Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This is the first book by Carrie Fancett Pagels that I have read. I was given a copy through Barbour Books and Netgalley to read and review. This review is totally my own opinion.

I enjoyed the book for the most part, but I was confused about all the different characters involved. It is also a dual timeline book which made it even more confusing. It took me a little while to get involved in the book, and once I did I did enjoy it but never did figure out all the persons/characters and how they connected.

The characters were mostly well developed, the main characters the best. The story flowed quite well even with the jumping back and forth in time.

This is a Christian novel and it shows without being preachy. It is shown in small ways. 

Right from the beginning, I realized the author was from Michigan, calling root beer "pop" is a dead giveaway. Being from Michigan I this being set here. 

I do not give 5 stars often as it lessens the value. With that said, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.

If you enjoy historical fiction, clean and not preachy, you will enjoy this book.

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels

 I have read and enjoyed books by Erin Bartels before and I did enjoy this book also. The characters were quite well developed. The story flowed quite well.

To begin, the story was a slow start and quite confused. It took a while before I realized the main character, Kendra, was having thoughts/talks in her head with her friend who was not with her. The story jumps between these thoughts and what is actually going on.

Another area that bothers me, and this is just my personal thoughts, but the book is in no way Christian. It is a clean book but not Christian even though published by Revell, a Christian book publisher. There was a random reference to church attendance long ago and a prayer over a meal but that was the extent. On the negative side, there was some drinking and getting drunk. 

Overall, if you want to read an interesting, clean book this is for you. If you are expecting a typical Christian novel you will be disappointed. I give this book a solid 3 out of 5 stars.