Mercy's Fight, by T L Gray

Setting

Modern day

Asheville, North Carolina

Synopsis

Grace needs a new start, away from painful betrayal and the shelter of her parents' wealth and connections.  Her new position as director of the Hartsford Center for underprivileged children is the perfect fit for this driven, selfless woman, and the fact that it is hundreds of miles from home has its perks.  

Matt had finally overcome his painful past, or so he thought.  When Grace comes along, she turns his carefully planned life upside down. He is undeniably attracted to her from the start, even though she represents all that he despises and doesn't understand his world.  In fact, her naivety is sure to put those he cares about in grave danger, not to mention herself.  To top it all off, his growing feelings for her are forcing him to revisit things he thought he'd dealt with years ago.  Will he ever be able to trust himself, or Grace, enough to pursue the relationship they both long for?

Review

I had never read anything from this author before, and let me just start off by saying that I am hooked! The cover is what first attracted my attention. The image has so much emotion and I just couldn't resist taking a chance on this book. The text turned out to be just as riveting. This was a gritty look at crime, trauma and abuse, and how the resulting pain and insecurities can resurface even when they have supposedly been overcome.

Matt was such a likable, layered character. He is loyal and dedicated to the underprivileged children at the Hartsford Center. He would give anything to prevent them from suffering as he had. When Grace walks into his life, she threatens to crumble the walls of protections he has built around himself. I wanted so badly for him to let go of his painful past and trust himself enough to pursue a relationship with Grace, who has insecurities of her own. He tried so hard to fight it, for her sake, but the magnitude to which they are drawn to each other could not be denied for long, and their interactions had me riveted. When he finally trusted her enough to lay his heart bare before her, I ached for them both. This book was so real, and the romance scenes were descriptive in a way that was passionate, but not indecent. You can feel every emotion of the characters like you are right alongside them. Even the background characters were compelling.

If you want to dive into a story that digs deep into human emotion, addresses issues that are real and gritty, and has believable romantic interactions that get your blood pumping without crossing the line, this book is well worth your time! Highly recommended read!

Edgy Content

1)  Passionate romantic scenes are descriptive and deeply emotional, but I don't find them to be indecent in any way.

2)  Murder and severe physical abuse, portrayed as nightmares, are compelling but not over the top with detail.

2)  Depiction of crime and violence.  This is well done and very convincing without ever being gory.

3)  References to past, off camera, fornication.  I found that this added depth to the characters as they strove to keep their present relationship within the boundaries they have set.

Love's Pursuit, by Siri Mitchell

Setting

1640s
Stoneybrooke Towne, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Synopsis

So much is expected of Susannah in her Puritan village.  She must be very careful to adhere to the principles of her simple faith, and she feels as though eyes are constantly upon her, assuring that she does just that. She does not know who to trust. Her thoughts are in complete opposition to what she knows they should be, yet she tries so hard to act appropriately. There is more than one man vying for her affections, one of whom is her betrothed.  However, he is not the one who stands out above the rest.  The military captain, who is sent to protect their village from Indian attack, is an outsider, and thus is strictly off-limits. However, her heart knows no such boundaries, and she falls in love with him anyway.  The results are more far reaching than she ever could have imagined.

Review

I absolutely love this book.  The Puritan faith is so fascinating, and the author did an exquisite job of making me feel like I was back there in that time and place.  Her use of words and the way that she wrote in the first person was very effective.  The forbidden yet undeniable connection between Susannah and Captain Daniel Holcombe is riveting.  I found myself pulling for them, all the while fearful that something tragic was going to happen.  The suspense was tangible.  The danger, coming from the wealthiest member of the community, bordered on terrifying. There is a grave evil about the man that sets her senses reeling.  I wish that things had turned out differently than they did, but the author did a good job of pacifying my emotions.  I would say that it was a very realistic ending, heart wrenching though it was. Don't even hesitate in reading this book!  Just buy it right now, and enjoy!

Edgy Content

1) Very compelling attraction between the two main characters sure to get your heart racing, though it is tastefully written.

2) Intrigue and danger, and a very real sense of evil about one of the men. 
3) Abuse and murder.  There is suspicion of physical abuse, an episode of intended sexual abuse, as well as a murder scene.

Mercy's Heart (The Christ Keepers), by Grace Walton

Setting
12th Century
England and Scotland

Synopsis

Titus is a knight who has seen and done unspeakable things.  He walks a thin line between honoring his new-found Christian faith and doing whatever he must to provide for his poverty stricken clansmen.  The time has come for him to take a wife, and what better woman to wed than the king's own daughter, whose hand he aims to win at the upcoming tournament.  However, he will soon be reminded that some people are not above using cruel trickery to get what they want.  

