A STORY YOU WILL NOT SOON FORGET

Title: The Best of Me

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition (March 26, 2013)

Pages: 368

I was anxious to write a review about THE BEST OF ME by NICHOLAS SPARKS due to the rollercoaster ride it became. I am an aspiring fiction author. I have been writing for years, learning the craft through fellow writers, reading endless amounts of fiction, and books on the craft of writing. With that said, I am picky when it comes to “writing rules”.

I admit I have not read a lot of books by NICHOLAS SPARKS, and may not have read any if not for watching the movie A WALK TO REMEMBER. As a write, I was curious to read in written form the amazing story I watched on screen. Anyone who is an avid reader, is typically drawn to watch the movie of the book they loved so much. Equally, most are disappointed with the changes made. Even though, most of us still feel the need to go and see the story unfold on the big screen.

I made the mistake of going to see DEAR JOHN, only a day after reading the book. It was fresh in my mind, so fresh that every detail that was not the same as the book in the movie, stood out bluntly. For that reason, I recommend to let as much time pass between completing a book and seeing the movie.

Nevertheless, after seeing the trailer for THE BEST OF ME, knowing it is a NICHOLAS SPARKS story, I knew I would end up seeing it. I then had the urge to read the book first, knowing very well that it might be a mistake.

As I began to read THE BEST OF ME, I immediately had a problem with it. It was a ton of back-story, telling, and constant switching of pov’s (Character point-of-view). Not just unannounced switching. Not just in an unannounced paragraph, but within a paragraph – several time! Yikes. Really?

I am not one for giving “bad reviews”. Honesty without bad mouthing an author is what I strive for. And I am certainly not attempting to bad mouth here. NICHOLAS SPARKS is a number one bestselling author. However, that did not come with following writing rules. Equally so, I don’t believe it came from being a rule breaker, either.

What I’ve come to know about NICHOLAS SPARKS, is that he creates AMAZING stories. Is he the best writer? Not in my opinion. However, he creates such amazing material/plots/story lines, that you can forgive him for breaking the rules. Though I have to be honest, especially the constant unannounced shifts in pov, at times confused me as well as equally drives me nuts. I've come to realize that he breaks the rules better than most, in that it works better for him then other, perhaps due to his choice in words and content.

I have read a few books that didn’t follow the pov rules. Those books I HAD to stop reading. There just wasn't enough to give me reason to continue. With THE BEST OF ME – maybe in part knowing what the book was about from the trailer, and that I’d go see the movie, and that he produces amazing stories – I clawed my way through the first 120 or so pages. At about that point – though the pov shifts didn’t change – other things that were bothersome, did change.

The first 120 or so pages there is little dialogue – another craft rule broken. It was written in more of a narrative, back-story, informational dump kind of way – more rule breaking. But then the dialogue opens up, and the reader is taken into the here and now – no longer in the endless pages of back story.

THE BEST OF ME is to-date the first and only book that I’ve read that I nearly quit reading, and was very happy that I didn’t. WOW! I had not seen the ending coming. Not until near the end, and even that was played out in a way that left me guessing.

In reading the last pages, I could no longer contain the tears. I was moved, and in a huge way. The last chapters were several different scenes simultaneously happening, each building up in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In the way that A WALK TO REMEMBER has resonated with me since the first time I saw the movie, THE BEST OF ME is sure to do the same. It is not a story one will forget. Days later, I found myself driving in the car, hit with emotions evoked by the characters of THE BEST OF ME, as if they were people I actually knew. That is a sign of an amazing storyteller whether or not they follow, or perhaps due to, breaking the rules of writing.

Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole’s story of past, present, and future is not one you will soon forget…if ever.

UPDATE AFTER SEEING THE MOVIE:

When I finished the book, I was left with so many emotions of such an amazing story. After seeing the movie, those feelings lessened with the confusion of the major changes. Why? Please tell me why anyone would do that. I can't say I will never read another of his books, or see another of his movies, but this is beginning to become a not so good pattern with his books vs movies. It's one thing to tweak what happened in a book for a movie, but to change MAJOR things. Things that made the book so amazing. Well, I am beyond words of how disappointed I am.

MORE BRENDA MINTON BOOKS, PLEASE

Title: His Montana Bride

Author: Brenda Minton
Publisher: Love Inspired (September 16, 2014)
Pages: 224

Love the cover. Love the title. Love the author. Was there was ever a doubt that I would purchase and read HIS MONTANA BRIDE by BRENDA MINTON? Nope! Not a chance.

I get excited when I spot a new book by BRENDA MINTON. Of course I typically find out months before it is released, which is so unfair. If she were a writing machine, I would most likely never get to experience other authors, for I couldn’t resist reading book, after book, by MS MINTON.

