Star of Persia: Esther's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

When it comes to biblical fiction Jill Eileen Smith is one of my favorite authors.  Star of Persia is a perfect example as to why.  The story of Esther comes alive like never before in this fast paced novel that will transport you to biblical times.  The story stays fairly true to the biblical account, but gives added details that can bring you a deeper understanding of what life was like and the true risk that Esther braved for the people of God.

The first few chapters were from Vashti's point of view and I loved getting to see things from her perspective.  The details of the courtyards and the palace make it so easy to imagine the beauty of it all.

I think it's important to remember while reading biblical fiction that it's just that....a fiction account of a biblical truth.  God tells us the beautiful story of Esther in his word and I always like to go back and read the story from the Bible after reading the biblical fiction account.  This book was so beautifully written, just remember it's for entertainment so to speak.

Jill Eileen Smith gave a great look inside of her research at the end of the book and I enjoyed reading this about as much as I enjoyed the book itself.  I love to see how author's come about their stories and while reading Star of Persia it is evident that much research was put into this book.

One way I know I've found a good book is when I lose sleep over it.  I stayed up all night to finish it.  I could not put it down! I consider it a must read!

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

I don't often read present day novels, but occasionally I get in the mood to read something different.  I chose The Happy Camper for that very reason. It just seemed different to me.  I mean, a book about a camper?  Well, maybe that's what intrigued me with it.  I've always dreamed of owning an old camper and being able to restore it.  Our family likes to go camping and when we do we stay in a tent, but we always like to take a walk to the camper side and the one's that catch my eye are those restored vintage campers.  They are so adorable.  The way Melody Carlson describes the campers in this book is so detailed that I can picture them perfectly in my mind. But let's hold up a minute.  This book isn't just about restoring vintage campers. It is fun, quirky and what I like to call a quick read. You just have to read and enjoy!

Dillon Michaels is fed up with her non-committal boyfriend and in a spur of the moment decision she breaks up with him, quits her job and heads home to her aging and grieving grandpa's house to help him in his time of loss.  Upon arrival she is shocked to find her eccentric mother has beat her there and is staying in Dillon's room.  Dillon gets stuck on a saggy couch, but to her surprise her grandpa gifts her with a run down camper.  Dillon is thrilled and instantly begins the restoration process of her new tiny home.  She seeks help from Jordan Atwood the owner of the local hardware store.

Her life finally seems to be falling in place, but when she least expects it her ex boyfriend shows up....with a proposal.

So to be a little nit-picky.  First, the character names really bugged me in this book.  Maybe I'm just showing my age here, but Dillon seems like a guys name to me and Jordan a girls.  Second, it bugged me that Dillon called her mom by her first name.  They didn't have the best relationship, but it still seemed strange to me.  Third and last is that Dillon needed to be more firm with her ex.  That was just ridiculous.  Overall though, like I stated in the beginning, this was a fun and enjoyable book.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot

Oh how I love historical fiction!  Throw in a little romance and a little mystery and it will be a book that I don't want to put down.  That's exactly what I had with Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot.  It is the first book in the Mesquite Springs series and I am already counting down the days until I can get the second book in my hands.  Until then this one is going on my list of favorites and it is definitely one I will be reading again.

Although it is set in the fictional town of Mesquite Springs in Texas I found a bit of a connection there.  My son and daughter in law live in Texas in the town of Mesquite so I thought that was pretty cool.

I loved the characters in this book.  From the main characters on down, I felt like I was living in a small town getting to know all the townsfolk.  I have a hunch I know who the second book will be about, but I'm also looking forward to seeing how some of the other characters are doing. 

So let me tell you a little more about it!  Evelyn Radcliffe has been an orphan ever since she witnessed the murder of her parents as a little girl.  She's always had an eerie feeling that someone is watching her and when the orphanage that she lives in is burnt to the ground and the only survivors are herself and Polly, a little orphan girl, she knows she must flee for her life.

Evelyn finds herself in Mesquite Springs and finds refuge in the home of the Clark's.  Wyatt Clark is a horse rancher who's plans do not include having a family of his own.  As the days go by Wyatt and Evelyn continue to draw close to each other, but when danger finds Evelyn her life once again is in danger.  Will Wyatt be able to protect her from the man who seeks her life?

Since most of us are social distancing and finding ourselves with more time on our hands, this is the perfect time to take a deep breath, fix a cup of coffee and get lost in a book.  This is a great one to start with!

***Thanks to Revel Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.