Archive for May 29th, 2009
Review: Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexandar
May 29th, 2009 | 
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Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander is the 2nd book in her Timber Ridge series.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When Dr. Molly Whitcomb, Professor of Romance Languages, steps off the train in Colorado Territory, she makes a choice–one that goes against everything she stands for. Yet it’s the only choice that offers her a chance to regain a fraction of all she’s lost.
Sheriff James McPherson’s instincts about people rarely miss the mark. He knows Professor Whitcomb is hiding something. He just doesn’t know what. When James learns Molly’s secret, his own reputation is undermined. But when Molly Whitcomb’s reinvented life begins to unravel, it threatens his job, the stability of Timber Ridge, and what he always knew to be true about himself.
MY THOUGHTS
A complicated and socially disgraceful situation brings Molly to Timber Ridge, Colorado, where she makes a rash decision. She never imagines the consequences of her split second choice and what just one little white lie can do.
Beyond This Moment explores the difficulties arising from that little white lie and the choices that landed her in Timber Ridge. Can love overcome the seemingly insurmountable consequences of Molly’s actions?
Tamera Alexander writes in a way that puts the reader in the heart of the character. She is one of the finest historical fiction writers and develops not only the setting but also the characters. She reveals the emotions, the fears, the challenges of their lives.
As I read her books, I often pinch myself to remind me that these weren’t real people … at least not that I know of. Tamera’s attention to detail is enough to make me think I’m watching a movie, not reading a book, as the vivid imagery dances through my head.
And finally, I loved not only the story but how the title fits the story – how often do we fail to think “beyond the moment” when making decisions in our own lives? Molly’s story emphasizes what happens when we think irrationally and without consulting God.
If you enjoy historical fiction, definitely consider reading From a Distance (book #1, read my review here), Beyond This Moment (book #2), and Within My Heart (book #3 releasing Oct. 09). Tamera also has another series called Fountain Creek Chronicles, an equally pleasing read.
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Review: Rose House by Tina Ann Forkner
A vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman’s search for hope
Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms.
She returns to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she can’t quite name. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet.
What kind of artist would dare to intrude on such a personal scene, and how did he happen to witness Lillian’s pain? As the mystery surrounding the portrait becomes entangled with the accident that claimed the lives of her husband and children, Lillian is forced to rethink her assumptions about what really happened that day.
A captivating novel rich with detail, Rose House explores how the brushstrokes of pain can illuminate the true beauty of life.
If you would like to read an excerpt from Rose House, go HERE
MY THOUGHTS
I can’t think of any other word to describe Rose House other than “beautiful.” From the characters to the setting, this book is as beautiful as its cover.
Author Tina Ann Forkner intimately potrays Lillian’s journey through grief to forgiveness and feeling whole again. While I didn’t feel the burden of Lillian’s grief, I wanted to reach through the pages and comfort her. It was like I was watching a close friend go through the grieving process.
Now, before you think Rose House is all about grief, it’s also a love story and mystery with a little suspense thrown in.
Rose House is definitely contemporary Christian women’s fiction at its finest.
(After finishing this book, I discovered that Tina wrote a previous book called Ruby Among Us. Rose House stands perfectly fine on its own without the need for reading Ruby Among Us first. However, I imagine that reading Ruby before Rose will enhance the story of Lillian’s visit to the Rose House.)