Mercy was raised at a convent, cruelly treated and constantly reminded of her disgrace in being the king's base born daughter. When Titan rescues her at a bear baiting, the strong bond that forms between them is undeniable.  Will they be able to wed?  Or will intrigue destroy their plans and their very lives?

Review

First of all, I have to say that the mysterious cover caught my attention from the start, as did the unique series title, The Christ Keepers.  Secondly, the story itself proved to be very riveting.  I tend to be quite critical of grammatical errors, and there were many in this book.  Most were simple punctuation mistakes, but they were still rather aggravating at first.  However, I was quickly lost in the plot, to the point that I didn't really care about the inadequate editing anymore.  The characters, even the supporting ones, were well developed and believable, and played very integral rolls.  The setting felt real and authentic, and the fascinating historical elements were interesting and used in ways that added depth to the story.  I felt like I was there, caught up in events of the day, the good with the bad.  The chemistry between Mercy and Titus was touching and powerful, born out of genuine caring rather than lust.  I longed for things to work out between them, against all odds, never quite knowing for sure how things would actually play out.  The story line was fresh and new, and wonderfully unpredictable. I didn't want the tale to end, and was on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last.  I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a Christian story with an edge to it, or one that is faith-building without being preachy.

Edgy Content

1) Murder and violence, appropriate for the era, but not described in overly gory detail

2) Displaying of bloody bed sheet from the marriage bed, in keeping with customs of the time period

3) On camera nudity in one scene, although the man in question quickly covers himself and no private body parts are described. There is no actual sexual content, only great chemistry, kissing, hand holding, etc and very carefully handled discussion of consummation, attraction and reference to previous promiscuity.

Revealed, by Tamera Alexander

Setting

1870

Colorado Territory

Synopsis

Annabelle Grayson was rescued from a brothel by a wonderfully understanding man.  However, she cannot remain in Willow Springs with everyone knowing what she used to be.  Her new husband dies soon after their journey to Idaho begins, and the pregnant young widow decides to advertise for someone else to take her there.  Her late husband's brother, a man on the run, takes the job, though he hates everything about her and wishes she and his brother had never met, let alone wed.  Annabelle insists on stopping in every town and refuses to tell Matthew why or let him accompany her, which only causes his distrust for her to escalate. All the while, he wishes to avoid these interruptions for reasons of his own.  As Annabelle and Matthew get to know one another on the trail, he must face his prejudice and own up to mistakes of the past.  Will they come to terms with their emotions in time to build a life together out West?

Review

This book was touching on so many levels.  Annabelle struggles with guilt and being unable to truly love a man, after all she's been through.  Matthew is so full of hate and resentment that he can hardly stand the sight of her.  Yet, as he slowly starts to realize that his perceptions are grossly inaccurate, he is left in even greater agony.  Amid these tumultuous emotions, is a growing attraction and a love that he does not expect, and is hesitant to embrace.  The conflict and tension between these too well developed characters is very moving.  There is so much depth to this story.  I feel that characters who have sinned are so much deeper, believable, and enjoyable to read about than perfect ones.  If you like a book with plenty of romantic tension as well as some suspense, you will probably love this one.  In fact, anything by Tamera Alexander is sure to please.

Edgy Content

1) Prostitution is a prominent theme in this story, though approached in an eventual redemptive, uplifting manner
2) Romances scenes are more heated than many of this genre, but were handled well and added a great element to the story.

Love on the Line, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1904

Brenham, Texas

Synopsis

Luke Palmer is a handsome Texas Ranger, sent to work with local switchboard operator, Georgie Gail, undercover as a telephone repairman. The two have a love/hate relationship from the start.  Sparks fly and tempers flare.  Georgie is very independent, and proud of making her own way in a man's world.  Luke has no patience for a spunky bird watcher who doesn't know her place. However, once she spies him, armed and acting suspiciously when he's supposed to be working, he is forced to tell her what he's up to.  When she is put in danger as a result, his job and his life get a great deal more complicated.  Will he jeopardize everything to protect her?

