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Book Review Corner
by Andreas Symphony
Welcome to book reviews written in my corner of the world. Since I have eclectic tastes in literature, you will find the variety and diversity of the books I review to be vast. I am a lover of Christian and inspirational romance, women’s literature, political and action thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, memoirs and the occasional paranormal and fantasy without witches or vampires.
In addition to my reviews I will give you a few recommendations that I have would give thumbs ups to. I am an avid reader, writer and lover of the written word. My opinion is just that, my opinion. I do accept free books in exchange for good reviews. I don’t give five stars lightly nor do I concede to popularity contests. I like to mix things up a little, so the books I review are not going to always be new releases. I hope you see something that piques your interest but even more, that you enjoy on your own. Now on to the reviews.
Every now and again there is a book that leaves such an indelible mark on your life that you must leave a review. "The Masterpiece", a clean and wholesome Christian romance by Francine Rivers
Book’s Summary
A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want―money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist―an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.
Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship―and both their lives―forever.
My Review
5 Stars out of 5
This book didn't scream, "Get saved or else", preach or lecture. It instead allowed you to experience through the lives of these two characters, God's grace and mercy. This drew me in from the beginning allowing me to get to know the complex characters on several different levels. I loved and could relate to the struggles Roman was going through even though from the outside many would think he had the world at his beck and call.
Grace, had some very pleasant surprises in her character that made her easy to like, cheer for and pray for as she sought to over come the fear of being seen as a radical or overbearing and be obedient to what God wanted to do through her.
The is one particular scene in the book that I will never forget. The author found the perfect words to paint images in my mind that I won't soon forget. Let's just say, if I wasn't interested in going to hell before, I definitely will do all I can to see that I don't go there now.
I believe you will enjoy this contemporary, inspirational romance where the love between a man and woman is only the beginning to the greatest love story.
Recommendations
Christian Women's Fiction
"My Beauty For Your Ashes" by Traci Wooden-Carlisle is a Christian women's fiction romance surrounding four people whose lives merge after a near-death accident. This book is the first of five in this series where you get the know the characters as if they were friends next door.
Four lives connected by one secret.
Paige spent nearly a decade working through then overcoming the traumas of her childhood. Now, as a beloved elder in her church who values her relationship with God above all else, she has learned to love herself and looks forward to what life has in store for her.
Still, she finds herself unprepared for the challenge she's faced with when a door from her past is flung open, spilling secrets even she was unaware of.
Elder Brandon Tatum is looking forward to his new ministerial career in the City of Angels. The last thing he has time for is dealing with his feelings when it comes to stubborn, golden-eyed beauties who haunt his dreams.
A secret uncovered by a near fatal accident.
Widower Mason Jenson’s top priority is his daughter, Vivian. When a near-fatal accident jeopardizes her livelihood, his search for a living donor brings him face to face with a beautiful, golden-eyed woman who looks oddly familiar.
Vivian’s grandmother, Victoria Branchett, would also do anything to ensure the health of her granddaughter, Vivian. Anything except leave her in the hands of the man she believes is to blame for her daughter’s death.
As the years of secrets binding these four together begin to unravel, will they overcome their anger and prejudices to find the peace and love they have long desired?
Contemporary Travel Romance
If you are a fan of contemporary romance with an emphasis on traveling to different countries, you will enjoy, "Love is Al I Need" by Al Nashashibi, a renown artist whose paintings are found in public sites throughout the world.
Seven years ago, well-known artist Lileena Ward divorced her true love. She has lived with that choice ever since, but now, at what may be the end of her life, she has made another choice. She wants Adam Reed back, if only for the short length of time her cancer diagnosis will allow.
After losing the only woman he’s ever loved, Adam has slowly put his past behind him. The co-owner of a global business, he is married to his work and content with his success and the peaceful, quiet life he has carved out for himself. That is, until Lileena reappears with an offer he finds hard to refuse: a chance to mend while helping her fulfill a lifelong dream.
Together, Lileena and Adam travel the world, exploring the rich cultures and breathtaking sceneries of Morocco, China, South India, Egypt, and more. But can Lileena navigate her way back into Adam’s heart—before it’s too late?
Lunchtime Cozy Mystery
If you enjoy quick, lunchtime cozy mysteries with a bit of humor, I believe you will enjoy "Auction Block Bandit" by C.K. Fyfe.
As a regular auction-goer, Trixie has seen most everything up for bid, from celebrity pet hair to used rental caskets. A plethora of pieces routinely come and go, with short-lived fanfare. That is, until one winter night, when a hot ticket item disappears, and an absorbing mystery ensues. An amateur sleuth at heart, she plunges in to crack the case.
*A cozy mystery short story.*