Review: Anointed

Anointed

"After a terrible car accident, sixteen-year-old Rachel awakens with no memories and is shocked to discover she’s become the newest resident of a mystical Cloaked City called BethEl. She quickly begins to feel at home in the mysterious town with her supernaturally gifted neighbors, especially Cohen, the handsome boy who found her. But Rachel’s new life is haunted by disturbing nightmares. 

When her new Mentor hears of these horrific visions, he believes they are more than mere dreams. They are the key to finding the long-promised Anointed—the one who will prepare the way for the return of the Messiah.

As the quest for the Anointed ensues, Rachel and her new friends are thrust directly into the center of a spiritual war. But as Rachel learns to use her dreams and newfound spiritual gifts, she begins to distinguish her memories from the nightmares that plague her. And what she discovers is even more terrifying. Now, as her past collides with her present, Rachel must fight to not only find and rescue the Anointed, but to save herself."

Author: H.R. Hutzel
Genre: Spiritual Fantasy
Series: BethEl (book 1)

"A mysterious car accident. A mystical city. 

She can’t remember anything, but they need her to remember everything."

This is a very tricky genre to navigate. There is a stigma around it, as much as there is around biblical fiction. Here's what I want people to know...this stuff they write about, is REAL! The spiritual warfare they write about it so real. 

This genre is normally a hit or miss for me. I don't gravitate towards it on a normal basis, but I'm glad I gave this book a try! I was instantly drawn into the world every time I opened the book. Time slipped away and I was sad when I would have to set the book down. 

I definitely felt the inspiration of Frank Peretti throughout the story, though the story line was still unique. 

Each plot line had another deeper meaning behind it, and they slowly untangled through the process of the story and the final connection was GREAT! This book handled so many topics beautifully. It dealt strongly with spiritual warfare, and the fight between Light and darkness. It also handled topics of your past not defining you, and God calls who He calls no matter their past.
There were even themes that were so relevant to today's real world, it was a bit freaky.
*This is a heavily "end time" based book, so if that makes you uncomfortable this probably isn't the series for you.*

The characters were GREAT! Even the villains were developed. There was the perfect amount of character development for Rachel in this book, it was paced well and written in a way that seemed realistic without making her too annoying. I'm hoping Cohen gets his character growth in book 2!
Elias was hands-down my favorite though! (Really hoping she doesn't kill him off)

The world was built nicely as well. Though there is a LOT of story, I never felt bogged down with words or information. The author did a great job painting a vivid picture of every new place she took us. As someone who really doesn't visualize when I read, this was incredible.

There was ONE thing I had a big problem with, the use of curse words. The bad guys use them a few times. They pulled me out of the narrative because I was surprised that they were there. So reader, please be aware.
That is honestly the only reason this book isn't getting a five star rating.

It was a very powerful book though, it brought tears to my eyes a few times.
I'm rating it a 4/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Series Spotlight: An Offer of Grace

I had the honor of reviewing the first book in this series when I first started my blog. I'm honored I get to spotlight the full series today! 😍

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ABOUT THE SERIES

 Forward to What Lies Ahead

"Sometimes being strong isn’t enough. 

Ever since she was a teenager, Regina Whitman has relied on her tough, independent spirit to survive and to protect the ones she loves. Even when heartache and disappointment strike, she finds the strength to press forward, rebuild her life, and do meaningful work.

But just when her outlook seems brightest, a tragic and shameful secret from the past catches up with her, jeopardizing her future and threatening the lives of the people around her.

In the face of overwhelming danger and darkness, can Regina learn to trust God and embrace the love she doesn’t think she deserves? Or will the painful guilt of her past destroy her?"

A Time for Every Matter

"Seven years ago, Madeline Pine went mad.

At least it seemed that way. She traded in her fast-paced New York City lifestyle for a quiet small town existence. On the upside, she now has faith and a sense of purpose.

Yet her tranquil world is upended when her nephew witnesses a murder, and she is faced with the challenge of keeping him safe. Compelling and enigmatic business mogul, Hiram MacArthur offers to assist her, but their growing attraction makes him more distracting than helpful.

New dangers, old memories, and a potential romance will all challenge what Madeline thought God wanted for her life. Will she trust His plan enough to embrace a new season?"

No Longer a Stranger

"There is grace in the power of connection.

EJ Handler is the perpetual class clown, but he’s also a loyal friend and dedicated worker at the tech company he helped found. Friendship and work are the only commitments he needs. Yet a dangerous scandal quickly upsets his laid back life and dredges up the old heartaches that made him fear responsibility in the first place. His only hope rests in his faith and the reluctant assistance of a mysterious female detective.

Sloan is a tough, unemployed cop with a penchant for taking on the cares of the world by herself, when an unexpected job offer gives her the opportunity to do what she loves. Little does she know that a simple job will bring the infuriating, but endearing EJ and a chance at the friendships she’s avoided for so long."

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chloe S. Flanagan is an author, technical writer, blogger, and graduate of New York University. She enjoys exploring the Christian walk frankly and thoughtfully in her fiction and in her blog, The Candid Corinthian. When she’s not writing, Chloe loves music, travel, reading books in all genres, and spending time with family.

