Nora S. (biblegirl06) reviewed A Melody for James: Part 1 of the Song of Suspense Series (Volume 1) on + 92 more book reviews
Warning: Before reading this book have your favorite restaurant delivery number on speed dial. Get ready to be sucked into Melody and James's world. You'll be glued to this fast-paced suspenseful drama and lose track of time.
This is how Hallee's mother felt when she first read this novel. She left this message on her machine, "This is your mother I want you to quit your job, and go home and finish writing that book!" This author is gifted at creating rich, complex characters that jump off the page and into your heart. This author brilliantly weaves in a spiritual thread naturally, along with well-timed humor and fun moments between James and Melody that make you smile. I loved every second I spend reading this novel.
This story literally starts off with a bang that instantly pulls at your heart strings and makes you say WHAT? I didn't see that coming. One of the aspects of the novel I enjoyed was that most of the novel is set in Atlanta, GA where I live. That was an added bonus. I also liked that the back drop for this story is set up in the music industry. Melody is a famous singer. This author shows Melody and how she prepares for her summer music tour. James had never seen this side of her before. They met four years ago when Melody wanted to go to Seminary and be a worship leader and James was grieving the murder of his wife.
James says this about Melody, "She made me forget Angela. She made me feel. For the first time in months. I felt something other than raw pain. That was priceless to me ....He believed God brought them together."
Melody is a strong, gift song writer; who is passionate about family and music. She is drawn to James and lets him gently lead her back to a relationship with God. He also helps her face her fear. She knew all too well that, "Fear paralyzed you, made you weak and useless." She hated that.
I liked what this author had to say about love through her characters, "True love, sacrificial love, that kind of love grew out of respect, similar interests, mutual goals....Could God, who is himself love, have orchestrated events already with infinite wisdom and infinite knowledge and predestine them to be brought together..?" James and Melody wonder. I love how this book isn't preachy but keeps the main thing the main thing.
I highly recommend this novel filled with vivid imagery, believable likeable characters that made me feel as if I were watching a movie! Even though the author gets into the head of the bad guy and gives readers a peek into his sinister plot it never got really graphic. For that I am grateful. I like how the author tells you enough and lets your imagination do the rest.
I like Olivia Kimbrell Press's mission statement, "is a publisher offering true to life, meaningful fiction from a Christian world view intended to up lift the heart and engage the mind." This is why I read Christian fiction and loved this story.
An extra feature for readers are the well thought out discussion questions sure to liven up your meeting time. This novel is filled with twists, turns and surprises including a Bonus at the end with yummy sounding recipes. The authors says, "James invites Melody over his house for their first date. He cooks her a meal consisting of salad, bread, pasta with red sauce. Here you will find recipes to recreate that meal, which is sure to please and certain to enhance your discussion time of friendship and fellowship." The recipe are for Crunchy Chopped Salad with Creamy Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing, Turkey Sausage Spaghetti sauce, Fresh Garlic French Bread and Mascarpone Cheesecake with Vanilla Almond Crust.
This story is GREAT for a book club pick. Hallee Bridgeman is an author to watch. This novel is a must read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network site and Olivia Kimbrell Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This is how Hallee's mother felt when she first read this novel. She left this message on her machine, "This is your mother I want you to quit your job, and go home and finish writing that book!" This author is gifted at creating rich, complex characters that jump off the page and into your heart. This author brilliantly weaves in a spiritual thread naturally, along with well-timed humor and fun moments between James and Melody that make you smile. I loved every second I spend reading this novel.
This story literally starts off with a bang that instantly pulls at your heart strings and makes you say WHAT? I didn't see that coming. One of the aspects of the novel I enjoyed was that most of the novel is set in Atlanta, GA where I live. That was an added bonus. I also liked that the back drop for this story is set up in the music industry. Melody is a famous singer. This author shows Melody and how she prepares for her summer music tour. James had never seen this side of her before. They met four years ago when Melody wanted to go to Seminary and be a worship leader and James was grieving the murder of his wife.
