Havah: The Story of Eve by Tosca Lee

Have you ever wondered about the stories of the bible? Why did they end when they did...with so much left unsaid? Tosca Lee sought the answers to the story of the first woman in this fictional depiction of Adam and Eve.

Through beautiful prose, Lee depicts the Garden and the majesty of being in communion with God. We get to race the gazelle, rub the belly of the lion and understand the words of the animals.

This book is written as if you are listening to Havah tell her story - while reading her mind. We get to experience the words of the serpent and watch as Adam and Havah damn the world through that one fateful decision. We experience the pain of being forced to flee paradise and the confusion that results.

Adam and Havah must now figure out how to survive in a hostile world. They learn to live off of the land, build a home and bear children. They make many mistakes, but how could they not - they had no example to follow, no one to teach them.

We follow their lives as they seek to return to paradise and strive to return to their original relationship with the Lord, not understanding the separation caused by sin. They are forced to watch the world slowly decline as tempers flare, jealousy stirs and one son murders another. Has God turned His back on them?

I had a difficult time getting into this story at first. I made myself keep reading for the first few chapters, and I am so glad that I did. I wasn't sure how I would feel of a fictional depiction of a Biblical figure...but I absolutely loved this book. It is evident Tosca Lee did extensive research to support her theories and her imaginary paradise. As a result, she has created a riveting and powerful story of God's love, forgiveness and power.

Although we will only know the truth in heaven, Lee provides powerful answers to the questions of Eve's story. Why did she eat from the forbidden tree? Why did Adam? How many children did they have? Was Cain evil? What were they like as the first parents? This story had me in tears and gave me much to think about in regards to my own walk with the Lord.

I don't know what else to say other than that I strongly recommend this novel.

I received this book free from NetGalley.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Brides of Bonneterre by Kaye Dacus

From the author's website: Follow the lives and loves of a southern wedding planner and some of her fun-loving—but meddlesome—cousins in this contemporary romance series. Set in the fictional, quintessential southern city of Bonneterre, Louisiana, the Brides of Bonneterre series is filled with fun, food, family—and lots of romance! Although each volume deals with serious themes such as forgiveness and fear, the tone is lighthearted and humorous, with plenty of southern charm, wit, and wisdom mixed in.

Stand-In-Groom: Wedding planner, Anne Hawthorne, has always wanted to plan her own wedding. When she meets George Laurence, she thinks her single days may soon be behind her. George is a tall, good-looking Englishman - and a Christian. But, he turns out to be too good to be true. He is one of her clients.

With Anne planning a wedding for the man of her dreams, will she risk her heart for her own chance at happily-ever-after?

This book follows the typical plot layout of boy meets girl, boy and girl are obviously made for each other, but boy and girl have serious obstacles in their paths. However, this novel is so full of humor and romance, I just couldn't put it down. This story has a great supporting cast of characters (mainly members of Anne's huge family), leaving me anxious for the second book in the series!

Menu for Romance: Event Planner Meredith Guidry has been in love with Executive Chef Major O'Hara for the past eight years. Since they both work for Meredith's parents and Major is best friends with Meredith's older brother, the two are good friends. But nothing more.

Meredith makes a New Year's resolution to get over him and when she meets a hunky contractor on New Year's day, she takes that as a sign she's making the right decision. Will Major finally come clean with her...both about his feelings for her and about his biggest secret?

I love the characters in this series. They are so authentic and genuine. They seem to really care about each other and are easy for the readers to care about. I think Kaye Dacus writes funny, fun and romantic stories that are realistic and enjoyable. This story is no exception.

A Case For Love: Being the oldest in a large family had made Forbes Guidry feel responsible for his seven younger brothers and sisters. He is known as a control freak and can't help feeling as though he needs to solve all his family's problems.

But when the beautiful Alaine Delacroix accuses Forbes' parents of putting her parents’ garden center out of business and endangering other local-business owners, Forbes will have to decide if he can let God take control of his own life.

And, can the two fall in love even if they are pitted against each other?

This book was probably my favorite in the series. We got to hear more about the couples in the first two books of the series as well as learn about Forbes, who plays a role in all of the books. Kaye Dacus is not afraid to have her characters go through hard times and to have them learn to lean on God through trials and tribulations...just like real life. I would definitely recommend this book as a great Christian romance!

The series: Overall, I really enjoyed this series. I found it to be a lighthearted, easy read full of humor and love. Kaye Dacus seems to write books on a segment of the population often missing from romance stories - single women in their 30s who have never been married. I found her characters to be well developed and their chosen professions to be well researched. The characters were realistic and dealt with real-life issues.

Each book presents the point of view of two separate character and shows how they grow in life, love and faith to reach a point where each is ready for the other at the same time.

I recommend these books and only wish there were more stories in the series!