Counted Worthy by Leah E. Good

From Amazon
Heather Stone lives in fear of repeating the past, yet she continues doing the one thing that could trigger another disaster. When the police trace an illegal Bible to her house, Heather’s world begins to crumble. Her father’s life hangs in the balance. No one with the power to help knows or cares. If she tries to save him, she could lead her friends to their deaths. If she does nothing, her father’s fate is certain. Can she evade a hostile police force and win public sympathy before it’s too late?
I loved this book. I enjoyed how it was written with modern day aspects to it, but yet with a focus on the persecution of Christians that has spanned all of time. The brother-sister relationship between Heather and Bryce was also a delight to read. I love how they stuck with one another through easy and hard times and always sought to protect one another. And even in the toughest of moments they found things to laugh at and encouragement one another in.

The technology was another aspect that was interesting. It made me stop and imagine what life would be like in the next several generations, and I liked reading that part because I enjoy technology.

I haven't read many books written in the first point of view, but I loved this one. Reading about a character from that perspective draws you closer to them and enable you to learn their inside thoughts and feelings. I enjoyed getting to live Heather's life with her from this point of view.

The emotions and details and solid Biblical worldview was a refreshing blessing. An encouraging and inspiring book for believers. I would highly recommend it to others. Well done, Leah!

Favorite Quotes

I clenched the Bible until my hands ached. These pages held the words of life, but how many would have to die to preserve them?

//

“You okay?” Bryce tipped his head back to look at me. 

“I don’t have time not to be.” Another one of those neutral answers that masked the true feelings of my heart. Voicing those feelings would venture onto dangerous ground. If I didn’t talk about them for long enough, they would grow numb and I could ignore them. It had worked in the past.

//

She lifted her head and made eye contact. “Heather, according to the government records, your father does not exist.”

//

I swished my juice, watching it swirl against the edges of the glass. 

“You’re supposed to drink that, you know.” 

I glanced up and smirked at Bryce. “I know.” 

“Thought maybe you forgot. You’re looking at it like it’s some new art form or something.” 

“It’s going to be a new art form on your shirt if you don’t watch it.”

//

“Tell me,” I said, “if what I’m saying doesn’t make you a little bit nervous and curious, why are you standing here arguing with a prisoner?”

//

“I cannot and will not recant anything,” I quoted, my voice steady though tears continued flooding down my face. “Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God.”

Dreamlander by K.M. Weiland

From Amazon:
What if it were possible to live two very different lives in two separate worlds? What if the dreams we awaken from are the fading memories of that second life? What if one day we woke up in the wrong world?

In this fantasy thriller, a woman on a black warhorse gallops through the mist in Chris Redston’s dreams every night. Every night, she begs him not to come to her. Every night, she aims her rifle at his head and fires. The last thing Chris expects—or wants—is for this nightmare to be real. But when he wakes up in the world of his dreams, he has to choose between the likelihood that he’s gone spectacularly bonkers or the possibility that he’s just been let in on the secret of the ages.

Only one person in a generation may cross the worlds. These chosen few are the Gifted, called from Earth into Lael to shape the epochs of history—and Chris is one of them. But before he figures that out, he accidentally endangers both worlds by resurrecting a vengeful prince intent on claiming the powers of the Gifted for himself. Together with a suspicious princess and a guilt-ridden Cherazii warrior, Chris must hurl himself into an action adventure battle to save a country from war, two worlds from annihilation, and himself from a dream come way too true.
Dreamlander is an incredible book. While running an intense plot line, this story has so many sweet, convicting moments that I could identify with. I loved how the two worlds connected with one another, yet remained separate as well. The characters of Allara and Chris are ones that many readers will quickly relate to. As a Christian, I quickly identified the Biblical allusions and plot structures. I love how the flaws and virtues make each character who they are. Human nature has consequences, but there is always redemption for those who seek it. The characters wrestle with themselves, each other, and with trust in the Garowai (God-like figure). Evil was evil, humanity was human, and the "higher-being" was God-like. This book is sequel-worthy, and I'm hoping it comes out soon!

"That cliff you're trying to hang onto is crumbling, Allara. It's time to let go." One of the themes of his books letting go of fear and allowing One more powerful to take control. Fear does not mean the absence of courage, but rather the bravery to take action despite those fears--even if it means losing something we love. Anothe theme is this: Our best efforts do not necessarily end in healing for ourselves or others; sometimes the "worst" has to happen, so Another may bring the results we so much desire.

A powerful book. Well done, Ms. Weiland.

Favorite Quotes

When Chris looked at her, she had the eerie feeling he was seeing past all her defenses, straight to the core of her, and whatever it was he saw there— the anger, the fear, the weakness— he accepted it without judgment.

//

Kindnesses were dangerous. They shattered defenses and left the receiver naked and vulnerable.

//

She studied his face in the flicker of the light. “You have your good points.” 

He raised his eyebrows. “I do, do I?” 

The back of her neck warmed, but she held his gaze. “You’re smart, you’re brave. Stubborn.” 

“That’s a good point?” 

“As one stubborn person to another, take it for what it’s worth when I say yes.”

//

She’d learned the hard way that hope was the sharpest weapon of all.

//

He opened that long-closed door in his soul, just a crack. A crack was more than enough to let him know his family still had the power to break him with his grief.

//

When had something so simple as belief become so wrenchingly unachievable?

//

She would choose faith over fear, no matter how much she had to sacrifice. She would believe the God of all was true to His promises. 

“Prove to me,” she whispered. “Prove to me You’re real. Give me a reason to believe.”

//

“Here.” He lifted the jiswar into her arms. “You have the distinct appearance of a woman in need of something warm and furry.”

//

“Take care of yourself.” His face softened. “Don’t jump off the cliff until somebody’s around to catch you.”