handle these kinds of problems is to pray for guidance and let the Lord lead you into how to best bring up these issues. Pick up Dreams that Won't Let Go and see how this family comes together through the pain and secrets of the past.


Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.