Review

What a quirky, humorous, unique and charming story!  Georgie's obsession with birds and her fight against women using bird parts in their gawdy hats was certainly unexpected.  Luke's character was endearing.  He's so gruff and determined.  He has no desire to work with this woman or to fall in love.  This job is just a means to an end, a way to roam the countryside unnoticed, while he searches for a notorious gang.  Yet he can't seem to prevent himself from thinking about Georgie.  There is such wonderful tension between the two of them, as they fight their attraction for one another.  My favorite scene is when she has to pull a multitude of splinters from his body after he falls down a telephone pole.  It is so awkward and sensual.  It could read that part over and over again and still enjoy it immensely!  I totally recommend this book if you like a story with plenty of sparks and humor, and a bit of suspense mixed in.

Edgy Content

1) Romance scenes are sure to make your pulse pick up a notch.  This is definitely not a story that white-washes human emotion. However, as always, this author finds a way of including these things in perfect measure, without going over the top.

Maid to Match, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1898

Asheville, North Carolina

Synopsis

Tillie Reese is instructed to teach Mack Danvers proper etiquette and turn him into a well mannered footman at the elite Biltmore estate.  However, this is not who he is, and sparks fly as she tries her best to tame him this unrefined yet distractingly handsome mountain man.  There are further problems as they try to deal with issues at the town orphanage, and other problems with his family.  Tillie aspires to become Edith Vanderbuilt's lady's maid, but her interactions with Mack are constantly bordering on inappropriate since romance between servants is strictly forbidden.  If they are caught, they will both be out on their backsides, and all will be lost, though their hearts are already lost... to each other.

Review

Oh my, oh my!  Sparks fly between Tillie and Mack to an extend that is sure to please even the most romantic of readers.  The connection between these too is simply beautiful, and the other background conflicts are riveting.  As always, Deeanne wove a tale that felt original and lighthearted, while keeping us on the edge of our seats.  Well done!

Edgy Content

1) Captivating romance scenes push the envelope, without crossing any lines which would cast it out of the Christian genre.

The Measure of a Lady, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1849

San Francisco, California

Synopsis

Rachel's father caught the gold fever, but never made it to his destination, leaving her to care for her two younger teenage siblings. When the ship docks at San Francisco, Rachel discovers that the place is not at all what she expect.  Yet, since she cannot book passage any time soon to go back East, she is forced to find a home for herself and her siblings for the time being.  Housing is scarce and she negotiates with a shocking yet charming and handsome gambling establishment owner, Johnnie Parker, and he reluctantly agrees that she may work for him in exchange for room and board.  Rachel struggles to maintain proper decorum in a place that is anything but proper.  Her siblings soon run wild and get into a mess of trouble in this rough mining town.  As romance builds, Rachel must search her heart and learn to put aside her prejudices, and Johnnie must decide if there is any way that a woman can fit into his well laid plans.

Review

This book is utterly priceless.  It is witty and fascinating, with plenty of romantic tension. I love the humorous elements.  Right from the start she had me chuckling, from the moment they arrive in San Francisco and discover mucky streets and a comically disturbing sign that reads "This Street Is Impassable, Not Even Jackassable"!!  How can you not love that?  Deeanne Gist is a gutsy author who is not afraid to stretch past the limits of conventional Christian fiction, and that is one of the reasons I love reading her books.  Johnnie's character is charming and shocking, not at all the type of person Rachel would have expected to fall in love with, yet the sparks between them cannot be ignored.  This story is lovable from start to finish.  I highly recommend it.

Edgy Content

1) Steamier romantic scenes.  The author doesn't tip-toe around physical attractions and such.  Breathtakingly moving!

2) Immoral activities involving some background characters, although implied rather than explicitly described.

3) Gambling and the inclusion of a nude statue.  Johnnie is a bit rough and has a less than upstanding occupation, as well as one particular possession which he treasures.  This actually made for some rather comical scenes.  

A Bride Most Begrudging, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1643

Detford, England

Virginia Colony

Synopsis

Lady Constance Morrow boards a ship, intent on bidding her beloved uncle farewell before he is transported as a convict.  However, she is barred from leaving the ship and ends up getting transported to America as well, and sold as a tobacco bride.  A Virginia planter then wins her from her original purchaser in a game of chance.  Drew O'Conner has no wish for a wife.  Not only is he is still pining over his first wife's death, but he is repelled by Constance's red hair and freckles.  Yet the church elders will not allow an eligible woman to remain unmarried since there is a shortage of "breeders" in the colony.  Thus, Drew is forced to marry her, though they secretly agree that it will only be a marriage of convenience, and Constance is still determined to return to England posthaste.  Conflicts follow as this prideful, independent lady refuses to buckle to Drew's domineering commands, and also insists on continuing with the forbidden mathematical pursuits that she had learned from her dear uncle.  Can these two very different people find a compromise... and  perhaps even love?