Katie Archer is in Jasper Gulch for one reason and one reason only. To be a bridesmaid to her sister. The same sister she has been in the shadows of all her life.

The last thing Cord Shaw is searching for is a relationship. No, he has had his fill of finance’s. So why does organizing The World’s Largest Old-Tyme Wedding with a pretty lady, have him rethinking his vow to stay away from the commitment of marriage?

When it comes to BRENDA MINTON books, I feel like a broken record. Amazing writing. Amazing story. Amazing characters. Amazing, amazing, amazing.

I already know what the next one due out is, A RANCER FOR CHRISTMAS.  Hurry up December so I can get my next BRENDA MINTON book.

WORTH THE STRUGGLE

Title: My Utmost for His Highest

Author: Oswald Chambers
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.; Reissue edition (January 1, 1963)
Pages: 375

After hearing references to MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST by OSWALD CHAMBERS on several occasions, I finally decided to purchase and read it. As I suspected, the meaning at times was hard to decipher. However, as I had also suspected, there were poignant words, which made for a mentally draining reading at time, and an emotionally inspirational one, other times.

Would I recommend MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST by OSWALD CHAMBERS. You bet I would. What I was able to take away by far succeeded what I found to be challenging.

ACFW OCTOBER NEW RELEASES

October 2014 New Releases

 More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Amish Romance:

An Amish Second Christmas by Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer, Ruth Reid and Beth Wiseman -- "When Christmas Comes Again" by Beth Wiseman: Katherine Zook and her four children are facing their first Christmas without a loved one, and the future seems dim. But when a mysterious Englisch man begins to show up in the most unlikely of places, Katherine can't help but be suspicious . . . and a bit curious. "Her Christmas Pen Pal" by Ruth Reid: When Joy Stolzfus's boyfriend tells her he wants to court other women, she's shocked. She pours her heart out in a letter, but it mistakenly reaches Noah Esh. The two begin writing letters back and forth, but a misunderstanding threatens to topple the relationship they're building. "A Gift for Anne Marie" by Kathleen Fuller: Anne Marie Smucker's life is pretty perfect. Until she discovers her widowed mother is getting married and they're all moving. On top of that, Anne Marie's relationship with her friend Nathaniel has changed, and she's more confused than ever about her feelings for him. "The Christmas Aprons" by Tricia Goyer: Esther Glick bakes a Christmas pie for a fundraiser, and she soon finds herself sitting across from bachelor Ammon Schwartz. Esther receives many orders for pies, but when she breaks her wrist, she discovers what community-and love-are all about. (Amish Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Contemporary Romance:

At Bluebonnet Lake: A Novel (Texas Crossroads) by Amanda Cabot -- Marketing maven Kate Sherwood's world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is slow down to a crawl at Rainbow's End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. But she cannot deny her ailing grandmother's request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week (albeit fifty years ago). There Kate meets Greg Vange, the resort's handyman. But there's more to Greg than meets the eye--billions more, in fact, as he recently sold his successful software company and is at the resort in search of what's next for his life. Kate isn't looking for romance, but she can't deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. She even starts to see potential in the rundown resort. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate's long-sought promotion take her back to the big city? (Contemporary Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey -- After Taryn McKenna's high school sweetheart, Justin Callahan, abandons her to join the army, Taryn vows to never love again. And she decides to keep a closely guarded secret from him-forever. Focused on being completely independent, Taryn pours herself into teaching high school in Hollings, North Carolina and helping her spunky Grandma Jemma. But when Jemma's health takes a turn for the worse, and Justin reappears, Taryn's emotions get more tangled than a knotted piece of thread. A hand-stitched Irish chain quilt holds the message of healing Taryn needs. But will she realize the depth of God's unconditional love for her? (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press)

His Small-Town Family by Lorraine Beatty -- Nicki Latimer never expected to be back in her tiny Mississippi hometown-much less running a store with a baby on her hip. But when her father falls ill, Nicki will do anything to save the family business...even put her dreams on hold. And she's found just the person to help her. Ethan Stone is strong and reliable, but also haunted by his past as a war photographer. He's convinced he could never be the man Nicki thinks he is. But with Ethan by her side, Nicki's dreams of love and family are closer than she thinks. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

