historical fiction

Looking for a new author or new book? I found one for you that I really liked and think you will, also. Have any of you read any of Kimberley Woodhouse’s books? Her new one is a 256 page paperback by Barbour that will teach you as it moves you back a few centuries. Filled with romance, encouragement, faith, adventure and history this novel stook me on an emotional roller coaster. Only great books do that.

The Mayflower Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower (book 1) by author Kimberley
Woodhouse is a lovely Christian fiction filled with history, adventure, and overflowing with sweet romance. It is the first I have read by this author and I found it to be just wonderful. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and felt transported back in time. Her characters were well described and so was the scenery. I learned a lot of that about that time period that I did not know. Best of all this is a Christian author that wrote Christian fiction giving glory to God.

This is the tale of the Mayflower ship’s journey to America. It is also the story of Mary Elizabeth and William, a sweet young couple. I felt for them each time a new death was discovered. When they gathered strength from God and each other, I breathed a sign of relief. I was invested in this book! The author brings to words what the early colonist were willing to risk for freedom of religion, upon which our country was founded. It is a stark, frank reminder of what was sacrificed for our freedom which today is often overlooked.

As you probably remember from history, the Mayflower ship brought settlers to America in the 1600s. In this book readers join them. The author’s characters of Mary Elizabeth and William are fictional. However she incorporated the stories of many of those aboard the actual Mayflower. Think of a “based on a true story” type book.

Throughout this book I was reacquainted with the Separatists who traveled on the Mayflower. The strife and trials they faced before leaving England and while on the ocean are heart wrenching. This book reminded me of just how hard that must have been. Their faith was tested and strengthened time after time. They tightly clung to hope and to God. It is a true lesson in faith and hope.

The Mayflower Bride is fantastic. I love Christian historical romance novels. Check! This one is just that. I enjoy learning new things when reading and especially like books that have a good Christian message. Check, check! It hit those two marks, also. If you like a book filled with adventure, history, sweet romance, faith, and inspiration, then this book is for you. I highly recommend it and honestly rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Are you beginning the year with a resolution to read more books? I enjoy books that teach me things, encourage me, strengthen my Walk, and provide a little time away from my day to day life. If you do, too, let me introduce you to one that comes out January 16th. “Isaiah’s Daughter” by author Mesu Andrews is a fabulous Christian novel. I loved everything about it. This paperback by Waterbrook Publishers has a striking cover that immediately took me back to Old Testament times. There is a hefty total of 384 pages that might sound like a lot but they absolutely flew by. This novel was an absolute page turner. I could not put it down and yet did not want it to end. Author Andrews is a truly gifted wordsmith and gently lifts readers out of their chairs to place them smack dab in the middle of her setting. I felt like I was there in Israel and Judah myself.

“Isaiah’s Daughter” by author Mesu Andrews is a fabulous Christian novel. This paperback by Waterbrook Publishers has a striking cover and is a hefty 384 pages that absolutely flew by. I could not put it down and yet did not want it to end. Author Andrews is a truly gifted wordsmith and gently lifts readers out of their chairs to place them smack dab in the middle of her setting. I felt like I was there myself.

Her latest novel is the tale of a young woman that has been taken into Isaiah’s household. Ishma is adopted by Isaiah and her name changed to Zibah, which means delight of the Lord. Isaiah is a prophet during a time when Israel has become divided in its religion. The North has turned its back on God and now worships false, pagan gods. The South, Judah, has remained faithful to Yahweh. It was a turbulent time.

Reading this book gave me a glimpse into the life and struggles of the Israelites. There was a big struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, worshipping God or the idols. That is why Abba sent prophets to speak to men and turn them from their wicked ways. In her wonderfully written novel, the author tells us the love story of Judah’s King Hezekiah and Queen Hephzibah as well as the love story of Yahweh for His people. It teaches us about the culture and customs of that time. Her book encourages us to put our trust in God now, even as they did in Old Testament times.

Characters in “Isaiah’s Daughter” absolutely come alive because of the writing. They are well defined so that each one is like a new friend that I have just made. Dialogue rings true to what I imagined it would be back then. The book is written in a narrative. I liked that as it made me feel closer to the characters. Not much is written about or know of women from biblical times. Men are deemed more important and recorded. Reading about a woman was nice.

I highly recommend this book. It has so much to offer. If you like romance, history, inspiration, learning, adventure, suspense, intrigue, and having a Bible story come to life, this book is for you. It would be great for a book club. So many things were in it that I wanted to discuss with my reading friends. You will, also. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Preorder yours before January 16th to receive goodies!

Find a Book Friday: The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Find a Book Friday: “Isaiah’s Daughter” by Mesu Andrews