Book Review - Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

 

Mara Jacobs has been struggling for three years while her humanitarian husband, Liam, has been digging wells in Africa. She knows she should feel proud and happy for her husband who is helping widows and children nine time zones away. However, she is exhausted and working a dead end job to put food on the table. She barely has time to spend with her three delinquent children, failing to make repairs on their dilapidated house, and she feels like she is barely hanging on most days.

When Mara receives news that her husband has perished during one of his missions, her entire world gets turned upside down. Mara struggles to find joy in her life when she experiences another life alternating incident. She tries to have faith and find hope when things look bleak.

I have read other books by the author and I was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into the novel. I didn't enjoy the writing style and felt like it was fragmented. The way information was revealed felt disjointed. The book moved very slowly and it was hard for me to connect to the characters. I was more than half way done when I couldn't be bothered with reading more.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.**

Book Review - Miles from Where We Started by Cynthia Ruchti + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Mallory and Connor Duncan are weeks away from their one year wedding anniversary. With their marriage falling apart, they wonder if they are meant to be. When a crisis hits and causes them to do a three thousand mile road trip, it causes old pains to resurface. Together they make new memories, will it be enough to keep Mallory and Connor together?

The novel was a delightful read. While reading this novel, I was going through a similar situation with my partner of five years. Unfortunately, things didn't turn out as I expected but, it is important to have hope and remind positive. I think the author portrayed a beautiful story about hope and loving unconditionally.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book

Book Title: Miles from Where We Started
Author: Cynthia Ruchti
Genre: Christian Romance/Family life
Release date: October 16, 2018

These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip—and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off ramp.

Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.

The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.

Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?

About the Author

 

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope through novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and speaking events. She serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences across the country. She married her grade school sweetheart, and the two live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cynthia is giving away a grand prize of the Adventure begins” large tote bag, “This way to adventure” travel notebook, “Home is Where We Park It” metal wall hanging, a teardrop camper birdhouse, PLUS a $50 gift Visa gift card…to start your adventure fund!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d4ea/miles-from-where-we-started-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti + Giveaway

Photo Credit  - Amazon

Josiah Chamberlain is an expert on repairing other people's marriage, except his own. Karin his once loving wife is growing distant and when an unfortunate accident happens, she is unable to defend herself. Josiah finds that even though he manages relationships for a living,  he is no match for dealing with his own crisis.  Feeling betrayed, he starts to question his faith and hope. Will he able to regain his faith and hope? Will Josiah and Karin be able to work on their marriage?

When I first started reading the novel it was enjoyable but towards the middle it became boring and redundant. It was the same thing over and over. I didn't like how the author focuses mostly on the guilt and betrayal that Josiah felt and left all the other details out. For example, when he finds Karin's phone or how did Karin get injured. I believed that could add more to the story and make Karin's character feel more human instead of just an afterthought. The story felt one sided since it was mostly told from Josiah's perspective. It was an okay read but I might read other novels from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Celebrate the release of A Fragile Hope by entering to win Cynthia's Sign of Hope Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Fragile Hope
• A metal wall scripture hanging

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 3. The winner will be announced May 4 on the Litfuse blog.