Noela Nancarrow reviews NILA'S HOPE by Kathleen Friesen

Nila's Hope

Nila’s Hope

by Kathleen Friesen

Harbourlight Books (March 20, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Hope, dreams, and freedom ~ Can they be Nila's?

A troubled past of neglect, torment, and suffocating control has Nila Black struggling in her new faith. When her ex-boyfriend, the cruel and abusive Nick Parnell is sent to prison, Nila feels like she can begin to breathe again. And hope. Nila aches for an independence she’s never had, and longs to own a car and her own place to live. She yearns to love and be loved, to feel like she’s valued. But when Nick is released from prison early, will Nila ever be free again? Free to love, laugh, and live without fear?

Nila works as a carpenter with Will Jamison - her tall, blond, and awfully handsome co-worker and friend. Just as Will and Nila begin to become aware of each other and of the intensifying attraction between them, Nila is covertly threatened by her vengeful ex-boyfriend. Because those sinister promises were also directed to her cherished friends if she talks, Nila feels she has to hold the existent terror close to her chest to protect them all.

Pastor Dave and his wife Lydia, with whom Nila are boarding with, are wonderful and wise encouragers in Nila’s life, but how can they protect Nila from her dangerous secret if they are unaware? And will they ever be able to help her rise above her perceived unworthiness and difficulties with forgiveness? Will Jamison is suspicious of Nila’s changing moods, but how can he reach this scarred girl's heart to get her to trust not only him with her burdens, but also God? Are any of them safe from this evil that lurks so close?

While this novel had me on the edge of my seat with trepidation, and in tears for Nila’s harrowing life, it was also beautifully uplifting and inspirational in reading about the victories that emerged from Nila’s emotional and spiritual struggles. This is a well-written, page-turning story that shimmers with romance, love, forgiveness and hope! Highly recommended!

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The exciting 'Nila's Hope' may be purchased at these places and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; Books a Million

GIVEAWAY: Kathleen Friesen is generously offering a copy of 'Nila's Hope' to one blessed commenter!! To be be eligible please leave your email address for contact purpose should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.

Teresa Mathews Reviews Callie; The Women of Valley View; by Sharon Srock

Teresa Mathews Reviews Callie; 
The Women of Valley View;
by Sharon Srock

Harbourlight Books 

5 Stars*****

In her soul-stirring debut novel Sharon Srock introduces us to the women of Valley View Church. Callie Stillman is haunted by the sight of a small casket being lowered into the ground. She still believes it is her fault that eighteen month old Sawyer is dead. Because of the pain of things that went wrong Callie is determined to never again go out of her comfort zone to help anyone. 

When April, Callie’s granddaughter, brings a new friend to church, Callie feels a tug on her heart that something is not quite right with the little girl. She seems too quiet and withdrawn for an eleven year old. Callie starts to argue with God that she is not going to get involved, the most she’ll do is make a few inquiries and then let someone else step in if she finds out the child needs help. When Callie tries to get answers from Iris the poor child breaks down in tears but won’t share the reason. Will Callie do something she has vowed not to do….get involved?

Samantha 17 and Iris 11 have had to endure too much in their short lives. First it was the abandonment of their father, and then the death of their mother and if the wrong people were to find out about their situation more trouble could hit them. When Iris has a desperate situation to come up she takes a chance and calls Callie. Will Callie reach out to the girls or will she let her fears keep her from being the friend these girls need?

Sharon Srock is a very talented writer that has woven a story of betrayal, forgiveness and learning to trust God utterly and completely. This story line is so touching that it drew me in from the very first page.  There is also a secondary story line concerning the girls that is just as compelling as Callie's relationship with them. 

You can find Ms. Srock's books at Amazon and CBD.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away two copies of Ms. Srock's books, one from OWG and one from Ms. Srock. Winner's choice of book and format. International winners e-book only.  Please answer the question and leave your email address in order to be entered in the drawing.

QUESTION: Has God ever moved you out of your comfort zone?