Disclosure: These books were provided to me at no cost in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Today I'm sharing some very late reviews of two new releases. first up, The Best Summer of Our Lives.
In 1977, best friends Summer, Spring, Autumn, and Snow were supposed to have a fun few months together before going off to college. But they end up having to do court appointed community service after a prank goes very wrong. Summer's mom runs a camp for girls out in the middle of nowhere, so Summer and her friends are shipped off their for 8 weeks. This group of friends are so close, and they tell each other everything...or do they? Each young woman has her own secrets and hidden fears. A terrible tragedy takes place at a girl scout camp nearby, and now things are on lockdown. Tensions are high, and the friends group starts to get on each other's nerves. Secrets are spilled, friendship is tested, and self discovery takes places. Fast forward 20 years and the friend group is not as close as they once were. Summer is still trying to make it in the music business, and finds herself back near the camp of her youth. Once tainted with bad memories, this place can now be one of healing and reconciliation.
What I liked about the book:
From the start, it was very captivating. I wanted to know more, so I kept reading and couldn't put it down. I usually don't like books that jump between years but the author blended the 1977 timeline very well with the 1997 one. The characters are all unique and contribute equally, although Summer is really the star. There was a lot of mystery to this story too.
What I didn't like:
I believed this was a Christian book, since it is published by Bethany House/Baker Publishing. However, I did not find a single Bible verse, and any references to God were kind of vague. There is a scene where Summer seems to hallucinate meeting someone dubbed The Preacher, which we are to believe is Jesus. But this whole thing is kind of unclear. The book contains premarital sex (a teenager says she is pregnant) and references to a "long list of lovers". There was some heavy stuff in the book. I really wish I knew in advance about the murders that take place, because I might not have been inclined to read it. I'm not giving any spoilers, but the book talks a lot about a true event in which a group of Girl Scouts were attacked and murdered while they slept in tents. I did not want to read details of that! Another part that was hard to read was when someone considers suicide by drowning.
Final thoughts:
Even though there was a lot I did not like reading here, the book was still good. It was very gripping and well written. I enjoyed sitting outside in the summer sun reading this. I probably won't read it again but I will bring it to my family cottage for others to enjoy.
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Next up is a Biblical fiction story by Angela Hunt. I've read some of her work before and enjoy it.
This story focuses on Euodia, whom we briefly read about inscripture. Angela Hunt's The Woman from Lydia gives a rich backstory to this character. Euodia is a dye collector and garment maker, who employs a lot of other women so they can make a decent income. Even though she has slaves, she has granted their freedom and they choose to stay in her household. Euodia has encountered Paul the Apostle and feels convicted to help people in need, specifically women and children. Hector is a Roman soldier who has now retired and plans to become very wealthy. His plans involve exploiting a young slave girl he owns since she is able to tell the future. But she becomes useless to him after Paul heals her! Hector's business partner is a co-owner of this young girl and he decides to sell her to Eudoia. Euodia plans to give the girl freedom, but when Hector finds out what happened, he goes to get the girl back. He believes he can have her gift of fortune telling restored so he sets out on a trip, but Euodia is determined to rescue the girl. Can she do it? Will the girl survive the trip? Will Hector manage to stay a couple steps ahead, thwarting Euodia's efforts?
What I liked:
Angela Hunt always writes so well! You can tell she has done a lot of research for historical context and to make the characters seem authentic. While we don't really know much about the real Euodia, I think Angela gives us a good idea of who she might be. There was a lot of nice imagery describe in the book and I liked the pronunciation guide for certain words at the start. All the "good guys" are likable and engaging. There was a lot of adventure and suspense as well.
What I didn't like:
I can't think of anything!
Final thoughts:
If you like Biblical fiction, I recommend this book. Keep in mind there are scenes of dark magic, violence, and scary situations, but that is all integral to the story.
"Books have been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
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