The Noble Guardian- Michelle Griep

I really liked this book! I liked the main characters, which is huge, because they are the focus of the story! While it does begin with the tired idea of the mean stepmother shunning the only daughter of her new wealthy husband, it doesn't dwell there long. That part of the story sets up the background, and then we move on to other issues. 

Abby is a strong woman without being obnoxious about it. She doesn't actually know how strong she can be, because her stepmother wouldn't allow her to show it- not in how she reacted to persecution, not in asserting her opinions on things, and certainly not in choosing the path of her own future. 

As the story unfolds, we see Abby take charge of her life, and the life of an unexpected traveling companion. The developing love story between the captain and Abby was very sweet. I enjoyed seeing them interact, and the conflict between them wasn't do drawn out through a simple misunderstanding blown out of proportion like I've seen in so many other novels. I appreciated the author making them human.

There were times when Abby had arrived at her destination that I thought she was too naive, especially for growing up in a home where her stepmother was so wicked toward her. Her interaction with the baronet made me cringe and wish she would have punched him. 

While it has been less than other books I've recently read, there is a bit of descriptive romantic language that goes beyond what I am comfortable with reading in a Christian novel. I personally do not need to know every detail of how every part of a person is feeling when they experience their first kiss with a person they've admired for a long time. 

I do admit to skimming through the epilogue to get to the end of the book. The main story was over, and things had been resolved well. Unless it is the last book of a long series, I am not a fan of epilogues. This was no exception.

I would definitely look for more books by this author, and I would read another in this same series if it followed the characters into their future. Wonderful story! 

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

What a great book! The author has a wonderful 'feel' about her. This book is less about scriptures guiding you to make decisions, and much more about finding out who you are, and how that affects your decision making. There is such a thing as decision fatigue, and many of us suffer from it. Whether it be a major life decision like changing careers, or a simple thing like what color to paint the bedroom, this book will help you sort through it! Lots of personal anecdotes from the author sharing about her own life and decisions, which are a wonderful addition. I highly recommend this book to high school grads, college grads, those thinking of getting married...pretty much every person can benefit from this book. Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Living Lies by Natalie Walters

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. I love the fact that the author addresses mental illness in several ways. I liked the main characters and thought they were true-to-life.

Where the story went downhill for me was mostly the interaction between the main character and her family. I know rich and political families all have issues and expectations. I just felt like the storyline between them wasn't realistic. I know there has to be conflict to drive a storyline, but I felt like a lot of the conflict was driven by unrealistic choices and logic by the characters. Things that could've been settled easily were drug out for conflict's sake.

Also the plot with the villain and events relating to that just didn't seem to fit for me. I did really enjoy the author's storytelling, and really loved the first half of the book. But after that my interest waned. I figured out who the bad guy was long before the end, and kind of rushed through the rest of the book.

I would check out more books in this series because I did enjoy the writing style. For a debut novel this author has done really well. I am sure her writing will only improve from here. I do recommend this Christian mystery!

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.