The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim

For starters, I had this book on my to-read list ever since I saw the cover.  I knew just from that cover that this book would probably be one that I would enjoy. I'm so glad that I was right!  This is definitely one of my top books I've read lately.

The characters are very easy to relate to in this book. I think that's what makes that is what makes this book so good and hard to put down. Even though we all may have different problems than the ones in this book, we all can relate to the need for forgiveness and the guilt and pride that we face way too often in our own lives.  The story isn't new, but it's completely different in the light of being put in the Mennonite community.  Rachel refuses to give up the name of her son's father.  She wants forgiveness, but her pride gets in the way. 

Jolina Petersheim writes in such a way that is refreshing because it isn't seen very often.  She switches between the perspectives of Rachel and a recently deceased bishop.  I thought I wouldn't like the perspective of the bishop because it sounded a little weird, but I did.  It actually added a lot to the book and I can't imagine he book without his perspective.  I saw that she has a sequel coming out soon, and it'll be one I will be anxiously waiting until I can get my hands on a copy!
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I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Unbreakale by Nancy Mehl

The cover of this book is very intriguing.  I have to say that was what first drew me to read this book.  At first I thought it would be a scary suspense book, but I was glad to realize that it was indeed suspenseful but not scary.  Once I got into the first couple of chapters, I understood the cover and it helped to add some imagery to the story.

 

The story itself is unlike one I've read before.  I was gripped during the first chapter and couldn't put this book down.  I really like Amish/Mennonite stories, so the fact that it was based on a Mennonite community also made me want to read this book.

 

I found it very interesting to consider the concept of self-protection among the Mennonite community.  That is one issue that I've often wondered about.  I liked the conflicting thoughts between different members where some thought it was okay to protect their families and others in the community though that they should only rely on God.

 

I was glad that Hope followed her heart.  I originally liked Jonathan the most because he had rescued her from a certain death situation.  However,  I think that Ebbie won major points with me with his selflessness and how he wanted Hope to follow her heart and explore her heart.

 

This book is the second book in the Road to Kingdom series.  I haven't read the first book, but I'm now searching for it!

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You can buy this book at http://ow.ly/huFtI 

 

Meet Nancy:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She is also active on Facebook.

 

To read more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/nmehl

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.