The Moses Chronicles: Bondage by H. B. Moore — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
May 202015
 

25490708The Moses Chronicles: Bondage (Volume 1)

Author: H. B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: May 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-166-3

Paperback: 236 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Moses has always felt like an outsider in his powerful Egyptian family, even though his close relationship with Ramses, the prince of Egypt, and their cousin Pentu keeps him entwined in the dealings of royalty. But when their youthful antics get them in trouble, the Pharaoh decides it’s time for all three of them to grow up and own their respective responsibilities. Now betrothed to a woman he cares nothing for, Moses wonders where his life is headed.

Miriam, a Hebrew slave, lives with a secret she cannot share with anyone. And though it has been eighteen years since she saved her baby brother, she is constantly getting in trouble for spying on him. In a desperate attempt to control Miriam, her older brother, Aaron, and her father look to find her a husband, something Miriam has never been interested in—until Caleb, a young, handsome man, confesses his feelings for her and asks her father for her hand in marriage.

When Libya advances on Egypt, Moses and Miriam are suddenly thrown together as the Egyptian royals and soldiers flee. Hebrew slaves are forced to defend the kingdom, and Miriam and Caleb are enlisted under Moses’s direction. Moses quickly sees there is more to this downtrodden people than what he’s been taught. When he witnesses the atrocities enacted against the slaves, he realizes he must leave—he must find out who he really is.

A gripping account of the events that lead to Moses’s flight into the wilderness, The Moses Chronicles: Bondage will take you back to a rich period of history replete with scandal, strife, love, and hope as God prepares a prophet to lead His chosen people.

My Review

As with any of Heather’s books, the characters in The Moses Chronicles: Bondage are brought to live with her amazing storytelling and writing.  I loved this fictional account of Moses and Miriam.  I appreciated the point of view changes between Moses, Miriam, and Bithiah.  Miriam was an especially enjoyable character.  She was a very strong, and courageous woman in hard times.  My heart broke for her with all she endured.  Another aspect I enjoyed was Miriam’s love for the brother she didn’t know.  Heather’s Moses was also a strong character that was honorable and wise.  This book is very hard to put down and reads quickly.  There is so much to this book that will keep you turning pages.  For me, it was the characters and the beautiful, gripping story.  I also enjoyed the other characters, Caleb and Bithiah especially.

5 out of 5 stars.  I can’t wait for Deliverance, the next volume in the series.

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Deadly Alliance by A.L. Sowards

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 022014
 

DeadlyAllianceDeadly Alliance (Espionage #3)

Author: A.L. Sowards

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: April 2014

Genre: Historical

Softcover: 317 pages

ISBN# 9781621086901

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: Received a free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads)

When Peter Eddy and his commando team inadvertently upset the Soviets during their most recent mission, they never imagined the diplomatic nightmares that would ensue. They have one chance to redeem themselves: tasked with destroying a bridge in Nazi-occupied Bosnia, Peter and his war-weary team reluctantly agree to drop behind enemy lines. The assignment should be a simple one—were it not for the fact that they are being deployed on a suicide mission.

Genevieve Olivier is devastated by the news of Peter’s disappearance. After all they’ve endured in this war, the determined OSS worker is unwilling to simply let go of the man she hopes to spend her life with. Desperate for information, her work as a courier soon escalates into a counterintelligence duel with a Fascist assassin—and Genevieve is his newest target . . .

Review

Deadly Alliance, the third and final installment of the Espionage series, takes place during the final year of WWII. Peter and Genevieve are the main characters, who both have way more war and espionage experience than any young person should. Almost as soon as they are reunited, the war separates them. Their duties take them far from each other, and one circumstance after another makes it almost certain they will never survive, let alone find each other again.

Peter has several of his closest war buddies with him, but Genevieve is very alone. She stays busy at the hospital, but the war has taken too much for her to feel happy without Peter. He is determined to do his duty for his country and the men that are serving with him. While he hopes to be united again with Genevieve and live the rest of his life by her side, Peter knows that sometimes the only option is to make the ultimate sacrifice.

