Book Review ~ "I'll Know You By Heart" by Kimberly Job

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn't realize they had met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, Stephanie turns to Jared for support--but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving.  With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all?  "I'll Know You By Heart" is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity---a story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal---ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

So far so good. I love a good story, and a good romance at that. I knew from the very first page that I was in for a bit of a rough ride following Stephanie as she dealt with and faces her horrific trials. Kimberly Job doesn't hold back on the reality of the pain, suffering and fear that accompany abuse by a spouse. She also fills the reader with hope, and comfort as she takes them on a journey of discovery, strength, honesty, and healing.

In the story, Stephanie has three children and lives in constant fear from her husband's violent temper. She puts up with it for years, convincing herself that it's really her own fault and that if she could only be better, or prettier, or perfect, etc., he would not treat her this way. It was a harrowing look inside what a battered woman deals with. Job is spot on in when she writes the scene where Stephanie grows a back bone; when the abuse spills over to her sixteen year old son. I was with her, urging her along as I read. This can't continue. She MUST take responsibility and not allow her children to be abused. Job writes with such clarity, insight and honesty that the characters become real, their pain and suffering flows out of the pages and into your heart.

This novel is not all about the anguish and tragedy of abuse, but also one of great hope, healing and growth. Job brings the story to life and takes the reader on quite an emotional ride. One cannot help but be changed after reading this book. Stephanie comes full circle when her Spirit is no longer surrounded by constant fear. She is able to recognize those inner whisperings and follow her heart. The reader is able to come to grasp with our eternal nature along with Stephanie in the story.
  
Job has created a masterpiece of hope. "I'll Know You By Heart" is a must read.

To purchase your own copy of "I'll Know You By Heart"
by Valor Publishing Group LLC.,  click here.

Book Review ~ "The Thorn" by Daron D. Fraley

"The Thorn" by Daron D. Fraley is a new release by Valor Publishing Group, LLC. Writers Mirror has been invited to participate in the book blog review tour. Let's start with the captivating blurb on the back.

Three tribes are at war on the planet Gan, unaware that the sign of Christ's birth on an unknown word--Earth--is about to appear in the heavens.

During a bloody skirmish with Gideonite troops, Jonathan of Daniel spares Pekah, a young enemy soldier, gaining his trust forever. These two distant brothers from estranged tribes covenant with each other to end the war being waged by a self-proclaimed emperor, and soon discover the intentions of a far more dangerous foe--a sinister general bent on ruling those he can bring into subjection and destroying all others. 

I must admit my curiosity was piqued by this mixture of history and religious beliefs being tied together and viewed through the eyes of people living on another planet. I'm not a big fan of war books and movies, but started reading with hopes of a good tale. I was not disappointed. Fraley weaves an interesting story of three very different groups of people dealing with intrigue, power, murder, romance, obedience, faith, trust and forgiveness.

The names of the characters were excellent and in keeping with the story. Battle strategies were mapped out with finesse. Fraley seems to know how to stage a war. The weapons he described lent themselves well to the story. The Thorn was quite unusual, and an interesting object in itself. The sword Jonathan used was particularly fascinating. Stones that glowed with light when rubbed were another good creative touch.

The two sister suns, Aqua and Azure, were mentioned by name often throughout the book which leads one to believe they play some significant part yet to be revealed. Sniffling and teary eyes by grown men and hardened soldiers gave me pause now and then.

Spoiler Alert: The anointing of the King and the two marriages were lumped together in one event which seemed a little anti-climactic and a bit rushed since each event was a big deal.

Included in the book is a preview of chapter one of the next book which contains a disturbing hook. As an advocate for the sanctity of one's person, and particularly my daughters, I was upset to leave the new situation unresolved, but isn't that what a good hook does? I'll have to read book two and hope there is some kind of justice.

Fraley takes us on a journey back in time and gives a good look into what might have been in a universe far away. He certainly makes the possibility come alive in his novel.

To purchase your own copy right now  click here.