Love On A Dime by Cara Lynn James

I want to share with you about this wonderful book. But first let me tell you a little about the author, Cara Lynn James. 


She is a debut novelist who has won numerous contest awards from Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in Florida with her husband.


Now for those of you, who like me, are novice writers, that should give you some hope! Keep entering those writing contests! I know I am!


About the book, Love on a Dime....


This is a little of what you will read on the back cover:


"Newport, Rhode Island, 1899, is a place of shimmering waves, sleek yachts, and ladies of leisure. Of opulent mansions that serve as summer cottages for the rich and famous...


But it's not the place for lady novelists. Especially not those who pen disreputable dime novels. This poses a problem for Lilly Westbrook, because that's exactly what she does.


No one in Lilly's social set knows she pens fiction under the nom de plume Fannie Cole. Not her family or the wealthy young man about to propose to her. And especially not Jackson Grail, the long-lost beau who just bought her publishing company.... and who stirs her heart more than she cares to admit...."


The rest you will have to read for yourself.... I just wanted to tease you a little with the back story!


About the story....


Lilly Westbrook, as we read, writes dime novels during a time when it was unheard of for a lady, be she young or old, to do any type of "work" if she was of the "rich and famous" set. It was all right to pen poetry for personal pleasure. But to actually write, make money from it, and write dime novels.... well if the upper echelon mommas knew, Lilly and her whole family would be ostracized for life. 


Then to make matters worse, Lilly's old boyfriend, Jackson Grail, is back. As the owner of the publishing company who publishes her stories! 


Jackson left the area many years ago to earn his fortune and become a man with standing in the society that Lilly was a member of. He also wants to make things right with Lilly. (Can't say much more than that!)


Cara did wonderful work in bringing to life these two main characters. Both Lilly and Jackson have struggles with faith, trust (each other and God) and through adversity they begin to overcome them. 


Sometimes in real life we allow the opinions of others to dictate our actions and way of life. Cara brings this very thing in the lives of Lilly and Jackson and shows us what is more important.


I can't say too much more than that. But I will say, once you have read this story, you will walk away knowing you have not only read a well-written book, but encouraged in your faith in God, no matter what your circumstance may be. 

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel is a gripping novel that explores how the choices we make and the courage to forgive can touch the lives of others. This a novel that looks at life, love and faith in a very realistic way. The lives of her characters could be that of your next door neighbor or family member, they are so real.


Kim, a young woman dealing with guilt over a tragic accident that happened years ago in her life, becomes involved with a man named Rick. In her relationship with Rick, she thinks she has found a way to relieve some of the guilt that weighs her down.


Joshua, a widower and father of a young daughter, finds himself to be neighbors of Rick and Kim. If he becomes involved with their situation, it could mean trouble of his own.


And Debbie, who runs a woman's shelter, has helped countless of women, but seems unable to help herself.


Alison Stobel has taken three people who are dealing with very real life issues and brought them together in a way that will have you holding your breath as you turn the page. Your heart goes out to each character and their own situation. You can't help but get involved because any part of this plot could be from a part of your own life or someone you personally know.


I found myself pulling for Kim, Joshua and Debbie in each of their dilemmas. Kim was so weighted down by her guilt and making decisions based on that guilt. I just wanted to hug her and let her know she could let go and grab a hold of God instead.


Joshua was doing everything he could to be a good father and provide for his daughter, and his in-laws were making things so hard.


Then there's Debbie, how many women have I known like her? She's like that family member who just does for everyone and pours her heart out to those who other people ignore. She gives counseling and care to them, yet can't seem to get her own heart straight.


This is a wonderful story and the ending wasn't what I was expecting. I am so glad I read this book. It has encouraged me in my faith, knowing that no matter what, God is always in control and that no matter what, I can always turn to Him, in any given situation and He will make things right, His way, of course.


I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great novel about real people with real problems, who find a real solution. It will make you cry, make you angry, and encourage you, causing you to stretch your faith and believe in something impossible.

Rooms By James L. Rubart

Rooms by James L. Rubart is about a young man named Micah Taylor, a deceased uncle and a house on the Oregon coast. Micah's uncle leaves Micah an extraordinary house that was built specially for him. A house that has some special rooms.


Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy reading any of Frank Peretti's work, you will definitely like this book. The plot definitely has some great twists and turns.


The main character, Micah Taylor, is a successfully talented young man, who has inherited a house from an uncle he only met once in his life. The house is built in Canon Beach, Oregon, one of the most beautiful areas in the state. It's a place where Micah has lots of memories that he would rather forget and a place he really has no desire to return to.


James Rubart is an excellent story-teller and once you open this book and start reading it, you won't be able to put it down. The characters in this book come alive and real and you become a part of the story and the story becomes a part of you.


It will challenge your faith and what you believe, just as Micah is challenged in his faith. If your faith is at an all-time low, this will definitely give you hope and a direction to go in to strengthen your faith.


Suspense, intrigue, romance, hope, love, mysteries and more mysteries.... this book has it all.