The Immortal Nicholas

By Glenn Beck

Before he was Father Christmas he was simply a father.

Author Glenn Beck realized years ago that somewhere along the way, his four children had become more focused on Santa than the meaning of Christmas. No matter how he tried, he could not redirect their attention away from presents and elves to the manger instead.

Glenn didn’t want to be the Grinch who spoiled the magic of Kris Kringle, so he had to find a unique way to turn his kids back toward the true meaning of Christmas. He decided the best place to start was by first turning Santa himself back toward Christ.

That was when one of America’s best storytellers began to craft a tale that would change everything his kids thought they knew about Santa—the incredible story he went on to tell them that Christmas Eve spans over a thousand years and explains the meaning behind the immortality and generosity of the man named Claus.

The Immortal Nicholas has now been expanded and reimagined into this novel for adults; a novel full of drama, history, legend, and heart. From the snowy mountains of western Asia, to the deserts of Egypt, to Yemen’s elusive frankincense-bearing boswellia trees, this is an epic tale that gives the legend of Santa a long overdue Christ-centered mission.

In this novel, Glenn Beck fundamentally transforms the figure that the world now mainly associates with shopping, all while staying true to the real story of the baby who brought redemption and salvation to the entire world.

When I saw this book last Christmas I was excited to see what Glenn Beck had done with the legend of Santa Claus. I was expecting a tale of redemption, warmth, and that special feeling that comes with Christmas. I was disappointed to find that, while this book is first rate and has a long and engrossing tale to tale, it was not what I wanted out of a Christmas book. The “Santa” of the story is a man who experiences loss of every kind, and must find a way to live and keep living, for he discovers that he has become immortal. It is a tale of survival and cruelty, of family, love, and hope. As stated, it is a good novel and story, but not a feel good read. There is a lot of battle, bloodshed and cruelty in this book and it focuses a lot on the misery and difficulty of life. Of course Glenn does introduce Jesus Christ at one point and His teachings. It just fell flat for me, which was disappointing.

It gets a 3 out of 5

The Fairest Beauty

By Melanie Dickerson

Sophie has long wished to get away from her stepmother’s jealous anger, and believes escape is her only chance to be happy. Then a young man named Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, and everything twists upside down. This could be her chance at freedom—but can she trust another person to keep her safe?

Gabe knows he defied his parents Rose and Wilhelm by going to find Sophie, and now he believes they had a right to worry: the orphan girl has stolen his heart. Though romance is impossible—she is his brother’s future wife and Gabe himself is betrothed to someone else—he promises to himself he will keep her safe, no matter what.

When the pair are forced to run to the Cottage of the Seven, they find help—but also find their feelings for each other have grown. Can they find a way to protect Sophie while also safeguarding their hearts?

I have found myself, like I so often do, devouring a series of books that I have found enjoyable to read. This is the latest in the series from Dickerson that I’ve read, based on the fairy tale Snow White. Her re-tellings are more fact-based and down to earth. Not magical, but practical. The villains are just people with evil intent. The good people are God-fearing and kind. I had a little trouble with this story because I liked Gabe but he seemed really wishy-washy. We’re told that he’s irresponsible and rash, but the whole time we as readers know him he is nothing but kind, respectful, and responsible. I was thrown by this, and a little irritated. Sophie is your typical nice sort of blah character. This wasn’t my favorite from Dickerson, but it doesn’t mean I won’t keep reading her books (eventually. I’m taking a break). Although it was fun to read about Rose and Wilhelm's children.

I give it a 3 out of 5 

Love's Enduring Promise

By Janette Oke

Clark and Marty, the pioneer couple initially thrown together after the deaths of their first mates, now preside over a growing number of youngsters in their prairie home. You will laugh and cry with them as they face the joys and trials of life on a homesteader’s farm. Will they find a suitable teacher for the long-awaited new school? Is the “very learned” Eastern preacher going to be able to communicate with the simpler people of the West? How can they comfort the neighbors whose long-awaited only child brings such sorrow to their home? How do Clark and Marty guide their lovely daughter, now grown to womanhood, in her choice of a partner?

I find myself really enjoying this series. They are comforting and simple. I like reading about the pioneer family, and look forward to the next book which continues the story with Missy. While the first book is more about Marty and Clark exclusively, this book goes a little more into the lives of the people in the small community. There is a cohesion about it that is endearing and you find yourself rolling your eyes at some neighbors, and thoroughly loving others. The best part about this book is the quiet faith that is written into their lives. I’ve read Christian fiction that was so overtly religious and in your face that it felt false. This has a simple day-to-day faith that really appeals to me personally as a Christian, but it also has plenty to offer non-Christians as well, which is why it works so well. It’s just about life in this pioneer town and how they deal with the good and the bad that they face each day. Great series about life, love, religion, family, and everything in-between.

I give it a 3.75 out of 5

And yes, it is also a movie.

