Left at the Altar book review

Left at the Altar

By Kimberly Kennedy

c. 2009

Thomas Nelson

Kennedy's story was not a familiar one, despite it being told several times by Diane Sawyer. Kennedy attempts to make lemonade out of the tragedy of being a 35-year-old fiancé whose wedding was interrupted on the rehearsal night when the groom-to-be backed out. The true story begins in chapter five when Kennedy is able to finally step back and take an objective look at herself and the relationship. Along the way, she realizes what commitment means, and the places in her life that were empty because of the damaging way she treated others and herself.

Kennedy interviewed a few other women who shared their stories about being abandoned at crucial moments, as well as men who shared some of the reasons of their need and timing of backing out of relationships. The author presented a brief sketch of traditional grief and ten lessons she'd learned in the process of recovering from the huge blow to her ego and psyche, and ten pieces of advice for those who undergo similar situations.

While I'm not familiar with Kennedy, local television personality from Atlanta GA, I believe that people who might not otherwise pick up a book about a faith revival, this book is also a personal testimony to the power of God's healing spirit. Left at the Altar would make a good gift book for a friend or loved one who's suffered a loss and has questions and doubts of self-worth and faith.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

Alpha Redemption

I admit it - I'm really a fantasy junkie. Not truly hardcore, but enough to qualify as pleasant escapism. Since I began reviewing books a few years ago, I'm asked what I really like to read. I'll go for the sci fi/fantasy new books shelf first in the library. Then I check out the latest thrillers, and I have read exceptionally gory ones, but have lately come to adore Steven James. Still like Ludlum, though. Learning to like Irene Hannon. Since joining a couple book clubs I've been forced out of my element to reading some non-fiction. Still "eh" for me; I like escapism, I repeat.

I received a copy in a contest from the publisher of Alpha Redemption by PA Baines through Splashdown Books, an down-under publisher with Grace Bridges. It's also the selection of the month for the ACFW book club going on right now - hop on over to join the fun. I saw the first question come through the loop yesterday and thought I'd read a couple chapters to keep up. Yeah, three hours later, and change, the story was over. I love moments like that.

Part Best of Robert Heinlein, maybe a smattering of Clarke, with the good old days of Ray Bradbury--I love stories like this. Take a regular guy with nothing to lose, experiment on him and see what happens. Stick in an AI with the capabilities of expanding beyong its original parameters, and let it choose what to be, and let them hash it out.

We were talking about the importance of setting at a writer's workshop last Saturday, and someone mentioned what if the book was set in one house? Another person mentioned reading a book set entirely in a stuck elevator car. Alpha Remption is stuck in a space ship. Author Baines uses incredibly sophisticated stroy-telling technique of telling present time backward through the eyes of Brett, our astro-not hero, interwoven with the real time forward on a several-year journey to Alpha Centauri. The ship, Comet, is run completely on automatic by AI. Brett spends time in a liquid-goo tub for protective periods of faster-than-light speed, and a month's down time to recover. During these month-long intervals, Brett begins to encourage the AI to develop a personality. It's not as silly as one might think, as Brett's back story is crucial.

I kept coming up with "Oh, I know what'll happen" several times while reading. I did not choose to skip to the end this time (Bad habit, but it's Mine), and was thoroughly pleased with the author's conclusion. I look forward to the book club discussion!

http

Give the Lady a Ride

By Linda Yezak

c. 2011

Port Yonder Press

ISBN: 9781935600190

$12.99

Contemporary western romance

From the publisher: Patricia Talbert is a high-class social coordinator from New York. Talon Carlson is a rugged bull rider from Texas. He thinks she’s too polished. She thinks he’s insane.
Opposites aren’t quick to attract when the lady who enters the cowboy’s world is on a mission to sell the ranch. But a box of letters changes her mind and her heart.

My review:

So I'm a sucker for westerns, what can I say with Zane Grey as one of my favorite authors. I fell in love with Linda's as yet unnamed story when it first crossed my desk. Already polished, I often forgot to edit as I read, which is something that rarely happens to me even with big-name publishers.

Talon (doncha love the name, but there's a reason for it, which you'll have to find for yourself), was left in charge of a Texas spread after Jake and Loretta, the owners, passed on. Leader of a rag-tag group of cowboys, he's waiting on Jake's will, hoping to be named the new owner since Jake and Loretta had practically raised him. When Jake's lawyer mentioned that Jake had left the place to a distant relative, who turned out to be a big-city socialite, Talon is devastated. Even more so when the hoity-toity young lady, senator's daughter Patricia, lets him know the place is for sale.

The cowboy's a man of faith, whereas the socialite hasn't had much time to spare for religion. When Patricia sees her first rodeo, all the horse-back riding lessons, and even a long-forgotten visit to the ranch, come flooding back. This ranch lifestyle tugs at her, and is much more appealing than the brittle glitter of New York. Talon might have an ulterior motive for convincing the lady to stay so that he can convince her not to sell; and Patricia a not-so-subtle reason for asking for bull-riding lessons, but they soon realize they're smitten with each other.

I love the behind-the-scenes looks Linda adds to the story to make bull-riding and rodeos and ranch life feel natural and alluring. In my mind those touches, along with appealing characters and heart-felt, heartstring-tugging romance makes Give the Lady a Ride a very sweet read indeed.

Lisa Lickel

Lisalickel.com

Review of Bound by Guilt

Bound by Guilt

By CJ Darlington

2011 March Tyndale Fiction

ISBN: 978-1-4143-4012-8

$12.99

General Christian fiction

From the publisher: Roxy Gold is a throwaway, shuttled from one foster home to another. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in.

My review:

CJ Darlington's sophomore novel avoids the slump. Completely. In fact, I liked Bound by Guilt much better than Thicker than Blood. Bound by Guilt has a more-rounded feel, a better linear story line and complete characters who participate fully in the narration.

Readers plunge into the seamy world of tramp life looking to take advantage of others right from the opening paragraphs. How could two teenagers become so lost and so troubled by their actions? One has been taken from a negligent mother and passed around like a hot potato; the other raised by a single doting mother. Related by blood only, Bound by Guilt is a very smooth transition from Thicker than Blood, using peripheral characters to create a sense of familiarity while devising a whole new story. Roxy is a sixteen-year-old girl who, contrasted with police office Abby Dawson's same-aged daughter, has nothing and no one to lean on or love, except for her second cousin Diego and his mother, Irene. The Tonelli's live by white collar crime, claiming not to really hurt anyone. When those conditions change, Roxy's conscience takes her on a God-directed journey toward all her heart's desires. That same guilt, however, must have closure and eventually her secret is discovered.

Abby Dawson has reason to hunt down Irene and Diego and Roxy. Although suspended on an unrelated incident, Abby uses her cop influence to sift through clues that lead her to her brother's killer. Things are not what they seem, however, when Abby catches up to Roxy. Bitterness, hardness of heart and guilt all come to a head as no one gets what she or he expects.

I can smell the dust and ancient ink, hear the crackle of pages and creak of bindings as CJ skillfully unrolls her story. Heartache, tissues, anger, relief, and remorse will be your constant companions as you read Bound by Guilt. CJ's style has definitely matured and I look forward to more from this talented young woman.

Catch an interview with CJ at The Barn Door on March 23.

Bound by Guilt is in stock! Buy it at Amazon, Christianbook.com and Barnes & Noble today!