The story is told mainly from Peter and Genevieve’s points-of-view, with a large focus on events occurring in the fight between the Serbians and Croatians, the Partisans and Chetniks, located in Yugoslavia. The characters encounter several battle scenarios and devastated villages that show the face of war in that area of the world. The author’s style isn’t flowery or roundabout but straightforward, intended for an audience of men and women who enjoy reading WWII fiction and prefer a hint of romance.

Deadly Alliance takes the reader along as the characters move from one seemingly insurmountable circumstance to another. I haven’t read a lot of WWII fiction but I can see that Deadly Alliance and the other books in the Espionage series are well-researched. I follow A.L. Sowards on Goodreads so I see how many WWII books she reads. This knowledge comes through in how easy it was to slip into the time period each time I picked up the book.

I appreciated Peter and Genevieve’s devotion to doing whatever they could to end the war, even at the risk of their own lives. They go through some emotional experiences, however, they have been at war for some time now and witnessed many things no one should ever see. At times they are simply resigned to their circumstances, or hardened by previous events. I was anxious for both the war to end, and to find out what would ultimately happen with our heroes. Just when I thought all was said and done, the author threw in a twist that had me in some serious suspense.

Overall, Deadly Alliance is an enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to the series. I would recommend the Espionage series to anyone who enjoys clean, well-researched historical fiction, particularly WWII fiction. While LDS elements are present, it isn’t a major theme of the book. I look forward to more from A.L. Sowards, and can’t wait to see what she has in the works.

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Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jun 272013
 

Sworn EnemySworn Enemy (Espionage #2)

Author: A.L. Sowards

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: April 2013

Softcover: 281 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-62108-476-1

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free temporary digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

June 1944. As World War II rages, the people of Eastern Europe are hopelessly trapped between two formidable forces: Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union. In their midst, a band of heroes works to defend against the inevitable Communist takeover.

After narrowly escaping her Nazi captors, French Resistance worker Genevieve Olivier has fled to Allied territory with the help of American Lieutenant Peter Eddy. Their connection is undeniable, forged in the crucible of danger. But despite their blossoming feelings for each other, they must both finish the work they began . . .

In the safety of England, Genevieve hopes to find purpose as a nurse—all the while unaware that the Gestapo still seeks the woman who slipped through their grasp. When she is called upon to resume a life of danger as a French spy, will her desire to prove herself be her downfall?

Recruited by an elite special-ops team intent on thwarting the Nazis, Peter finds himself engaged in a personal battle as well—there is a traitor among his comrades. Deep in the Carpathian Mountains, Peter combats an unknown foe. The stakes are high as he fights to save the lives of his teammates.

They are miles apart, yet as Genevieve and Peter fight for their own survival, they find a common well of strength in their faith—and their determination to be reunited.

Review

Sworn Enemy begins as Peter and Genevieve (introduced in Espionage) are trying to stay ahead of the Gestapo, making their way out of occupied France. While Sworn Enemy can be read alone, reading Espionage provides a richer history of the characters and makes reading Sworn Enemy an even better experience.

Peter and Genevieve are great characters. While Espionage focuses mainly on the beginning of their story and the events leading up to their escape from occupied France, Sworn Enemy finds them facing separation as Genevieve goes to nursing school and Peter leaves as part of team assembled for a specific mission in Romania. There are several other characters I enjoyed as well, especially a certain Polish soldier who I liked just as much as Peter. (Maybe a tiny bit more after that one scene in Bucharest, but you’ll have to read the book to see if you agree with me.)

Peter and Genevieve’s romantic relationship is not at the forefront of the novel. There is plenty of spying, captures, escapes, as well as a battle. Those who enjoy a little romance will like the side story of two other characters in the novel. For those of you who aren’t big romance fans, don’t worry. It’s a nice addition to the story but it is not the focus.