The Healer's Apprentice

By Melanie Dickerson

A young healer’s apprentice named Rose believes she will never marry…until she meets Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of her village. Hamlin is everything she could ever want—kind, understanding, and a man of faith—but her low station and the fact that he’s already betrothed to a mysterious woman makes their romance impossible. As Lord Hamlin seeks to find the sorcerer who cursed his future bride, Rose’s life spins toward confusion. A creative retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale.

This was my first read from Melanie Dickerson, whom I’ve been trying to read for about a year now. After reading this book I promptly read two more of her books. I’m a nerd about fairy-tale retellings. This was an interesting take, putting a Christian spin on the fairy tale as well as a medieval historical setting was intriguing. I was right there loving the story and the faith behind the characters up until the very end. Without spoiling anything, I just got uncomfortable. Demons came into play, and I’m really antsy about occult stuff. I like magic and fantasy as much as the next Harry Potter fanatic, but when someone starts in on possessions, pentagrams, and black magic, I back away as quickly as possible. This towed the line for me. In fact, it tainted an otherwise very likeable story.

Overall I give it a 3.5 out of 5 (would’ve been higher if not for the above mentioned stuff) 

The Merchant's Daughter

By Melanie Dickerson

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf’s bailiff—a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff’s vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf’s future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

Hey look, I found another retelling of Beauty and the Beast! This is a Christian themed, and medieval set telling of the fairy tale. It is the second book written by Melanie Dickerson, The first of which is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. While I worried at first that Dickerson favored having her heroines’ virtue come into jeopardy, I was relieved to note that she always has them rescued and never has it go anywhere beyond being chased and sometimes hit. Being Christian myself, I enjoyed the religious aspect of this novel, especially how God answers Annabel’s petition to be able to read the Bible through placing her in a position to read it to Lord Ranulf. I particularly enjoyed the perspective of someone reading the Bible for the first time, it was sweet and endearing. Lord Ranulf’s back story was different than any other “Beast” character than I’d previously read and that made me like the story quite a lot more than I would have, but at the same time I didn’t like the story as much as The Healer’s Apprentice because of the horrible Bailiff that had ill intentions towards Annabel, which made me nervous the entire time I was reading. For a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it was alright, though not a favorite.

I give this a 3.5 out of 5- mostly for the religious aspect that I appreciated. 

Love Comes Softly

By Janette Oke

Marty and Clem set out for the pioneer West full of hopes and dreams. They would stake a claim of their own on the new frontier, and build a home for themselves and their family.  But just after they'd arrived and Clem had chosen the perfect setting for their new home, an accident took his life...leaving Marty alone and pregnant. Then, on the day of his funeral, Clark Davis came along...and asked Marty to marry him!
Marty was infuriated -- but with no money, no shelter, and a baby on the way, what choice did she have? Besides, Clark said he only wanted her to be a mama to his baby girl, Missie. If Marty was still unhappy come spring, he would pay for her ticket back East. Determined not to be a burden to Clark, and intending only to earn her keep. Marty threw herself into her new role of "Mama." But she had never been anyone's mama before, and she didn't even know how to keep a house! If only she could do right by this lonely man and his daughter just long enough to earn her train fare back home...
Now, Marty must learn wholeness and love through patience and faith.

I decided that I would read this book after seeing how many people have loved and watched the television movies of the books, and knowing that usually the books are better than the movies, I had to try them out. At first I thought it was worse than the movie because I had difficulty getting used to the dialogue. “thet” instead of “that”, Iffin, askin’ and a bunch of other words that made what I had thought of as more educated characters difficult to read. I admit it, I was annoyed by the ignorant way they spoke, and wished that the author would’ve just written in plainer English. But, thankfully, the plot and story grabbed my attention, putting those oh so important details that movies always miss into the story, and the language became endearing. I found myself loving Marty’s realization of love for Clark, and her desire to know Clark’s God. It was a lovely read, despite my early annoyance at the language.

I give it a 3.75 out of 5

By Darkness HId

By Jill Williamson
Half of Er’Rets is locked beneath an impenetrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young people struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them.

It’s called bloodvoicing. Some say it’s a gift.

Achan has been a slave all his life. Worse than a slave—a stray. He is consigned to the kitchens of a lord and forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword to not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.

Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to avoid capture by the powerful forces that seek to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.

While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell’s true identities—and a different kind of voice is calling them both.

Toward a destination that is by darkness hid.



This is your basic story of good vs. evil with the unsuspecting hero being the lowest of the low. its 500 pages. I found myself needing to know what was happening to Achan and Vrell. Most of the time when a book is told from two perspectives I find myself liking one over the other, but in this case I liked both for different reasons which surprised me. After reading it I found out it is supposed to be Christian fiction, which after the fact I can see, but it wasn’t too heavily laced with it. It’s filled with fun characters and packed with action. Good read.



