Then the Deluge Comes by Caryl McAdoo

Then the Deluge Comes is volume two in The Generations Series. You do not need to read these in order, but it is fun to read these along with the events in the Bible. This Biblical fiction story about the flood brings Enoch, Mehtuselah, Lamech, and Noah to life. I feel like I am there as they are getting the ark ready for the flood to come. Reading about Noah's mother, and Noah's sons and where their wives came from opened up a view of their lives and the events that led to the building of the ark.

When Enoch is taken up, he visits with an ancient angel. These insights bring depth to the biblical story. Who where Noah's sons' wives? Where did they come from? What tools did they use to build the ark? While gathering pitch, preparing the ark, and getting the food ready, Caryl McAdoo's story brings God to life. He spoke to Noah, he helped them build the ark, He shut the door. While in the ark, Noah's wife thinks on Adam's remarkable job of naming all the animals. Could you imagine being there on the ark, with all the animals, knowing God was going to destroy the earth and everything in it? I felt Noah's ache knowing God had given up on any of his distant kin ever repenting. He knew the sons of Cain were still out there, but they never believed in God and were not saved.

Noah's mother painted an ark before God told Noah to build it, but she didn't know what it was. Noah tells her God told me to build an ark. When his mother asked what is it, he answered, your painting. God supplies before we even know we have need. As they are building the ark, everything comes into place, all the animals are there, the food is ready. But they can't get the door shut. It is too heavy. Then the finger of God shut the door of the ark. Where will the water come from? Noah's mother got to watch the waters come up from the deep.

This is my favorite part of Caryl McAdoo's books: Search the Scriptures, after the story. this part tells how the Bible backs up the fictional story. She relates scripture after scripture. It is like a mini Bible lesson. I look forward to many more books by this author. For an encouraging, uplifting, and eye-opening read, I recommend Then the Deluge Comes.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tatiana (Upward Way Chronicles Book 1) by Madeline Brock

I loved this book by Madeline Brock. I fell in love with Tatiana and couldn't wait to see what she would get into next. She was born in 1831 and was named for a fairy queen. She lived up to her name by being spoiled by family members and feeling like she should always get her way. Her older sisters help take care of her since their daddy works and their mother died. Jonny Creek shows up at church one morning, and Tatiana goes to sit with him, this intriguing stranger. She is very outspoken and forthright, not understanding decorum and social niceties.

However, at a young age, she gives her childlike, sinful heart to Jesus to make clean again. She would have to continually ask God to forgive her for her rash tongue, for acting before she thought, and for being headstrong. At 11, this is a huge feat, but with grit, determination, and persistence, she follows what she believes God has called her to be. At 13, she talks to a friend of hers about Jesus and how he made her heart clean. At 14, she goes to take care of a couple of kids whose mother has died. Tatiana is an inspiration.

When she returns at age 17, Tatiana is a more mature woman and she and Jonny reconnect. But what of Robert? He likes her as well. What would God have her do? Which of these men is the man God has for her? How can Tatiana know for sure?

Forgiveness runs throughout this story. God is a God of compassion, "He knows your heart and He loves you just the same." Tatiana knows who has her heart, but should she settle for the man she knows or wait on God? As she lives her life, her story drew me in. I laughed, cried, and cheered as I read. Can't wait to read more by Madeline Brock!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Chance for Moonlight by Ella Dement

Kaitlin Petofi works at her family's cafe and bakery. Joe O'Reilly is a Merchant Marine, active duty. His existence feels uninhabited. Can Kaitlin bring life and hope and joy to him?

Beryl Gaelridge has had trouble in her past and James Tolbot came to her rescue. Can he help her put her life back together and forge a future with him?

Bram Gaelridge is a speaker at a conference and is Beryl's half-brother. Thalia Petofi is Kaitlin's cousin and is Bram's debate opponent, among other things.

I fell in love with these characters and would love to read more about them. You get to know so much about them in this short story. I wasn't ready for it to end. Their stories deal with real life issues like domestic violence, being an orphan, and sharing a life together. I was drawn in by the characters' dialogues and the situations they had to deal with. Beryl and James were my favorites. I could feel Beryl's pain, frustration, and fear. Would love to read more about these characters and can't wait to read more by this author!

I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Paisley's Pattern by LoRee Peery

God has a sense of humor. He would have to. How else could you explain it? Paisley Robbins lives in the same town as Robin Paisley. Paisley moved around a lot with her mother. She figured that was just the way things are. Robin has no idea how he got his name. He is angry about his past, always struggling that he never knew who his father was. Paisley gets Robin's mail. They fall in love. But then, their past, their fears, and their doubts tear them apart.

Robin Paisley has stopped talking to his mother. She would never talk about his father. He has so much bitterness about his past God can't move in his future. He has lost the one woman he loved. Paisley is his exact opposite and she couldn't live with his seriousness, bitterness, and the chip on his shoulder. Can Robin turn all his bitterness over to God?

Paisley gets a job tagging items for a sale in a house for her aunt. She is used to picking up and moving every 6 months growing up with her mother. But now, what would it be like to set down roots and live somewhere permanently? If Robin could come to terms with his past and let God fill his heart with joy, could she marry him?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. This is a wonderful story of two characters figuring out who they are. Paisley and Robbin need to let God's Word speak to their heart, to let His love shine through them. Paisley discovers long buried secrets in the house. Will it bring Paisley and Robin closer together or tear them further apart?

I loved the characters; the real life situations, their struggles, pulled me into their story. Another great book by LoRee Peery!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.