There was a stretch of chapters that focused on Peter and the events he was involved in and the reader doesn’t know what is happening with Genevieve for quite sometime. I would have liked a chapter somewhere in there to update me with Genevieve’s activities, because I was in suspense wondering about that for what felt like a long time. The nature of Peter’s mission (13 team members and some civilians, plus the German & Romanian soldiers and officials, along with occasional use of both first and last names) made for a lot of characters to remember at first, but as I read, it became easier.

What I like about A.L. Sowards’ writing is that the reader can tell that she has done her research and knows a lot about the events and time period, but not because she beats the reader over the head with facts. They are woven into the story and dialogue and it never feels stilted or like a history lecture.

Sworn Enemy is well-written, full of action and suspense, and an enjoyable follow up to Espionage. A.L. Sowards is one of my new favorite historical authors and I definitely look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Visit A.L. SOWARDS:

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Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jun 192013
 

EstherQueen5106742_detailEsther the Queen

Author: H.B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant

Published: April 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-417-4

Paperback: 217 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

She is a beautiful young Jewess, content in her life of anonymity… He is the most powerful king in the world… When chance brings the two together, the course of history is forever altered.

The glittering court of the Persian Empire serves as the backdrop for one of the most poignant tales of courage in the Bible, brought vividly to life in the pages of bestselling author H.B. Moore’s sweeping saga. And it begins on a dusty road in the Jewish Quarter . . .

An unexpected meeting between Esther and King Xerxes results in an immediate and unmistakable connection. When Esther is summoned to enter the king’s harem—the first step toward becoming his wife—Esther is torn between her desire to be with Xerxes and the knowledge that they will forever be divided by the secret of her Jewish heritage. Encouraged by her family to do what she must to help her people, she deftly navigates her new position in the palace, quickly becoming beloved by all—including Xerxes.

But when a treacherous plan threatens to engulf the kingdom in violence, Esther must choose between love and duty.

My Review

I loved this book.  Heather’s writing is practically perfect in every way (yes, like Mary Poppins).  Heather’s telling of Esther’s beauty, and kindness was described well.  I looked forward to every page she was in.  Even though he freaked me out, Haman was well written too.  He was downright evil.  Ahasuerus surprised me.  I didn’t except to like him as much as I did.  He had a definite presence that I enjoyed.  I loved his and Esther’s relationship and thought it was sweet when they were first getting to know each other.  From their first meeting at the well, to the chapter where she is brought to him from the harem, I loved it all.  Esther had a way of brightening any situation.  When she was first made queen, she would walk around the castle, getting to know everyone and trying to make all around her better.  I was happy when she went to the harem to visit Hegai, Nan, and Sarah.  She made everyone around her feel important.

5 out of 5 stars.  Heather is an amazing writer.  She has written many page turning books.  Use the links below to find out more about her.

Author Links

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Purchase Links

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Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Apr 152013
 

Belonging to Heaven - Gale SearsBelonging to Heaven

Author: Gale Sears

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: April 2013

Hardcover: # of pages unknown

Genre: Historical Religious Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-159-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

***Scroll down for details on how to enter the Belonging to Heaven Blog Tour Giveaway***

Summary

Descended from the Hawaiian royal line, Jonathan Napela became one of the first—and most influential—converts to the Church in Hawaii. A man of intelligence, social status, and wealth, he used his considerable reputation to further the gospel in his native land. He developed a lifelong bond of brotherhood with Elder George Q. Cannon, helping to translate the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian and establish a gathering place for the Hawaiian saints in Laie, Oahu. But when his beloved wife, Kitty, was stricken with leprosy, Jonathan made the defining decision of his life. He would leave his life of privilege to become her caretaker and spend the rest of his life on Molokai, the island of lepers. To those who suffered similar heartbreak and banishment, Jonathan’s self-sacrifice became their lifeline. Based on a true story, this is an extraordinary novel of a man who chose love in the face of death.

