Christian Fiction Reviews

A Measure of Mercy
Home to Blessing Series ~Book One
By Lauraine Snelling

This is a sweet story that weaves faith in a Living God together with everyday life in the Red River Valley during the early days when women were just beginning to be allowed to enter the medical field as doctors. This book focuses on one young doctor, Astrid Bjorklund, who is trying to find God’s will for her life.

While the story was interesting, there were a few things about the book that could have been better. This is book one of a brand new series. While you can read the book and understand it for the most part, I suggest re-reading the first series that the author wrote about these same characters to get the full meaning of certain happenings within the pages. There are also several hard-to-pronounce Swedish names. This story is also NOT for the weak of stomach. Many paragraphs I had to skip completely due to graphic portrayals of medical procedures, including amputations and the like.

Overall, I would recommend this book, especially if you have an interest in medicine and medical history. In fact, my mother is a nurse, so I gave this book to her knowing she would enjoy it.

The Rose Legacy
Diamond of the Rockies~Book One
By Kristen Heitzmann

I truly loved reading this story by Kristen Heitzmann. Since I live in Colorado, it was very interesting to read about some of our state’s history, as well. This book is set in the mining town of Crystal Colorado in the early days of Gold Rush Greed!

A young women named Carina leaves her home after finding that her intended has been unfaithful to her. She leaves for a new start, secretly hoping that the love of her life will realize his mistake and come looking for her.

Carina realizes she has been betrayed by more than one man in her young life when she reaches the town of her most recent dreams. Struggles and problems –quite literally– meet her at every turn.

You will see how God can turn ashes into beauty as this story unfolds. It will also keep you wondering until the very end. I highly recommend this book!

The Silent Governess
By Julie Klassen

This is the first book I have ever read by Julie Klassen and you can bet that I will be looking for more by this author! This story is set in an English manor in the early 1800’s. The title of this book certainly doesn’t do it justice, nor does the summary on the back of the book! By reading the two, I had no idea how intriguing and  page-turning this story would be. I was happily surprised.

This novel is full of romance and suspense. Just the kind of story I like. I couldn’t put it down, actually! It was almost like playing the game of Clue, not REALLY knowing what happened until the very end. I loved that about this book. Some resolutions I was able to figure out through the clues the author placed in the story, but several kept me guessing to the last chapter.

If you’re looking for a great weekend read full of mystery, faith and redemption…then I highly recommend The Silent Governess.

(I received a free copy of these books from Bethany House in exchange for my review.)