James says this about Melody, "She made me forget Angela. She made me feel. For the first time in months. I felt something other than raw pain. That was priceless to me ....He believed God brought them together."
Melody is a strong, gift song writer; who is passionate about family and music. She is drawn to James and lets him gently lead her back to a relationship with God. He also helps her face her fear. She knew all too well that, "Fear paralyzed you, made you weak and useless." She hated that.
I liked what this author had to say about love through her characters, "True love, sacrificial love, that kind of love grew out of respect, similar interests, mutual goals....Could God, who is himself love, have orchestrated events already with infinite wisdom and infinite knowledge and predestine them to be brought together..?" James and Melody wonder. I love how this book isn't preachy but keeps the main thing the main thing.
I highly recommend this novel filled with vivid imagery, believable likeable characters that made me feel as if I were watching a movie! Even though the author gets into the head of the bad guy and gives readers a peek into his sinister plot it never got really graphic. For that I am grateful. I like how the author tells you enough and lets your imagination do the rest.
I like Olivia Kimbrell Press's mission statement, "is a publisher offering true to life, meaningful fiction from a Christian world view intended to up lift the heart and engage the mind." This is why I read Christian fiction and loved this story.
An extra feature for readers are the well thought out discussion questions sure to liven up your meeting time. This novel is filled with twists, turns and surprises including a Bonus at the end with yummy sounding recipes. The authors says, "James invites Melody over his house for their first date. He cooks her a meal consisting of salad, bread, pasta with red sauce. Here you will find recipes to recreate that meal, which is sure to please and certain to enhance your discussion time of friendship and fellowship." The recipe are for Crunchy Chopped Salad with Creamy Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing, Turkey Sausage Spaghetti sauce, Fresh Garlic French Bread and Mascarpone Cheesecake with Vanilla Almond Crust.
This story is GREAT for a book club pick. Hallee Bridgeman is an author to watch. This novel is a must read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network site and Olivia Kimbrell Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Nora S. (biblegirl06) reviewed A Melody for James: Part 1 of the Song of Suspense Series (Volume 1) on + 92 more book reviews
Warning: Before reading this book have your favorite restaurant delivery number on speed dial. Get ready to be sucked into Melody and James's world. You'll be glued to this fast-paced suspenseful drama and lose track of time.
Hallee's mother left this message that read, "This is your mother I want you to quit your job, and go home and finish writing that book!" I agree with her mom. This author is gifted at creating rich, complex characters that jump off the page and into your heart. This author brilliantly weaves in a spiritual thread naturally, along with well-timed humor and fun moments between James and Melody that make you smile. I loved every second I spend reading this novel.
This story literally starts out with a bang that instantly pulls at your heart strings and makes you say WHAT? I didn't see that coming. One of the aspects of the novel I enjoyed was that most of the novel is set in Atlanta, GA where I live. I also liked that the back drop for this story is set up in the music industry. Melody is a famous singer. This author shows Melody and how she prepares for her summer music tour. James had never seen this side of her before. They met four years ago when Melody was in route to go to Seminary and be a worship leader and James was grieving the murder of his wife.
James says this about Melody, "She made me forget Angela. She made me feel. For the first time in months. I felt something other than raw pain. That was priceless to me ....He believed God brought them together."
Melody is a strong, gift song writer; who is passionate about family, friends and music. She is drawn to James and lets him gently lead her back to a relationship with God. He also helps her face her fear. She knew all too well that, "Fear paralyzed you, made you weak and useless." She hated that.
I liked what this author had to say about love through her characters, "True love, sacrificial love, that kind of love grew out of respect, similar interests, mutual goals....Could God, who is himself love, have orchestrated events already with infinite wisdom and infinite knowledge and predestine them to be brought together..?" James and Melody wonder. I love how this book isn't preachy but keeps the main thing the main thing.
