What I'm reading

Here's something a bit different. I'm in the middle of a bunch of books. Book you'll love. Rather than wait until I'm done with all of them, here's teaser. Reviews to come later...I never used to think I read multiple books at a time. Boy, was I wrong! And I seem to be on a historical kick, though there's a fun mix of books.

Daisy Chain, Defiance, Texas Trilogy #1 By Mary E. DeMuth / Zondervan The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this gritty and compelling story of love and sorrow, revealing God's hand of redemption in impossible situations. Lyrical fiction from a bright new literary talent. Cara here: Mary is an amazing writer -- each word strung together in a deliberate and beautiful way...haunting story so far.

Love's First Light By Jamie Carie Christophi, the Count of St. Laurent, has lost his entire family to the blood-soaked French Revolution and must flee to an ancient castle along the southern border of France to survive. But the medieval city of Carcassonne proves more than a hiding place. Here Christophi meets the beautiful widow Scarlett, a complex and lionhearted woman suddenly taken by the undercover aristocrat's passion for astronomy and its influence upon his faith. Although their acquaintance begins brightly enough, when the Count learns that Scarlett is related to the man who murdered his family, he turns from love and chooses revenge. Heaven only knows what it might take for Christophi to love again, to love his enemy, and to love unconditionally. Cara here: This book starts in the throes of the bloody French Revolution and then turns into a romance that seems fated to fail...I'll let you know when I finish. Jamie is one of my favorite historical writers -- absolutely gripping.

A Claim of Her Own By Stephanie Grace Whitson It's 1876, and 20-year-old Mattie Flynn is determined to make a fresh start after fleeing from her sinister boss in the gambling house where she was employed as a singer. Mattie travels to Deadwood, South Dakota, in search of her younger brother, who went ahead of her in hopes of making a fortune in the gold mines. All Mattie wants is a safe and respectable life for the two of them, but that doesn't seem to be her destiny as she faces more heartache and trials. Will the suspicious bottles of gold dust from her brother's claim be the key to her future...or does the handsome street preacher, who is always turning the other cheek, truly hold the answers to her deepest longings? Cara here: Stephanie has written a great historical that sweeps me away to Deadwood SD and the gold rush. Can't wait to see how all the twists work out!

Michal, Wives of King David Series #1 By Jill Eileen Smith As the daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege--but one that is haunted by her father's unpredictable moods and by competition from her beautiful older sister. When Michal falls for young David, the harpist who plays to calm her father, she has no idea what romance, adventures, and heartache await her. Cara here: I've always thought Biblical fiction would be difficult to write, but Jill pulls it off. A tale that will sweep you back to the life of David...

The Woman of Mystery: Unveiling the Secret to True Romance By Hayley DiMarco You once thought that your life would be filled with love and adventure . . . but now all that seems to have passed you by. DiMarco says, not so fast! With her trademark warmth and candor, she reveals the secret to true romance and helps you become the captivating, self-confident, graceful woman you long to be. Cara here: This is a non-fiction and very intriguing. What woman doesn't want to have the allure of mystery surrounding her?

Sweet Waters, Otter Bay Series #1 By Julie Carobini After her fiance dumps her, her sister relocates to Manhattan, and her mother remarries, Tara decides to move from Missouri to her childhood home of Otter Bay, California. But as she settles in and finds a new flame in firefighter Trent, she discovers shocking family secrets that could turn her fairy-tale life into a soap opera. Cara here: I am loving this book -- It's one of my running buddies since it's an ARC I can beat up LOL. There's a hint of mystery, layer of romance, and heart.

Dear Mom: Everything Your Teenage Daughter Wants You to Know But Will Never Tell You By Melody Carlson Popular teen girls' novelist Melody Carlson helps moms cut through murky and uncharted waters so you can hear what your daughter is really trying to tell you through her anger, silence, and mixed messages. Dear Mom focuses on your daughter's heart and soul. Get to know her hopes and fears, doubts and dreams about her identity, guys, friendships, and even you. You can connect on a deeper, more intimate level that will carry both you and your daughter through the stormy seas of life. Cara here: I scanned this book in a night and found it very compelling. What do teenagers think and how can we as parents reach out to them in a way that encourages a healthy relationship. Very easy to read, but also very packed with great information.

The Eyam Factor By Walt Larimore & Paul McCusker A top-secret group of forensic scientists investigates the past to save the future when a deadly plague infects innocent people. But as they study how an English village survived the 17th-century Black Death, they encounter 21st-century grave robberies, grisly murders, and a ghost! Who's trying to stop them from learning the truth---and why? Cara here: This book is one reason the others are still in process. It's a suspense on a global scale -- had some Clancyesque feel to it. LOVED it! Not for the faint of heart. Releases in August.