3 ½ out of 5 for being entertaining

To Darkness Fled

By Jill Williamson


They have no choice. Chased by an evil prince, Achan, Vrell, and the kinsguard knights flee into darkness. They head north, for Tsaftown and Ice Island, where they must free an army that can help them fight for Er’Rets.

Darkness sickens Vrell. How long can she keep her secret without being caught? Achan already suspects her of lying. If she is not careful, he will suspect her of treason as well. She hopes he will let his suspicions go until they reach her home.

Achan wanted freedom, but this new journey has bound him more than ever. Sir Gavin’s claims are so far fetched. First, that there might only be one God, and second, that this God chose Achan to push back Darkness, the magnificent curse of Er’Rets. Him. Achan. Barely a man himself.



So the second installment of the Blood of Kings trilogy wasn’t as good as the first one for me. I found myself just as enthralled and wanting to read to the bitter end, but the story itself was kinda…weird. There are a ton more references to Christianity, and some of which were off from my own beliefs so it had me wrinkling my nose in disagreement and saying, “no no no! That’s not right.” I found myself doubting that the voice of God would really yell at a kid that is just learning about Him, even if he’s supposed to be king. The dynamics of the story are still good, but the heavy theme of darkness was overdone at times and made me wince. Still, I ended up finishing the book. Also: frustration with Vrell for being a freaking idiot. Just tell the poor kid who you are. For me that whole plot line would’ve been better if there was more of an explanation for her unwillingness to reveal her identity to the boy she loves than simply ‘being afraid’. I needed a better/more of an explanation.


3 ½ out of 5 just for a few lines I really liked.

From Darkness Won

By Jill Williamson


Achan steps into his role as Crown Prince and prepares for war. But war against whom? Could Esek still be alive? Has Lord Nathak taken Esek’s place? Or is the mysterious Hadad the true enemy Achan must confront?

Vrell has her own agenda of serving Prince Oren as a healer, but when she is stormed and lost to the Veil, Achan does all he can to bring her back. His conversations with her are strange, though, as if she has no memory of who he is.

In a land consumed by Darkness, the fate of Er’Rets hangs in the balance as Achan endeavors to take the throne and end the reign of Darkness.



The end nears! I enjoyed this book better than the last one, but not as much as the first of the series. Achan has (finally) decided to believe wholeheartedly in Arman (God) and trust that things will work out whatever happens. This book takes us through the final battles and the final resolution for Er’Rets (which is the weirdest name if I can say that) and for Achan and Vrell. It was a good ending, but kinda lacking at the same time. I can’t really tell people to definitely go out and read this series simply because it wasn’t written very well as a whole. It had its moments but let me down in other respects as to plot line and development. It was a solid average series, and I’ve never read a Christian fiction before that wasn’t LDS (Latter-Day Saint) so it was a bit strange for me. Overall though it was fun to read and I’m not sorry I read it, but can’t really say drop everything and go get it.


3 out of 5 for the series

The Evolution of Thomas Hall

By Kieth Merrill

Thomas Hall is an artist with astonishing talent- and a vainglorious sense of self. Since his days as a child prodigy he has reveled in recognition and believed in his inevitable destiny. Chosen. Entitled. He presumes his artistic brilliance deserves a lavish life of independence, fast cars and drop-dead gorgeous women. Thomas Hall wants it all and more.
Destiny has other plans. When “Cass,” the woman from the Healing Place, walks into his life, nothing can ever be the same again.
Thomas finds himself faced with a challenge he could never have imagined, suspended between the snarling beasts of his fanciful imagination that belie the existence of God and the undaunted faith of a little girl named Christina. What he discovers about the child’s harrowing escape from death- and the impossibility of what happened at the bottom of the cliff- brings him face-to-face with the most frightening question of his life.

Do you believe in God? That's the question that everyone seems to be asking Thomas Hall lately. He doesn't get why it's so important, yet he is unnerved and desperately wants to keep living in agnostic bliss. An incredibly talented artist, Thomas is comissioned to paint the evolution of man at a science museum, and at the same time a mural depicting Jesus Christ for a children's wing in a hospital. Thomas has always put 100% of himself into his work, but has drifted toward fantasy and comercial art versus the higher art that everyone seems to think he capable of. This book follows Thomas' evolution from egotistical artist to a gentle gifted soul. This book was very very well written. There are a lot of references to pop-culture (Mr. Merrill is a movie producer) and the characters are all too believable as individuals. There was a lot of research done for this book. I particularly enjoyed how Thomas sees everyone as blocked off pieces of art with specific colors used in oil painting. Thomas' evolution is very personal and believable and touching. There was only 1 thing that truly makes me caution the reader. There are quite a few instances at the start where religious references are made in a crude and disrespectful way; particularly about Jesus Christ. There is also some swearing. I admit, I started skipping the tirades of the Darwin-loving scientist who hated all religious minded people. It was pretty aweful for anyone even slightly religious. Other than that, this book was very good and gives one warm-fuzzies at the end.