I highly recommend this novel filled with vivid imagery, believable likeable characters that made me feel as if I were watching a movie! Even though the author gets into the head of the bad guy and gives readers a peek into his sinister plot it never got really graphic. For that I am grateful. I like how the author tells you enough and lets your imagination do the rest.
I liked learning Olivia Kimbrell Press's mission statement, "a publisher offering true to life, meaningful fiction from a Christian world view intended to up lift the heart and engage the mind." This is why I read Christian fiction and loved this story.
An extra feature for readers are the well thought out discussion questions sure to liven up your meeting time. This novel is filled with twists, turns and surprises including a Bonus at the end with yummy sounding recipes. The authors says, "James invites Melody over his house for their first date. He cooks her a meal consisting of salad, bread, pasta with red sauce. Here you will find recipes to recreate that meal, which is sure to please and certain to enhance your discussion time of friendship and fellowship." The recipe are for Crunchy Chopped Salad with Creamy Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing, Turkey Sausage Spaghetti sauce, Fresh Garlic French Bread and Mascarpone Cheesecake with Vanilla Almond Crust.
This story is GREAT for a book club pick. Hallee Bridgeman is an author to watch. This novel is a must read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network site and Olivia Kimbrell Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Hallee's mother left this message that read, "This is your mother I want you to quit your job, and go home and finish writing that book!" I agree with her mom. This author is gifted at creating rich, complex characters that jump off the page and into your heart. This author brilliantly weaves in a spiritual thread naturally, along with well-timed humor and fun moments between James and Melody that make you smile. I loved every second I spend reading this novel.
This story literally starts out with a bang that instantly pulls at your heart strings and makes you say WHAT? I didn't see that coming. One of the aspects of the novel I enjoyed was that most of the novel is set in Atlanta, GA where I live. I also liked that the back drop for this story is set up in the music industry. Melody is a famous singer. This author shows Melody and how she prepares for her summer music tour. James had never seen this side of her before. They met four years ago when Melody was in route to go to Seminary and be a worship leader and James was grieving the murder of his wife.
James says this about Melody, "She made me forget Angela. She made me feel. For the first time in months. I felt something other than raw pain. That was priceless to me ....He believed God brought them together."
Melody is a strong, gift song writer; who is passionate about family, friends and music. She is drawn to James and lets him gently lead her back to a relationship with God. He also helps her face her fear. She knew all too well that, "Fear paralyzed you, made you weak and useless." She hated that.
I liked what this author had to say about love through her characters, "True love, sacrificial love, that kind of love grew out of respect, similar interests, mutual goals....Could God, who is himself love, have orchestrated events already with infinite wisdom and infinite knowledge and predestine them to be brought together..?" James and Melody wonder. I love how this book isn't preachy but keeps the main thing the main thing.
I highly recommend this novel filled with vivid imagery, believable likeable characters that made me feel as if I were watching a movie! Even though the author gets into the head of the bad guy and gives readers a peek into his sinister plot it never got really graphic. For that I am grateful. I like how the author tells you enough and lets your imagination do the rest.
I liked learning Olivia Kimbrell Press's mission statement, "a publisher offering true to life, meaningful fiction from a Christian world view intended to up lift the heart and engage the mind." This is why I read Christian fiction and loved this story.
An extra feature for readers are the well thought out discussion questions sure to liven up your meeting time. This novel is filled with twists, turns and surprises including a Bonus at the end with yummy sounding recipes. The authors says, "James invites Melody over his house for their first date. He cooks her a meal consisting of salad, bread, pasta with red sauce. Here you will find recipes to recreate that meal, which is sure to please and certain to enhance your discussion time of friendship and fellowship." The recipe are for Crunchy Chopped Salad with Creamy Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing, Turkey Sausage Spaghetti sauce, Fresh Garlic French Bread and Mascarpone Cheesecake with Vanilla Almond Crust.
This story is GREAT for a book club pick. Hallee Bridgeman is an author to watch. This novel is a must read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network site and Olivia Kimbrell Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