A Holiday Proposal by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Holly Miller is steering clear of mistletoe. Just out of nursing school, Holly can't risk any distractions. She knows a slip-up could cost a life. Like the mistake she made years ago that still plagues her conscience. When she runs into old high school friend Matthew Cook, she hesitates to let romance into her life. Even if the handsome baker is as delectable as his fabulous pastries. She didn't notice him back in high school, but things have sure changed. Now that Matthew has Holly's attention, maybe the holiday season is the perfect time for him to show her that she deserves to have it all-work, family, friends and a love that lasts a lifetime. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Forever Christmas by Robert Tate Miller -- Up-and-coming literary agent Andrew Farmer is constantly on the road, wooing prospective clients and making a name for himself. Would he and his wife Beth have spent their last moments together arguing had they known that just before midnight on Christmas Eve, Beth would be hit by a taxi that would ultimately take her life? Andrew would do anything to go back and change that night. Then he meets Lionel, a straight-talking angel in disguise, who grants Andrew the gift of the last three days of Beth's life to relive, but there's a hitch: her fate cannot be changed. Only one gift will save her life, and Andrew has seventy-two hours to figure out what that gift is or he'll lose Beth forever. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

General/Contemporary:

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay -- Restaurant owner Elizabeth has lost her culinary magic, and business is slowing down. When worried investors enlist the talents of a tech-savvy celebrity chef to salvage the restaurant, Elizabeth feels the ground shift beneath her feet. Not only has she lost her touch; she's losing her dream. Brimming with desperation and dread, Elizabeth finds herself in the unlikeliest of places, by her sister's side in Seattle as Jane undergoes chemotherapy. As her new life takes the form of care, cookery, and classic literature, Elizabeth is forced to reimagine her future and reevaluate her past. But can a New York City chef with a painful history settle down with the family she once abandoned . . . and make peace with the sister who once abandoned her? (General/Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Historical Romance:

Yuletide Angel by Sandra Ardoin -- A shy spinster, Violet Madison secretly delivers food to the poor at Christmas and earns the title The Yuletide Angel. When bachelor Hugh Barnes discovers the truth, he vows to protect her. Neither realizes someone else waits in the shadows, threatening to ruin Violet's generosity and her reputation. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Farmer's Daughter Romance Collection by Mary Davis, Kelly Eileen Hake, Tracie Peterson, Jill Stengl and Susan May Warren-- Meet daughters of prairie farms from Montana south to Kansas who find love in the midst of turbulent life changes. Marty's nieces are kidnapped. Rosalind's town is overrun by a railroad company. Amy's jealousy comes between her and her twin. Beulah's answer is needed to a marriage proposal. Lilly's choice puts her at odd with her neighbors. Into each of their lives rides a man who may only make their situations worse. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Dreaming on Daisies (Love Blossoms in Oregon Series) by Miralee Ferrell -- When her father's debts, brought on by heavy drinking, threaten Leah Carlson's family ranch, she fights to save it. When handsome banker Steven Harding must decline her loan request, he determines to do what he can to help. Just as he arrives to serve as a much-needed ranch hand, Leah's family secrets—and the pain of her past-come to a head. They could destroy everything she's fought for. And they could keep her from ever opening her heart again. (Historical Romance from David C. Cook)

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman and Sarah Sundin-- A grandmother advises three siblings as they search for love and deeper faith during World War II. White Christmas by Cara C. Putman. A candy maker and a puzzle manufacturer have one thing in common: love is the last thing they're looking for and the very thing they need. I'll Be Home For Christmas by Sarah Sundin. A fighter pilot running on empty, a lonely widow, and a little girl searching for what she's lost-will an unusual Christmas gift fill their hearts again? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Tricia Goyer. As Christmas nears, a combat nurse offers care and cheer to injured soldiers on the front line, but when her patients and the Dutch villagers discover it's her birthday they work together to give her a great gift-a reason to believe in love again. (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House])

Suitor by Design (The Dressmaker's Daughters) by Christine Johnson-- Minnie Fox's goal is to find a beau who can help support her ailing father and his struggling dress shop. As a working man, her friend Peter Simmons simply doesn't fit the bill. Instead, Minnie's got eyes for Peter's childhood pal-a wealthy Chicagoan. So why can't she stop thinking about Peter? Peter wishes Minnie would see him as more than a friend. As a hardworking mechanic, Peter knows he'll never be able to dazzle Minnie with fancy suits and expensive cars. But maybe he can prove to her that what's in a man's heart is worth more than what's in his wallet. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Watercolor Dreams by Sherry Kyle-- It's 1910 and Anna Lewis wants to become a premier watercolor artist of the lush beaches of Carmel, California. When a man strides down the beach and stops to face the ocean, Anna sketches him into her painting. Was it a mistake? Anna thinks so when he approaches and tells her he doesn't have spare change to purchase her work. Spare change indeed! She'd better keep her day job as nursemaid to two rambunctious boys. The minute Charles Jordan walks away, he regrets criticizing the woman's painting but as he told the artist, he's just been jilted at the altar. His former bride-to-be is in love with his cousin. Will a secret from his past prevent Charles from ever loving again? And will Anna have the hope she needs when tragedy strikes and she must rely on the one man who crushed her spirit? (Historical Romance from HopeSprings Books) The 

Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky-- Debutante Katherine Ramsey's family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey. Her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut in the London social season and find a proper husband. When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London's East End. Here, a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of luxury surface again. She must decide whom she can trust and love-and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served. (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House])

Romantic Suspense:

Holiday Defenders by Jodie Bailey, Debby Giusti and Susan Sleeman-- Christmas Rescue by Debby Giusti: On the run from a killer, Elizabeth Tate must accept U.S. Army captain Nick Fontaine's protection for the sake of her young niece and nephew. Now her life is in the hands of the very man who broke her heart years ago. Special Ops Christmas by Susan Sleeman: Researcher Claire Reed's top secret project is stolen, putting her at risk of being kidnapped to unlock it. Her undercover bodyguard-her former love, Green Beret Travis Chapman-is on his most dangerous mission yet. Homefront Holiday Hero by Jodie Bailey: When someone tries to kill the daughter of a military official, U.S. Army major Tyler Rainey must keep Kelly Walters from harm...while guarding his own heart against very unexpected feelings. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Lawman Returns (Wrangler's Corner) by Lynette Eason -- Deputy Clay Starke has come home to Wrangler's Corner for one reason only: to solve his brother's murder. Denied official resources, Clay is forced to rely on his wits-and on the assistance of beautiful social worker Sabrina Mayfield. But Sabrina's helping him draws her into danger. Now both Clay and Sabrina have targets on their backs, and Clay is at risk of losing not only his heart, but also his life. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Deceived by Irene Hannon -- When Kate Marshall spots a child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was killed in a boating accident. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious, but agrees to investigate. He discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Claire's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden-and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Speculative Fiction:

Thunder: A Novel (Stone Braide Chronicles) by Bonnie S. Calhoun -- In post-apocalyptic America, Selah Chavez is crouched in long grass on a shore littered with the rusted metal remnants of a once-great city. It is the day before her eighteenth Born Remembrance, and she is hunting Landers, mysterious people from a land across the big water who survive the delirium-inducing passage in small boats that occasionally crash against the shoreline. Landers bring a good price from the Company and are especially prized if they keep the markings they arrive with. Everything falls to pieces when the Lander Selah catches is stolen by her brothers--and Selah wakes up the next morning to find the Lander's distinctive mark has suddenly appeared on her own flesh. Once the hunter, Selah is now one of the hunted, and she knows only one person who can help her--Bohdi Locke, the Lander her brothers hope to sell. (Speculative Fiction from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes -- How would you live if you knew the day you'd die? Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government's crooked justice system. But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her clock is running out. (Speculative Fiction from Enclave Publishing)

A MOST AMAZING ENDING

Title: Carly M Duncan

Author: Behind You

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 1, 2014)

Pages: 208

I have to begin by explaining a couple of things. One, I read and review books for authors. Why do I offer to do so? The number one reason would be I enjoy helping others. As an aspiring author, I know how tough it can be to get your work out there and what it means to the writer. I’m a Christian, and it is not my nature to be cruel. Therefore, I do my best to not trash someone’s work. At the same time, I will not say I like something that I did not.

Another reason I offer to read and review books for others is the opportunity to read an author I otherwise may not have. I typically stay in the genre I prefer, but every now and again I break that rule and offer to read something outside of what I like. That was the case with BEHIND YOU by CARLY M DUNCAN.

Heather’s family is anything but functional. So when tragedy strikes, her family is brought together, and repaired in ways they never imagined.

Not only have I never read one of MS DUNCAN’S books before, I had never heard of her. If I had not been asked if I wanted to read her book in exchange for an honest review, I doubt I would have ever purchased it. BEHIND YOU is not something I would typically read. Though decades ago, I use to read mysteries and thrillers, I now prefer to read Christian fiction, my favorite with a ranch or farm setting, where the hero typically wears a cowboy hat.

As I began to read BEHIND YOU, I did so with an open mind. I was surprised at how quickly I was drawn in. If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years, if an author has the elements it takes to make a good story, it matters little what the genre is.

MS DUNCAN is a remarkable writer. I didn’t want to stop reading BEHIND YOU. I loved the way she wrote in first person, starting each chapter with a different characters point-of-view. BEHIND YOU is a true page turner, a combination of MS DUNCAN’S amazing ability to write, and weave an astounding plot.

The entire book I kept guessing who might have done it. As I neared the end, I thought it wasn’t going to be revealed and I was preparing to be very upset. I can’t recall a story that had me guessing right down to the last line. Wow! I was not expecting that. I am a fan. What a great read.