Tag: Christian fiction

All is Bright (Hope Beach) by Colleen Coble

On By JolieIn book review, Non ARC, Thomas NelsonLeave a comment
All Is Bright: A Hope Beach Christmas Novella by [Coble, Colleen]

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Date of publication: October 6th, 2015

Genre: Holiday, Christmas, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Christian, Novella, Mystery, Suspense

Series: Hope Beach

Tidewater Inn—Book 1

Rosemary Cottage—Book 2

Seagrass Pier—Book 3

All is Bright

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

A romantic, Christmas wedding at her seaside hotel gives Delilah a chance to shine with her unique gifts. But will her light be snuffed out before the bride and groom say “I do”? 

As manager of the Tidewater Inn, Delilah Carter has been planning a spectacular Christmas wedding for her friends at the grand hotel overlooking the ocean. While picking up still more twinkly lights and some last-minute groceries for the reception dinner, a huge truck runs her off the freezing, wet roads into the dark night. Her car stops just short of an enormous tree and the truck speeds off into the night. Delilah escapes with her life and has almost convinced herself the whole thing was an accident, but then she begins to receive threatening phone calls. With the wedding just hours away, she’s distracted and anxious. Then Sheriff Tom Bourne stops by the inn and volunteers to help.

Tom has always had a soft spot for Delilah, and he’s determined to protect her. But he is pulled away by a bizarre Christmas stunt that has the neighborhood reeling, and Delilah is attacked again.

Will Delilah have to cancel the Christmas wedding at Tidewater Inn? And will Tom’s protection be enough to save Delilah from the shadowy figure looming in the background?

If you have been following this blog for a while, then you know my intense dislike of picking up a book that is part of a series. This also extends to novellas/short stories in the series.

I am happy that this novella/short story is none of the above. It had developed characters and a suspenseful plot line that kept you guessing until the end.

The only thing I had an issue with was the romance between Delilah and Tom. It seemed to come out of nowhere, which was weird to me. I mean, they have known for years and then realized that they had chemistry? Not believable.

I would recommend All is Bright to anyone over 16. There is mild violence, language, and no sex.

If you enjoyed reading All is Bright, you will enjoy reading these books:

The Seventh Mountain by Gene Curtis

On By JolieIn book review, Non ARC, Prize BooksLeave a comment
Book Cover

Publisher: Prize Books

Date of publication: February 2nd, 2008

Genre: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Fiction

Purchase Link: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

A dream, surreal and frightening, begins the path of Mark Young’s future; a path set long before he was even born. Fortunately, it’s not a path he’s doomed to walk alone. His course leads to true friends, fortune and a place where he learns to wield great power. This place is The Seventh Mountain, the place where Magi train. The Seventh Mountain conceals the direst legend known to man. Mark’s fate lies within.

My review:

What I liked about The Seventh Mountain:

  1. That it used the Magi (or the 3 Wisemen from the Bible) and incorporated them into the story. I loved that they made the Magi almost superhumans (well, once they learned how to use their powers).
  2. That it was a fantasy that didn’t use typical fantasy creatures. Lions, hyenas, dinosaurs, and labyrinths were used. Plus figures from mythology. Nothing made up, which was cool.
  3. The Christian angle. It was not preachy and incorporated other religions into the whole school/plot. One of the main characters was American Indian and followed their religion.

What I disliked about The Seventh Mountain:

  1. The bullying angle. It didn’t sit right with me. That bullying was tolerated and almost encouraged. Those scenes left a bad taste in my mouth.
  2. The beginning. It went very fast and almost seemed surreal to me.
  3. The way the book ended. Now I have to buy the 2nd book.

If you enjoyed The Seventh Mountain, you will enjoy these books: