Bite-Size Book Reviews

As the spring ended and I am preparing to head to Montana for the summer, I discovered that, while I had time to read several books, full size reviews weren’t coming to me. So I decided to steal an idea I’ve seen used on other blogs and write one post with bite-size reviews instead – and here it is. Enjoy!

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer – 9

I had anticipated reading this one ever since loving My Heart Remembers several years ago. And now that I finally obtained the book and had the time to sit down and dive in, I was naturally delighted. While it didn’t reach my “favorite books” list, it was a delightful story from Kim and one that will stay on my shelves. Colorful characters and a unique setting (college in the late 1800s or early 1900s) made it a great book.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer – 8.5 high

This book got the “high” added onto the rating for one simple reason – it’s 829 pages long and I was hooked for every single one of them. Now, first of all – I can tell you’re looking at me with horror because of the fact that I read a book by Stephenie Meyer. I was reluctant to pick it up, and prepared to put it down – but I couldn’t. It’s well-written, an engaging story, main characters who I really connected to, and great creativity. I recommend it, despite the first person tone. (Take heart, I am still violently opposed to Twilight, books AND movies.)

Petra: City in Stone by T. L. Higley – 8.5

I am rapidly reading every book by Higley that I can put my hands on! She has become one of my favorite authors. Her Biblical and historical fiction is excellent. This last semester in college, I took a New Testament Archaeology class, which included a brief overview of Petra. So reading about it here jolted details in my mind, so to speak – Higley was historically and geographically accurate through-out in a most impressive manner. I really appreciated that. A delightful read!

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer – 9

Yet another delightful book from Kim! This isn’t your stereotypical Christian romance in one major way – the characters aren’t 20. A few years adds good maturity to both Lydia and Micah. Besides that, Lydia has a son who unwittingly bring them together. A surprising but heart-warming redemption story rounds this book out. The characters (and I’m thinking especially of Lydia’s father and Micah) were so vivid to me – my mental images of them are still clear, weeks after finishing this read. Again, I can do nothing short of highly recommending this book!

The Irish Healer by Nancy Herriman – 8

 A sweet book and worth a one time read, but I’m not sure that it made my (over-flowing) keeper shelf. While I liked the people of the story and the setting, it didn’t grab as much as some others that I read recently. However, I still think it was a good book, if not worth buying.

Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson – 8.5

I’m not sure either (a) why I picked this book up at the library or (b) why I haven’t read anything by Dee before. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely be reading the O’Malley series as soon as I have time! Kate and Paul drew me into their world from the first page, and I read this one almost obsessively. The story is so complex (yet clearly explained) that I am amazed by Dee’s skill here. I really loved the first 2/3 or 3/4 of the book. After that, it wasn’t as much of a favorite of mine as it had been previously. I’m not sure why – just didn’t grab me as much. That’s what pulled the rating to an 8.5 instead of a 9. But all in all? I greatly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!