How Do I Love Thee? by Nancy Moser

MY REVIEW:

I have to admit that I struggled to finish How Do I Love Thee. Although it was very well written (as all of Moser’s novels are), I personally found it hard to empathize with the characters enough to engage.

A story based on the life of Elizabeth Barrett and her romance with Robert Browning, How Do I Love Thee narrates details of Elizabeth’s life. The tale moves at an excruciatingly slow pace – probably because most of Elizabeth’s life was spent in the  isolation of one room due to her poor health. For that reason, the narration focuses more on her thoughts than on events.

If you are a poetry lover or love biographical fiction, How Do I Love Thee would probably appeal to you. In addition to the story, Moser has included several appendixes at the end which include a Fact or Fiction? section with chapter by chapter details  and Elizabeth’s poems from “Sonnnets from the Portuguese”.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet–and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. Bedridden by chronic illness, she has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives…

“I love your verses with all my heart,” writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert’s love is not for her poetry alone. Might God grant her more than mere existence? And will she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart’s Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com.

Mohamed’s Moon by Keith Clemons

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Mohamed’s Moon
Realms (May 5, 2009)
by
Keith Clemons

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


A strong defender of Christian values, noted author and lecturer Keith Clemons is a native of Southern California and graduate of English Literature at California State University, Fullerton. In his former capacity as Vice President of Marketing for Mytec Technologies Inc.

He was a frequent conference speaker, particularly when the forum centered on Electronic Commerce. Today, in addition to writing, he appears on radio and television where he uses his communications skills to explain coming trends that will affect both the church and society at large.

His passion for communication has resulted in the previous publication of more than a hundred articles. To date, Mr. Clemons has completed five novels including Angel in the Alley and the award winning If I Should Die, These Little Ones, and Above The Stars.

He resides with his wife and daughter at their home in Caledon, Ontario, Canada.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Are we enemies…
or brothers?

Two brothers separated at birth grow up worlds apart. Outwardly, they’re exactly alike, but inwardly, nothing’s the same–one is a devotee of fundamentalist Islam; the other, a Christian. In this modern-day Cain and Abel story, the lines are drawn not just over whose God is right, but also over the fact that they’re both in love with the same girl.

It’s a conflict with grave repercussions, little hope of resolution–and time is running out. In the background, a plan has been set in motion that will bring the United States government to its knees. Will an unexpected visitation reconcile the brothers in time to save the woman they love–and ultimately, themselves–from the coming devastation?

In his award-winning style, author Keith Clemons delivers a profound comparison between Christianity and Islam, a dichotomy of life versus death, love versus hate, and grace versus legalism. Mohamed’s Moon will plunge you into a world where hatred and heinous acts are justified. But if hatred is potent, it pales in comparison to the power of God’s love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Mohamed’s Moon, go HERE

I Know Why the Angels Dance by Bryan Davis

AngelsDanceI Know Why the Angels Dance is one of those books that takes the reader through a gamut of feelings. I found myself inspired and rejoicing one minute then holding back tears the next. An emotional roller coaster, I Know Why the Angels Dance is a beautifully written, up close and personal look at death through the eyes of two families, one Christian and the other nonbelieving. I know that I will never again view death in quite the same manner.

The characters are so skillfully rendered that they could be our friends and neighbors. It was so easy to relate to their experiences and to become immersed in the plot. The narrative is filled with touching passages, each of which could stand alone as a devotional item.

It is quite difficult to review this book without giving away the plot. It is something each person needs to read for themself. A departure from his usual genre, I Know Why the Angels Dance just proves the versatility of Bryan Davis as an author.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

(From the Cover)

What happens when the darkness of unspeakable tragedy collides with the infinite glory of heaven? What salve can heal the deepest of wounds when dawn breaks and the nightmare is real? What words can console a grieving father or mother when the blossom of the womb fades and falls? Images of hope, soft words that set the mind at east, beautiful memories brought home by a beautiful story.

I Know Why the Angels Dance is a healing slave; it incites a cleaning catharsis, it serves as a holy image-maker, mending hearts and minds with glimpses of heaven’s glory. It opens spiritual eyes. We are all on a collision course with the unknown. Will it be a plunge into darkness or a passing from one existence into a brighter one?

Two fathers, one in the light and one in darkness, each face the reality of that passage, and both struggle to find and apply the healing balm. Yet, God uses the faith of a child to reach out to the downcast – the hand of an extraordinary girl leads them to the healing they long for.

The reality of death meets the hope of the ages, and the victory comes in the visions and songs of a little girl. After reading I Know Why the Angels Dance, you will cherish life and family like never before, and the passage everyone must make will no longer be a leap into darkness. It will be a step into glory.

I Know Why the Angels Dance is available to preorder at Amazon.com.

All royalties from sales of this book will be donated to charitable causes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bryan DavisBryan Davis is the author of the Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire series, contemporary/fantasy books for young adults. The first book, Raising Dragons, was released in July of 2004, followed by The Candlestone, Circles of Seven, and Tears of a Dragon. Eye of the Oracle launched the Oracles of Fire series and hit number one on the CBA Young Adult best-seller list in January of 2007. Book number two, Enoch’s Ghost, came out in July and will be followed by Last of the Nephilim in the spring of 2008.

Bryan is the author of several other works including The Image of a Father (AMG) and Spit and Polish for Husbands (AMG), and four books in the Arch Books series: The Story of Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation, The Day Jesus Died, The Story of the Empty Tomb (over 100,000 sold), and Jacob’s Dream. Bryan lives in Western Tennessee with his wife, Susie, and their children. Bryan and Susie have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.

Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.

Bryan is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.S. in Industrial Engineering). In high school, he was valedictorian of his class and won various academic awards. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and voted Most Likely to Succeed.

He continues to expand his writing education by teaching at relevant writing conferences and conventions. Although he is now a full time writer, Bryan was a computer professional for over 20 years.