Review

I have a fascination with colonial era America, and this story just really grabbed me from the start.  I loved the idea of the tobacco brides.  What a romantic and original idea for a story!  Deeanne Gist worded things in such a way that I could easily envision the setting, and I was quickly endeared to the characters and their humorous situations as well.  She also stayed true to what I think the men of that era might have been like, expecting strict obedience of those they considered to be their inferiors.  I loved everything about this book.  This is the first one that I read from this author, and her books are now some of my all time favorites.  When I think of Edgy Christian Fiction, I automatically think of this author.  Her stories have a wonderful amount of fire in the romance scenes, really causing the reader to be enthralled, without going too far.  The connections within the couples are so real and so full of emotion, and her humor and originality is refreshing.

Edgy Content

1) Kidnapping and selling of a woman into marriage
2) Gambling.  The purchased bride is lost in a game of chance.

2) Romance scenes are more in depth and emotional than many others of this genre.
3) Domineering male character, which felt very authentic for the time period.

A Passion Most Pure, by Julie Lessman

Setting

1916
Irish community in Boston, Massachusetts

Synopsis

Faith O'Conner has loved Collin McGuire since she was a child, when he stood up to those who bullied her.  However, he has undeniably grown into a rogue.  Her strong convictions tell her that she should not be attracted to him.  Besides that, he is secretly dating her sister, which causes a rather awkward situation.  Faith finds herself fighting her own feelings, though she is largely unsuccessful.  Collin feels trapped between his commitments, his past, and his growing love for Faith, all the while knowing that she will not marry him unless he changes his ways.  But war has a way of changing men.  By the time he becomes the man he is meant to be, will it be too late for him and Faith?

Review

I absolutely fell in love with this book!  Anything by Julie Lessman is sure to please, but this one is my favorite.  Set in 1916, it is a bit more of a modern setting than I am usually drawn to, but I'm so glad I gave this one a chance.  Collin's character is so endearing. He is one of those people who is so sure that he is beyond the scope of redemption and true happiness. He's been promiscuous and confused for so long, looking for love in all the wrong places. Faith tries so hard to do the right thing, but she can't squash her deep affections for him no matter how hard she tries.  He is always there, in the forefront of her thoughts and her heart.  The emotions and depth of character are so real and so enthralling.  I couldn't help but be utterly captivated from start to finish.  It is definitely worth reading over and over again.

Edgy Content

1) Steamy romance scenes, which are quite emotional and likely to cause your pulse to race, though tastefully written.

2) Promiscuity and struggling with temptation.  Collin's immorality might bother some readers of the Christian Romance genre. I, for one, was endeared by it, not because I agree with it but because it added so much depth and agony to Collin's character.  It caused so many of the struggles throughout the story, and it made his fighting against his baser instincts, and also his eventual gaining of greater faith, feel all the sweeter.

Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers

Setting

Prologue - New England, 1835
Main story - Pair-a-Dice, California, 1850

Synopsis

Angel is forced into prostitution at an early age and ends up in a rough California town during the gold rush era.  She doesn't know quite what to think when Michael approaches her, insisting that God has told him to marry her.  She fights him tooth and nail, not believing that she is capable of giving up her old lifestyle and becoming a proper wife.  Any trust she does gain for him only causes her more pain.  Has she seen too much and endured too much to ever be able to adjust to her new life?  Or will she cling to the only life she understands?

Review

This book is amazing in so many ways.  The raw emotions are sincere and well portrayed.  I couldn't help but become completely absorbed in this story.  I definitely recommend it, especially if you like books that have a good message while still remaining true to life in their depth of emotion.  It has the potential to grant hope to all who read it, giving us a welcome reminder that God is willing to forgive us, no matter how unworthy we feel.

Edgy Content

1) Prostitution, though tastefully handled.  This industry was alive and thriving during the gold rush era.

2) Steamy romance scenes, sexual content and nudity, which felt appropriate for this particular story and was not extremely explicit.

Diamond of the Rockies Series, by Kristen Heitzmann

Setting

1880s
Sonoma, California and Crystal, Colorado

Synopsis

The Rose Legacy ~

Carina is a determined, independent woman who leaves her Italian family's California vineyard, bound for a rough mining town in Colorado in an effort to break ties with her fiance.  She quickly learns the backwoods rules of travel in a rather unpleasant way, and finds more than she bargains for when she finally arrives at the house for which she has obtained a deed. Though two of the local men garner her attention, only one has her best interests in mind and will protect her when violence breaks loose.