Review

Gale Sears has a passion and talent for historical fiction. I was reminded of this once again while reading Belonging to Heaven. This fictionalized retelling of the history of the LDS Church’s early beginnings in Hawai’i was full of memorable characters, spiritual experiences, and inspirational sacrifices.

I didn’t know much about George Q. Cannon or the events surrounding the early days of the Church in the Hawaiian Islands (then known as the Sandwich Islands). I haven’t seen any of the movies made about those events, either. Reading Belonging to Heaven was not only an education for me, but also revealed a desire to learn more about the efforts of George Q. Cannon and others.

Beyond learning some Church history, I was swept into the story of the early Hawaiian Saints, particularly Jonathan Napela. The author’s portrayal of this dedicated elder and his relationship with George Q. Cannon was moving and memorable. The first part of the book was mostly about “Missionary Cannon” and his work on the islands. The last half of the book, though, was focused on Jonathan Napela and his efforts to continue to build the Kingdom of God on the earth during what would be the most difficult circumstances of his life.

Readers who love history, particularly Church history, will enjoy Belonging to Heaven. It is a book about love, sacrifice, dedication, and faith. I was easily pulled into the story, not because there was a fast-moving plot, but because of how well the characters’ stories were told. I was moved to tears more than once. This story will stay with me for a long time.

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Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (See Content Warning)

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 242012
 

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)

Author: Robin LaFevers

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Published Date: April 2012

Hardcover; 549 pages

Genre: Historical Fantasy

ISBN# 978-0-547-62834-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: checked out from my local library

Summary

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

First Line

“I bear a deep red stain that runs from my left shoulder down to my right hip, a trail left by the herbwitch’s poison that my mother used to try to expel me from her womb.”

Review

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like Grave Mercy. Despite being well over 500 pages long, I read it quickly, drawn in and fascinated by the dark story of Ismae and her training as an assassin. Like the series name (His Fair Assassin) suggests, there a number of darker elements revolving around treachery, death, and warfare.

I felt for Ismae and everything she had suffered in her life. I liked seeing her character gain wisdom through experience and become more trusting of her instincts. While I was intrigued by Ismae and her ability to overcome death, I really liked Gavriel Duval. The contrast between these two characters taking different approaches to reach a similar end created conflict that added interest to their growing attraction to each other.

The historic setting and “serving” of various saints (formerly worshiped as “gods”) made me curious to learn more about the time period. I wanted to know if these were actual beliefs and places or a result of world-building by the author.

Ismae and Gavriel Duval were not the only well-drawn characters in the book. There were a a number of side characters with depth and history. The scenes involving de Lornay and the Beast were fun to read. I became just as devoted to the young duchess-to-be as the other characters, and my heart broke for her during one particular part of the book.

The villains are despicable and the intrigues are many. There was one twist I saw coming early on, but that didn’t ruin anything for me. Instead it kept me reading to see when the other characters would figure it out.

While Grave Mercy is technically YA, because of some of the darker themes I would personally consider it more adult. The next book, Dark Triumph, is scheduled to be released in Spring 2013. I will probably read the sequel eventually as I am curious about what is going on with that character’s assignment and situation, especially in regard to how her story intersects with Ismae’s in Grave Mercy.

Content Warning

  • a few instances of swearing (heck, dang)
  • mature themes of death, murder, espionage & serving Mortain, the saint/god of Death, as well as discussion of methods and tools for killing
  • mention of a man’s “member,” talk of rougeing certain parts of a woman’s upper-body anatomy, “womanly charms” (innuendo)
  • Ismae must pose as Gavriel’s mistress for the mission, so he visits her room at night to maintain the illusion but sleeps in a chair
  • there is one part near the end where two characters lie together in dire circumstances but there are no details given and whether or not “something” actually happens isn’t discussed.

 

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