Couldn't put it down!
348186
This collection of three Christian novels combines drama, mystery and courtroom drama.  The first novel, "Where Yesterday Lives" looks at how secrets from the past can intrude into our lives so much that our present lives can fall apart.  Ellen, a reporter, is forced to revisit the past when her father dies and she is suddenly back with her sisters, brother, and mom.  The family conflicts and hidden secrets along with unresolved feeling Ellen has for a former boyfriend tempt Ellen to make some potentially disastrous choices about herself, her marriage and her family.  The dynamic between Ellen and her sister Jane is heartrendingly realistic.

This strongly Christian novel does confront life's temptations and daily choices but is not 'preachy' in delivery.  The story was well written and skillfully drawn.

The second novel, "When Joy Came to Stay", while also looking at how secrets from the past can and do affect our current lives and mental health, is quite a different story from the first.  This story takes a frank look at the loss a woman feels when she gives up a child for adoption and how the burden of keeping it a complete secret from friends and family can take a toll on her mental health, her day to day functioning, her marriage and her relationship with family. It is also a strong statement on the power of prayer, faith and love. Maggie Stovall, a strong successful woman who appears to have everything is silently struggling with choices from her past and with visions of the child that might have been hers, had she not given her up as a newborn.  She tries to comfort herself by telling herself that her daughter is safe in a better home, but can't convince herself because of the disturbing visions she keeps having of a young blond girl seeking her.  She has never admitted to her husband what happened in her past although she tends to blame him for her current distress.  Meanwhile, there are physical and emotional dangers facing  Maggie, her husband, Ben, and her long lost daughter.  I don't want to spoil the ending so you will just have to read it to find out if everything is safely resolved.

The third novel, "On Every Side"  Joshua Nunn, a lawyer who specializes in defending religious freedom for Christians.  In this intriguing story, we get a peek into both sides of the courtroom drama and into some of the backroom planning.  Joshua has recently lost his  longtime law partner who was a dynamic force for defending freedom.  When Jordan, a former foster child, returns to Bethany to sue for removal of a historical statue of Jesus from the local park, Joshua worries that he is not the force his former partner was, but prays for guidance.  Jordon struggles with his unresolved grief over the boyhood loss of his mother, his unanswered prayers for her healing, and his separation from his sister.  The town struggles over how to save their statue.  Faith, a local news anchor, chooses religious freedom over her job and struggles to help her town through this crisis.

I recommend this book highly as a moving testament to the complications life holds and the faith that can overcome all.  Note:  I did receive a free review copy, but I don't review unless I love it or hate it.  And if I hate it I don't hold back!
1071616
I loved this book! Once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down. I love how there were twists and turns throughout the whole thing.
2873646
Kept my attention from start to finish. Highly recommend!
4861174
Really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down until I finished it!
3084621
I couldn't put the book down! Loved it! I think I finished it in about 4 days! I told my husband he would enjoy it also.
4902763
I loved this book! I seriously couldn't put it down! :-) I hope that there will be more books from this author!
222602
Couldn't put it down!  Now I'm looking for the next book!
4664292
Read it in 3 days because I couldn't put it down! Cannot wait to read the others in this series!
2858550
I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down!
872924
A great read! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
1462306
I loved this book! I really could not put it down. The world is constructed and the characters are developed at a steady pace throughout which made it an intriguing read from page one all the way through to the very end. My heart broke a little when I realized I had finished the book and there was no more to read! I'm hooked, can't wait to read the next one!
4759318
I couldn't put it down! Amazing book. Love how the author keeps you wanting more! I can't stop thinking about the characters after being finished reading it! So good!!
1487101
Once I opened the front cover of this book, I couldn't put it down, and finished it the very next day.  I am anxiously waiting for the next book of the series: Loved it!
1525869
Awesome read!!!! Couldn't put it down!  Highly recommend to everyone!
3691122
Couldn't stop reading! Can't wait for the next one.
3263639
One of the BEST books I have read in a long time!
2628733
Loved this!! Couldn't put it down!! A real pager turner!! Loved the characters!! Can't wait to read the next book!!!