Book Review: Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

IT'S ONE THING TO BATTLE FOR LIFE...BUT WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN DEATH ITSELF COMES HUNTING? 

The Bettarinis and Forellis have found rich fulfillment together in medieval Italia. But after fighting off countless enemies, they now must face the worst foe of all. As the Black Death closes in upon them, threatening everything and everyone they hold dear, Lia and Gabi–and the knights they love–must dig deep within to decide how they might remain safe…and if they need to risk it all in order to truly live as they’re called. 

My Thoughts...

Okay, so many readers got a little scared that everyone would die in this amazing ending to a beloved series such as this one. And I was one of them! After countless reassurances by the author, I had to find out what became of these brave and courageous characters. The beginning of the book will seem very slow as the plot starts building up and I began to think that this book would not be the same as the rest, and I didn't know if I would like that. But as the story progresses, I realized that the author put that slowness in for a special reason, the only time for peace before the plague. Reaching for my Kleenex box as I finished the two last parts, the characters are forced to learn that every moment of life is precious, instead if wasting it, enjoy and celebrate each and every moment with the people we love. Following each character through some exceptionally hard times was challenging as they waited out the plague. The ending was beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time, leaving a beloved series that I have read throughout the years. 

The characters are older and therefore, face different kinds of problems than in the earlier books. The themes are more mature as Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, and the others navigate these especially challenging years, and what lay ahead for them in the future. I laughed and couldn't stop crying in the second half of the book, constantly wiping my eyes. For readers who are looking forward to reading this book, be emotionally prepared and have a box or two of Kleenex at your side! 

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

My Thoughts...

I am very surprised this novel was not turned into a series, but it was perfect in writing and length. Since I have a history class that will focus on ancient times, I gladly picked this novel up for a taste of what I was going to learn! Tracy Higley's writing was not only very descriptive but fast paced, taking you back to Egypt and surrounding lands, experiencing it as though you were really there. Characters were drafted according to the real people who had a strong hunger for land and power. Battles, relationships, and events were accurate to the history of ancient Egypt with a few exceptions. This novel spills with plenty of history about these sometimes savage people that roamed the earth, the author has done much research to make this wonderful book. The Christian element is there too, not preachy but since many if the characters are Jews, their religion is displayed. A divine read for a historical fanatic!

The main character, Lydia, is a very relatable person, shy, but has a deep gift for helping people. She distances herself from everyone she meets because she will have to soon say goodbye. Lydia was a brave woman in no need of a man to save her, but still did not seem invincible. There are many characters like Cleopatra whom you would read about and see their thoughts as if you knew the same thoughts that she had in real life. I loved getting into these real characters and seeing just what they really thought of themselves. It is like learning history but on a whole new level! I loved all of Lydia's friends whom she tries not to form a relationship with. I especially loved her relationship with Simon, neither of them focusing on deepening their relationship but only focusing on their devotion for whatever leader they would serve. The ending was promising, neither extremely happy nor sad, but just the right amount. A rich display of history with fantastic writing, what more could you want?

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser

Anne "Perri" Singleton's world is defined by the security of family, the camaraderie of friends at an exclusive Atlanta girls' school, and an enviable social life. She isn't looking for new friends when Mary Dobbs Dillard arrives from Chicago. Besides, "Dobbs," the passionate and fiercely individualistic daughter of an itinerant minister, is her opposite in every way.

But just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms--a friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets....

With her endearing characters and poignant storytelling, Atlanta native Elizabeth Musser vividly re-creates the charm of her beloved city amid the poverty and plenty that shaped the 1930s.

My Thoughts...

The era of the 1930's was made up of poverty, dark news, but also of dazzling and profound actors that brought memorable entertainment with other little joys. This book reveals both sides of living in the hardest times, and how the people made it through. The Sweetest Thing portrays the characters as they navigate life's hardest questions about life...and death. In this enthralling tale that Musser has intricately woven not only showcases her creative writing and ideas, but how she sees life through a Christ follower's eyes. History lovers will especially appreciate her knowledge of the past, and telling a beautiful tale full of lessons. 

The main character "Perri" Singleton, has known comfort all of her life. Member of a preppy sorority club with tons of friends, parties, and even a thousand men to date per year, she doesn't give a thought about having to sacrifice any of it, until her world falls apart. Forced to dwell on matters and realize the truth, Perri meets Mary Dobbs but is completly her opposite and looks down upon her with distaste. But as high class society starts to collide with middle and even lower classes, Perri forms a friendship with "Dobbs", even with her spiritual ideas that Perri is so skeptical about. I could not really relate to Perri except for the end of the book, when she had learned some lessons. At times I got a little frustrated with how she acted and went back to old habits that she had worked hard to get rid of. I would then read about Dobbs and really relate to her about her doubts and confusion in the midst of tragedy and troubles. Sacrifice, friendship, and especially love are the three most important things at the heart of the story, along with a great mystery to top it off. The characters had an amazing depth to them, making it feel like you were interacting with them, sucked back into time. The lessons included will all relate to each reader in such a personal way, even a stunning cover compliments this pleasant tale that everyone should read.

-SheWolfLia17