Sweet Boundless ~

Carina's new husband, the mysterious freighter Quillan Shepherd, is allusive and unwilling to accept her love and affection.  She becomes well acquainted with seeing his back, as he walks away from her.  His inner demons from a hurtful childhood cause him to wish and expect that she will leave him.  Determined to make the best of difficult circumstances, she opens an Italian restaurant which becomes wildly successful among the miners and townspeople, sparking jealously in her husband.  Carina is brutally attacked in his absence.  Will Quillan come to his senses in time to save her and their marriage?

The Tender Vine ~

Carina decides that things might get better between her and Quillan if they return to her childhood vineyard home in California.  However, her family is less than accepting of him, and disaster threatens.  Will they finally have the marriage that they both long for?  Or will things go from bad to worse?

Review

This series is very emotional and compelling.  I found Quillan's character to be especially riveting.  Kristen wove the tale in such a way as to make me want him to come through for Carina, while not allowing me to trust him enough to be sure that he will.  He has his own demons to fight, and it haunts him at every turn.  Carina is a strong women, determined to stand by his side, no matter how much rejection she must suffer to accomplish to reach him.  This series is one of my all time favorites.  There's plenty of romance and fire, but not in a way that I would call inappropriate.  Their relationship is so emotional and fueled by love, that I longed for things to be resolved, while thoroughly enjoying their conflicts.  Highly recommended!

Edgy Content

1) Violence, which was believable for a rough mining town in the 1880s.  
2) Graphic mental images.  The descriptions of Quillan's parents, particularly his father, and how they'd died are disturbing. 

3) Marital rape.  That sounds really bad, but seemed so realistic since I got to know Quillan and his struggles with trusting others and believing that he is capable of properly loving a woman.  His raw emotion is so moving, stemming from a deep, enduring love that he cannot yet begin to face or understand.

A Trusting Heart, by Mary Andersen

 BUY IT NOW!!

Setting

1695
Oxford, Maryland

Synopsis

Susannah Smith is devastated by the sudden death of her husband, James, and does not wish to find a replacement any time soon, if ever.  Though several men vie for her hand and her financial situation dictates that she remarry quickly, she continues to turn down their proposals over the coming months.  When she finally decides to sell her late husband's candle shop to procure some much needed funds for her support, she is very troubled to discover that a drunken, wounded squatter has taken up residence there.  The handsome man scares her to death, yet her traitorous heart is drawn to him, even as his dangerous and unorthodox ways are turning her life upside down and putting her in grave danger.  Will he ever be able to trust her with his darkest secrets and accept her love?  Or will his violent past end up destroying them both?

My thoughts

Since I wrote this book, I'll try not to give a conventional review because that would just be weird.  However, I have to say that I am very attached to this story and especially to Joe's character.  There is something about him that just tugs at my heart. He's so haunted by the past, and his wounds run so much deeper than the physical.  He's so sure that he is unworthy of Susannah's love. In fact, he doesn't even really remember what love feels like.  After what has happened to him and after the sins he's committed, he feels cold and empty inside.  His progression, as his heart thaws and slowly lets Susannah in, really gets me, as does how fiercely he fights against it, so afraid of hurting her.  Okay, I guess that ended up being a review of sorts.  My apologies, but I just really like Joe!  He's definitely my favorite character so far in this series.

Edgy Content

1) Emotional romance scenes.  I intentionally left out any explicit content, but some scenes really address the emotional aspects of Joe and Susannah's relationship and of temptation, and might just get your heart racing a bit.

2) Cohabitation of an unmarried couple.  I don't want to give away too much, but it becomes necessary for Joe and Susannah to live in the same house for a few days and then stay in the same bed temporarily as well, but they they keep it chaste and try to keep a boundary between them as would have been done during that era.  They didn't have a bundling board or other such accepted barrier, but they did the best they could.  It actually made for some very tender moments between them.

3) Reference to past visiting of prostitutes.  This is not something that is glorified at all and it did not happen during the story. It is just a matter of the person not previously being taught that there was anything wrong with it, although the man in question deeply regretting it once he did learn the error of his old ways.

4) Violence.  There were instances of two of the characters being in predicaments that they were sure would result in their death, but there is nothing gory.  There is also reference to violence that occurred before the story opened.