The Huaca/Marcia Mickelson

Synopsis:


    "Ellie Cummings just wants to feel normal. But since her mom's murder, everyone has been treating her differently. She turns to Gabe, the high school weirdo, who claims he can communicate with her dead mother. In this haunting mystery, your heartstrings will be tugged as Ellie takes a chance and discovers that the truth may be better kept a secret."

Review: 

    This is a YA novel. Ellie is trying to move past her mother's murder and move on with her life, but being a Junior in High School with all the drama that goes along with it, it proves somewhat difficult. Things are changing whether good or bad and she has to take it in stride. Add Gabe into the mix and it gets just plain weird. Ellie has to learn how to trust and who to trust, especially when she finds out the truth about who really killed her mother. The life she once knew is over.
    The Huaca is an ancient Incan relic that is said to be able to re-unite you with your loved ones who have passed on, but only at a price.....a blood price. That part in the book I did not enjoy, but it being a ritual then it was a must. I loved all the characters and how they played off each other. If you enjoy supernatural content and a good mystery then this is your book! Towards the end my pulse was racing and I needed the answers just as much as Ellie.

Esther the Queen/H.B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "When Esther is summoned to enter harem the first step toward becoming his wife Esther is torn between her desire to be with Xerxes and the knowledge that they will forever be divided by the secret of her Jewish heritage. Encouraged by her family to do what she must to help her people, she deftly navigates her new position in the palace, quickly becoming beloved by all including Xerxes. But when a treacherous plan threatens to engulf the kingdom in violence, Esther must choose between love and duty. Is she prepared to sacrifice all that she holds dear in order to save her people from certain annihilation?"

Review:

    Wow, this book was inspirational! I have always loved to story of Esther and what a powerful woman she was in her time. Heather takes you on a heart hammering journey in her depiction of this courageous heroin and her beliefs. I love the relationship between Esther and Xerxes and the development you see in their personalities from beginning to end. Haman is just evil and I got the shivers every time he popped up in the book.
    I have read several of Heather's books and it is not surprising that they just keep getting better every time she writes them. If you want to get into the minds of some of your favorite people from the Book of Mormon, then pick up Abinadi, Ammon, or even The Daughters of Jared (to name a few). Esther I believe is her first Bible novel. I am looking forward to seeing what new and fun stories she has in mind!

Love in Darkness/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

    "Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn’t go away. After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave.
    Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can’t fight fate. He is what he is. Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more.
    When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in."

Review:

    This is a sequel to Castles on the Sand, but is from Alex's point of view. What a tragic point of view it is too! I wasn't even half way through the book and I wanted to cry. The struggles that Alex has to deal with while taking care of his psychotic mother, and him now realizing he has the disease as well, is just heart breaking! He starts pushing people away, especially the love of his life Madison. He doesn't want her to have to take care of an insane person. He knows all about that having taken care of his mother pretty much his whole life, and he is only 21.  With help from those who love him, and those who once were his enemies, life has different plans for a closed off Alex.
    Like I said, this is a pretty sad read, but it ends perfectly! Having worked with special needs children and their different ailments, I feel the love that Alex has for those around him with disabilities. I am pretty sure that Emily had to do a lot of research to write this book. It was written and prepared with knowledge and care. Make sure that you read Castles on the Sand as well  so that you can truly understand how much Madison means to Alex and visa versa. Love IS the light in the darkness!