Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

#BookReviews Featuring Faith in The Gift by @GMPlano, and Trust with Brighter Than the Sun and The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by @Darynda


My husband and I have been taking Sunday drives around our beautiful island home. Above, you can see two marine science vessels moored and seals soaking up the sun on a wharf.

This week, I read three poignant, heart-wrenching books I’d like to share. All are recommended reads. For more information about each story, click on the cover.

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The Gift: Harbor Pointe Series Book 2 by Gwen Plano

In an innocent 1958 American suburb, Shelly doesn’t know the power of a kiss. Or how it will change her entire life.

The Gift opens with a gut-wrenching scene and doesn’t let up for the first half of the book. But it’s the faith the characters portray that makes this a truly special read.

Shelly is a pregnant teen with parents who share a strict moral code. Unable to face the criticism of their community, they send Shelly away in an old truck and little money to live with an aunt on the east coast of Maine.

When an unexpected snowstorm hits just as she runs out of gas, Shelly must give birth in the cab of the old pickup. The combination of food and fear drives her into the blizzard in search of help. She collapses on the doorstep of a tiny cabin and is rescued by the middle-aged couple inside.

Food is scarce for everyone, but the kindness of strangers and faith will see to their needs and keep this family of the heart safe.

This is a truly touching read- highly recommended!

About the author

Gwen M. Plano, aka Gwendolyn M. Plano, grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Gwen’s academic background is in theology and counseling. Recently retired, she now lives in the high desert of Arizona, where she writes, gardens, and travels with her husband.

Brighter Than the Sun by Darynda Jones

All his life, Reyes Alexander Farrow has suffered the torments of the damned. Only one thing has given him hope: the woman who radiates a light that no mortals can see; a light that only the departed can see…

If there is ever an anti-hero to fall in love with, Reyes Alexander Farrow is the guy.

He is the son of the devil- literally. Dark, moody, and hotter than sin, Reyes is also sweet, kind, and protective of those he loves, especially a certain Grim Reaper, who happens to be his wife and the mother of his child.

Told in his point of view, we get an insider’s perspective of the horrors and abuse Reyes survived and his commitment to Dutch (Charley) no matter the cost.

I adore these characters! They make me laugh, cry, gasp, swoon, and savor the world Darynda Jones created. She is a master of humorous suspense!

Darynda Jones

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin’s Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women’s fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones

Ever since Reyes Farrow escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley Davidson accidentally trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that’s not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings—some corporeal, some not so much—as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she’s not uncovering a murder. This time she’s covering one up.

Filled with this author’s trademark hotter-than-sin heroes and snarky heroines, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave is the second from last in an amazing series.

Coffee: A warm, delicious alternative to hating everyone forever.
—TRUE FACT

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave- Darynda Jones

Charley is a Grim Reaper, the light that beckons departed souls to the other side, but she is also an all-powerful deity who allowed the love of her life, Reyes Alexander Farrow, the angel of death and destruction, to enter a hell dimension via a nifty little locket called the God Glass because you got it, He made it, in order to have a quick look around, find the innocent souls who’d been tricked into entering, and come right back out. Instead, Reyes ended up trapped in there and had to force his way out, breaking the glass and changing their fate at the same time.

Charley must fight tooth and nail to save those she loves and trust that the being causing all the chaos is not who he looks like- her beloved husband, Reyes.

My favorite line from the book is a powerful one:

The Devil whispered in my ear, “You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.” Today I whispered back, “I am the storm.”
—MEME

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave- Darynda Jones

I’m going to miss these two when this series ends!

Do you have a favorite set of characters you can’t let go of? Share in the comments. I need some new book boyfriends!

Another photo from our drives. Doesn’t this look fun?

38 Replies to “#BookReviews Featuring Faith in The Gift by @GMPlano, and Trust with Brighter Than the Sun and The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by @Darynda”

  2. What a wonderful surprise to awaken and find your review, Jacquie. Thank you for sharing your tender thoughts and for including The Gift among your recommended reads. I’m deeply grateful. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  7. What a lovely pic from your island, Jacquie. We loved vacationing in the place you live year-round! Thanks for the reviews. I also thought Gwen’s book was moving. Such a feel-good read. And thanks for the Darynda Jones reviews. I haven’t read any of her books, but think I should! Book boyfriends. Lol. I love that.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. If you like demons, grim reapers, and angels, you’ll love the Charley Davidson series.
      Gwen’s story could be the memoir of many young women of that time period. Beautifully written and heartwarming.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Vancouver Island in the fall is always gorgeous. These all look like great reads!! The two characters that really stuck with me were Clair Randal and Jamie Fraser from the Outlander series. (and Jamie Fraser would be the best book boyfriend ever!)

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Fantastic reviews, Jacquie! I have not read Darynda Jones but your reviews piqued my interest. I have read and loved The Gift! It is truly a heart-wrenching story told as only Gwen Plano can do. Thank you for sharing and congratulations to these authors!

    Liked by 3 people

  11. Great reviews, Jacquie 🙂 I agree The Gift is such a heartwarming story. You have me wanting to take fall drives. It is really starting to change here and I love to get out and see it. Hugs xo

    Liked by 2 people

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