Ransomed Dreams by Sally John

I just finished probably one of the most confusing Christian fiction books I have ever read. The story is told from first person point of view. I actually prefer that type of writing, normally. This book, it seemed to confuse the plot even more.
It is the story of a couple who used to be ambassadors of the United States to Venezuela. Suddenly, their lives are turned upside down by an assasination attempt. They are now in hidding in a remote Mexican town where no one, including family, can reach them. One day, a man walks back into their lives and brings news that will shatter what remains of their lives. Will they be able to recover from all the pain and the pain that is to come? Will their marriage ever be able to survive this?
My biggest complaint with this book is that the author unnecessarily-in my opinion-withholds information. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to know everything. I just want to be able to understand why they are asking each other the questions they do. If the story is told in first person, we should know what the storyteller knows. Keep the information the other characters have secret.
That being said, I think the book is good, just confusing. I am still deciding if I truelly liked the ending. But that is what makes it good for me. Sometimes, I want to read a story that could be real. Reality never ends like books do. To read a book that is more reality than fiction was nice.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James

I just finished Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James.
The main character of this story is Lily. She comes from a well-to-do family. She falls in love with her brother's friend Jack. But, they do not get married because he comes from a poor family. Fast forward a few years and now, he has made his fortune out west and has bought a publishing company. Unbeknownst to anyone, Lily is a writer for that publishing company writing "Dime novels". Her novels, unlike other ones of the same genre, have a moral and Christian theme to them. But, being a woman, she is not suposed to be doing anything so "scandalous" as writing and making money-especially writing "Dime novels". The only other hickup in Lily getting back together with Jack is that she is now engaged to another man. What is she to do? Will Lily and Jack ever get together?
I loved the setting of turn of the century America. I never thought about how Christians at that time had to watch their testimony even more than we do today. I did think it was funny that the author seemed to be defending herself writing "Christian Ficion". We seem to poo-poo Christian fiction writers-especially all of my guy friends! :) I thought the book was easy reading and fun. A great summer read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255