The Restorer’s Son is Book Two of The Sword of Lyric series by author Sharon Hinck. With the background set in the first novel (The Restorer) and the names and culture familiar to the reader, Hinck shifts the narration between Susan, Housewife Ordinaire turned Restorer Extraordinaire - and Kieran, native of Lyric and newly chosen Restorer at the close of Book One.

Susan’s purpose is different this time around; no longer the Restorer, Susan and her husband Mark are forced into a search and rescue mission – for their son, Jake, who has slipped through the portal and is missing.

As for Kieran, though he is personally chosen by the One to help guide and protect His people, Kieran is unwilling to accept it, and chooses to opt out of his new title. He pulls a Jonah and hightails it out of Lyric to avoid dealing with the One, whom he thinks does not exist beyond the borders of his own land. Newsflash: God is everywhere, and regardless of how far Kieran runs, he cannot outrun the One. Kieran finds himself on the outskirts of Lyric in flight mode, when he stops and decides to literally pick a fight with God. Who generously obliges him… until Kieran learns that the One is real, and powerful, but above all, merciful. Jonah syncs into Jacob, wrestling with the angel, then back again as the One directs Kieran to go spread the word to the nation of enemy Hazor.

Both narrators struggle with their identity and sense of purpose through a series of events that eventually bring their paths together. But as they unite they discover that the One does indeed have a purpose for each of them, even through the darkest of situations. This story is Everyman (and Everywoman’s) everyday life search to find meaning in a mixed-up and often (seemingly) meaningless world. Another solid and satisfying novel by Sharon Hinck. The Restorer’s Son is a must-read novel, and firmly establishes this series in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.

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The Restorer, by author Sharon Hinck

The Restorer is a fantasy crossover novel by author Sharon Hinck. A significantly different style from her two previous mom-lit books, The Restorer is a foray into a richer, deeper genre. Though I've enjoyed Hinck’s other works, this new book is a real stand out.

Plunged abruptly and unexpectedly into an alternate universe, main character Susan Mitchell must try to make sense of everything around her. Sights, sounds, smells… details she is taught about the new land (such as sticky bitum trees common to the area) evolve to application of her new knowledge (commenting how a preening character probably uses bitum sap to groom his perfectly coiffured hair). Susan’s descriptions as she learns to absorb the all the changes in a world foreign to her help the reader to cross that threshold as well. It’s the sign of a great author to be able to transport the reader into the land they've created without the reader realizing they've left the comfort of their couch. Especially so in a fantasy novel, where all is new and everything must be explained – it can often be an uncomfortable process trying to get the reader to ‘get it’ without overdoing it.

Susan is also a straightforward character everyone can relate to. The book begins with her in a mild depression – feeling that the monotony of her life consists of endless questions from her brood of children, stinky science experiments, lost socks, and chipping jam off the kitchen counters. Transported out of her everyday life and into a whole new world, it’s rewarding to follow her progress through the various stages of her journey. Susan learns that the land she falls into is called The People of the Verses, held by twelve different clans spread throughout the area. Much like the twelve tribes of Israel, surrounded by hostile lands on all sides, Susan learns that the People of the Verses hold to teaching from the One, with distinct rules to follow and roles to play that define their lives and culture. Once she accepts that she has a real role to play, Susan embraces it. Though worlds apart, Susan finds strength as she discovers that her faith is not so different from the people around her.

Susan finds areas with tribes that live simply, with only the most basic of ‘technology’ – like the glowing walls of their homes, the use of heat trivets to cook with, and riding on their faithful antlered lehkans. As she encounters other clans and those from different lands she discovers the technology isn’t quite so tame. High-speed unmanned transports, laser-like rifles called syncbeams, acid-shooting crop-destroying mini-trans and the like are featured throughout the book. The blend of technology coupled with cultural simplicity is different and refreshing. I've read plenty of fantasy and sci-fi books, but I especially like the way that Sharon Hinck incorporates unique elements from both genres in a nice blend without one overwhelming the other. All in all, the richness of detail, strong character development, and a riveting story make The Restorer one novel that I truly enjoyed reading, and which I highly, highly recommend to others.

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A Valley of Betrayal, by author Tricia Goyer

The first novel in a new series about the Spanish Civil War, A Valley of Betrayal unfolds with a distinctively Goyer-esque feel to it. In this book, author Tricia Goyer does another brilliant job bringing history to life with vivid characters searching for their meaning in the midst of conflict, each wanting to contribute their utmost for their cause.

In this time and place in history, it's the middle of the Spanish Civil War. The Nazi's are exerting their influence from one side, strong-arming Fascism over the country. At the same time, Russia is enticing the area with the idealistic vision of Communism. Spain is divided between the two political perspectives, and the resulting battleground ravages the country in the process.

The most serious fighting isn't found on the front lines, though, but in the internal struggle of every individual who must decide who they are and what they truly believe in. Some of the characters are natives of Spain; others from different countries who are drawn to the area for their own reasons. Some come to fight, and some to serve, but they all discover themselves in the process. Each naturally feels that their side has the most righteous cause, and all are willing to risk everything in the effort to win the war.

Goyer tries to communicate the struggle of a people searching for themselves amidst the rubble of their ideals. It's not an easy struggle, nor an easy story to read considering the cost of the war. But despite the fact that no one seems to emerge on top in this bloody battle, the novel itself is a winner. I highly recommend A Valley of Betrayal by author Tricia Goyer, and eagerly look forward to the next installment in the series.

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Generation Next, by author Tricia Goyer

"Where's the beef?" Right here, in this contemporary compendium filled with helpful advice for Generation X'ers, the generation born from 1961 to 1981. Whether you are an X'er yourself or from another generation, you'll find tons of rock-solid wisdom set in an easy-to-read format. Tricia Goyer peppers the book with questions answered not only by experts in the field, but by parents in the trenches. The advice offered is practical and down to earth, but based always on Biblical principles. With Goyer's steady encouragement through the book, she helps us realize that we can make the changes that will help to change and fortify us as parents. "Why didn't I think of that?" easily turns to, "I can do that." Goyer's light-hearted style makes you want to try the tips in the book, and to work out the Digging Deeper Study Guide questions at the end of the book.

Many of the references evoke a right old trip down memory lane. You can't help but smile and reminisce. Each chapter in Generation NeXt Parenting also begins with a quote from a popular song of the 70's and 80's. From the get-go, with the cover picture of a black Trans Am with a Blondie bumper sticker, an `80s RUL' license plate, and a `Baby on Board' displayed, you know you'll be in for a treat. Goyer slips in fun facts and stats mixed with present day concerns, like "How much Nintendo is too much?" Goyer offers faith-based answers to things we all struggle with. In the chapter Faith, not Fear, Goyer brings it down to this question: "Of course we believe in a victorious life eternal, but what about faith for victorious life in the present?" And, really, isn't that what we all strive for? It's right to keep our eyes forward and focused towards the prize at the end of the race, but it's the race itself that we have to keep in training for on a daily basis. And Generation NeXt Parenting is a great tool to train with, hand in hand with your Bible. This guide is truly a plethora of practical help. I highly, highly recommend this book.

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Dying to Decorate, by author Cyndy Salzmann