CONNECT WITH CHLOE: Facebook | Goodreads | Website

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Chloe is the sweetest person, and I really think you should check out her books! 

If you want to know my thoughts about book one, check out my review here.

Spotlight: Going Back Cold

I LOVE spotlighting new authors! It's an easy way to support authors in a small way.

This week I'll be spotlighting some indie authors & their newest releases.

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Today I'm spotlighting Kelley Rose Waller, and her next release 'Going Back Cold'.

ABOUT THE BOOK

"“You can’t let grief enter every area of your life, so she keeps hers confined to certain areas,” he said. “Grief doesn’t come into the lab or sit with you over your coffee at breakfast. But, late at night, grief is on your pillow.”

Physicist Dr. Jane Whyse and her husband have just arrived at a remote Antarctic base when they discover an unexpected blessing—Jane is pregnant with their second child. As Project Split Horizon builds the piezoelectric jet she designed, Jane gets closer to achieving faster-than-light travel, with the potential to radically change the course of NASA’s future plans. But after eight months of anticipation, the Whyses are devastated when their daughter is stillborn.

Torn between faith and hopelessness, Jane begins an ugly struggle to understand God’s plan for her life in the midst of a mother’s mourning. The lifeless Antarctic landscape seems only to emphasize the emptiness within her. Despite success in her scientific research and a world-changing technological leap forward, Jane continues to grieve. What healing can faith offer against hopelessness? Does the Author of Creation truly understand the suffering of His children? As she tries to find restoration through years of searching, Jane explores a critical horizon where her scientific breakthrough meets God’s sovereignty over space and time."

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"Kelley writes fiction to imagine new life experiences.  Her debut novel, The Senator's Youngest Daughter, was released in 2016, and her latest release, Going Back Cold, will be available starting October 1, 2019.  

Kelley's day job as vice president of a marketing firm offers her the opportunity to write and plan for clients in diverse fields.  Kelley and her husband are Pennsylvania foster parents.  Kelley lives and writes to uplift and glorify the name of Jesus Christ.

Kelley is a ridiculous fan of science fiction and board games.  She has a B.A. in English and lives in Lancaster, PA, with her husband, their children, and their dog."

CONNECT WITH KELLEY: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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If this is something that's up your reading alley, you can purchase the book here!

Anticipated Reads: Fall 2019

I'm so excited that fall is FINALLY on its way to the world. The most perfect reading weather is fast approaching and I couldn't be happier. So in honor of fall's decent I thought I'd share some of my anticipated reads for the season.

I'm working with Kat from Kat's Corner Books & Jordan from Read. Eat. Repeat.  to share some of our anticipated books for the second half of the year. Don't forget to check out their posts!

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A Distance Too Grand

October 1st, 2019

"Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind."

I'm SO excited for this book!! Regina Scott is one of my favorite authors, so I was so excited to learn she had a series coming out with Revell this year!

Always Look Twice

October 1st, 2019

"At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.

In this suspenseful page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps you on the edge of your seat as you discover that uncommon justice lies just on the other side of fear."

I LOVED the first book in this series, and I have ANXIOUSLY awaited book 2's release since last year!

Protecting Tanner Hollow

November 5th, 2019

"Four nail-biting novellas in one!

Lethal HomecomingNolan Tanner never got over Kallie Ainsworth's sudden, unexplained departure. Now when he comes to her rescue after an attempt on her life, all the old feelings come rushing back.

Lethal ConspiracyWhen professional fundraiser Lillian Maloney sees her father's campaign manager commit murder, she goes on the run from the men he hires to kill her. A close call brings firefighter Jason Tanner to the rescue, but the killer is closing in . . . 

Lethal SecretsSomeone wants Honor McBride dead. When Eli Murphy helps her change a flat tire and discovers the danger Honor is in, he longs to help--but Eli has secrets of his own that could get them all killed.

Lethal AgendaWhen Detective Derek St. John rescues a woman he's met only once before--and has never been able to forget--he finds himself falling for her. But he'll have to keep Claire Montgomery alive if they're to have a future together."

I loooove a good novella collection, so I was pumped to hear Lynette was publishing one of her own! 

(We're even getting the last "Blue Justice" sibling story in this one)

 Serving Up Love
November 5th, 2019

"Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining history. 

In Karen Witemeyer's "More Than a Pretty Face," a young woman works her hardest to escape poor choices from her youth. Tracie Peterson offers "A Flood of Love," where reuniting with an old flame after more than a decade offers unexpected results. Regina Jennings's "Intrigue a la Mode" delights with a tale of a young woman determined to help support her family, despite warnings of danger nearby. And Jen Turano's "Grand Encounters" heads to the Grand Canyon with a tale of a society belle intent on finding a new life for herself."

Y'all I am READY for this collection...like yesterday! LOOK AT THIS LINEUP!! *squeals*

A Pursuit of Home

November 5th, 2019

"In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle. 

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?"

I think anyone who has ever read one of Kristi's books is anticipating this release. One of the most mysterious characters is getting her love story! I need it to be November now!!

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There are SO many amazing books coming out this year, it's hard to dwindle it down. I'm really excited for these books, as well as all the others. (Because books are life!)

What is one book your really looking forward to reading this year? 

Don't forget to check out Kat & Jordan's posts too!