Review of Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

What it's about: Olivia Rutherford is keeping a big secret even to the point of changing her last name. Her life as a starving artist is starting to launch her to the next level. As her art starts to become more known, she lands a deal to paint for Scenic Magazine which takes her to the beautiful Yosemite National Park. As she slowly faces her secrets, her facade begins to break down, thanks to a backcountry guide, Clark Johnson who introduces her to the beauty of nature and the majesty of God. As Olivia's past collides with her present, she is faced with life changing decisions and learns how to trust God even in the most dangerous situations.

What I thought: This is Karen Barnett's second book in her Vintage National Parks set and is a read-alone book. I enjoyed the creativity of how she framed the time period and pulling historical landmarks, events and people in to her story. I have never been to Yosemite, but reading this book has  me putting it on my bucket list. The description of the wilderness, the falls and the grand-ness of it makes you want to jump in your car and drive there. Between the story of the characters and battling out their pasts set in the grandeur of nature made this a great book that you could picture in your mind.

Would you like it: If you enjoy outdoor themed romance stories, you will enjoy this one. I encourage you to read the first book in this set called The Road to Paradise as it is just as good. I hope you will enjoy the whimsicalness of the authors writing as much as I did.

Blogging for Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review of The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

What it's about: Grace Moore. A single mom, struggling to make ends meet for her and her son, has ghosts in her closet very few know about. Roman Velasco has it all. Money, women, power, anything he wants at his fingertips, except peace. Grace lands a job as Roman's personal assistant and she quickly sees right through his facade. Roman can't figure out this enigma named Grace. Working side by side, Grace and Roman's pasts begin to come to light, but at the expense of what and who's heart? In this soul-searching story, Grace and Roman come face to face with what it means to be forgiven by God's all-encompassing grace as he is forming us in to his masterpiece.

What I thought: A story worth reading again! Francine does not disappoint in this tale of God pursuing his creation. This story is not picture perfect. It gets messy at times, you can feel the darkness surrounding Roman. You can see the battles waging in both of the characters' hearts. You can see God chasing. Francine is a master story-teller. Wrapping the reader in to the story right from the start. Throwing in romance along the way, but ultimately sharing God's pursuit of people and shaping us to be his masterpiece.

Would you like it: A resounding yes. This is not a fast paced, mystery-suspense type of story. More like real life with real people who have real problems. And yet this story is very hard to put down. If you enjoy Francine Rivers' books, you will definitely enjoy this one!

Tyndale sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.