Original Books

Original Books is the blog where you will find the best of Christian fiction reviews. We hope you enjoy this blog and that you keep up with us as we continue to post reviews. Make sure you check the Elite List, the list of books we have rated 4 stars and above and the coming soon list to see what will soon be posted. If you feel we have forgotten about an author or a book or have any questions please email us at originalbooks200@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

New Projects!

Make sure to stop by and check out our just launched news site Original Books News. We are constantly keeping you up to date on what is coming up soon in the CF world.

Also we are just starting up a forum where we can discuss all of this together and we need you yo join! Just go here to check it out!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Emerald Windows by Terri Blackstock

Nick Marcello has been asked to design the stained glass windows for his old hometown church, forcing him to return and face his past. He has chosen none other than Brooke Martin to assist him in this endevour, causing gossip to ripple across the small town of Hayden. Because of their supposed "scandal" nearly ten years prior, Alice Hemphill is going to do everything within her power to fire the both of them, since her money keeps the church afloat. Even though Nick and Brooke both know they never did anything deserving the treatment they are receiving, they also both know that they are falling for each other in a way that will keep the whole town talking...
Emerald Windows echoes from Terri Blackstock's past directly after she left her secular career. Though there are some well-developed characters, the plot is generally typical with a typical end and few original elements. Though this plot is better than the typical romance model, it is still not original.
At least Nick is not a perfect male lead. Brooke, Alice, and several other characters are also well developed. Though Alice is portrayed as an evil villain, she still has a personality. However, there is a lot of imperfection in Hayden, which is the only thing that makes this book worth reading.
The plot is generally more entertaining than a typical romance not only because of the characters but also because of the circumstances. Though the results are expected, the circumstances are not. Terri added several surprises throughout the plot the changed things up, yet in the end, Terri did nothing terribly original save for the loss of a sentimental object.
All in all, the book was interesting to read, but I would not recommend it to somone as an example of Terri Blackstock.
3 stars

New Book Website

Original Books now has a sister website, Original Books News, which can be found at: https://sites.google.com/site/originalbooksnews/
We are currently looking for people who will collaborate with us. Please visit the webpage for more details. If you are interested, drop us an email at originalbooks200@gmail.com.

Playing God by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Tamara Roberts prides herself in being able to counsel hurting people through their broken situations, yet she does not understand why God allows such broken situations. Corrine Collins is struggling with the terrible secret of her pastor husband's homosexuality. Lydia Derveraux is trying to settle the score between her and her famous yet absent producer husband. Tamera's best friend, Jamilah, is trying to save one of her students from a neglectful situation. On top of this, Tamera is searching for love, which she lost years before when she divorced her husband. However, she is much to overconfident of her abilities as a Christian, which will soon lead her to begin playing God...
At first, Playing God appears to be an unedited, poor rendition of fiction since Michelle McKinney Hammond is used to writing non-fiction. However, as the book progresses, the plot becomes more focused and more original. In the end, this is not a five star novel, yet it is not one that can be overlooked either.
At first, the cast of characters is vast and no personalities are nailed down. But as the book progresses, the characters become more clear and unnessecary characters are left behind. The characters are not a masterpiece as a finished product, but they definitely improve. There is no villain save for the characters' choices, which is mainly what makes this book worthwhile.
This could have been a five star novel had Hammond used a respectable publisher or at least gotten some help editing her manuscript. When I first cracked open this book, I was not impressed. However, the plot became more and more interesting as it progressed. Some romantic subplots did not work out. Other subplots had original ends. The biggest disappointment I had with this book was that it could have been better with more efficient editing.
All in all, any Elite Book is worth my time and your time.
4 stars