I’m not sure what to think about The Wedding Dress. I’m just not into books that keep jumping back and forth between stories. I understand that the plots are somewhat parallel, but why can’t they go in order – either chronologically or reverse chronologically? That said – this plot wasn’t confusing; just a bit annoying. Basically, I liked the book; even though it reminds me of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. There are aspects of it that are very far-fetched, but the characters are good.

The religious aspect is light until you are introduced to Thomas and Mary Grace. Then there are some wonderful analogies given at the end of the story. Some of the history and plot that takes place during the early 1900′s is very interesting/eye-opening. I think this story would be something a teenager would love; I can see myself as a teenager liking it.

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I love reading an author’s debut novel, and Cooking the Books: A Sloane Templeton Mystery did not disappoint. The characters are interesting and so real to life. The heroine is flawed, but grounded in her faith and determined to make her life better. The religious content is very low-key, but I love the heroine’s answer when someone mentions that they are sorry she lost her mom. The supporting characters are quite a mixture of ethnicity, age, and craziness [the ha-ha kind and the medicated kind]. Many story angles are worked together seamlessly so that it was not confusing, but kept me busy turning pages. I’d almost label it a cozy mystery, but there is a darker side to the suspense. The author definitely left some unanswered questions for the next book in the series – can’t wait to read it!

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Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot (Center Point Western) is in memoriam of Stephen Bly, author of 106 books and hundreds of articles and short stories. His wife and sons finished this last book of his. You can read about it on the Bly’s website.

When I think of Stephen Bly’s books I think of the dialogue sections. I don’t think any other author does better with dialogue – maybe as good as, but not better. Some books Bly goes through pages of talking – it advances the story, tells about the characters, and is interesting to read.

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I’m always bothered when people put themselves down. Whether it’s describing themselves, their actions, or their blog title – I don’t even understand why Wiley couldn’t have come up with a different title for their series instead of “for dummies.” Holley Gerth loves to encourage people – especially women – to understand that God made us just the way He wants us to be and He will help us live up to our full potential. That’s her main message in You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be

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