This is the first of what I hope will be many reviews for publisher Thomas Nelson. The first book they sent me was HIGHER HOPE by Robert Whitlow. This is book two in the TIDES OF TRUTH series about Christian law clerk Tami Taylor.

In this second book in the TIDES OF TRUTH series, law clerk Tami Taylor is assigned to a controversial case in which their client claims that an abrasive female preacher with the gift of prophecy has committed libel against him. It seems like an easy slam-dunk to the client and Tami’s boss, who has hired Tami precisely because of her conservative evangelical background, but Tami is troubled by the fact that her spiritual instincts tell her their client is the one in the wrong. Her life is made more complex by the fact that two very appealing men are interested in her, and she in them–and neither of the men seems to mind that he has a rival! Tami’s struggle to find the right path and not compromise her principles makes for a very engaging story and a satisfying ending that makes me want to read on in the series.

During the early course of the story, the reader is given glimpses into Tami’s family background which is very traditional to say the least–fascinating to read, even if I couldn’t imagine living under such strictures. The plot was a page-turner, even without any violence. The characterization was rich and dead-on. I especially appreciated the heroine’s honesty in all circumstances, even if I found her occasionally a little stiffnecked in her reactions.

I’m going to go back and read book one in the series, DEEPER WATER, and next year, book 3, GREATER LOVE. I heartily recommend HIGHER HOPE. Normally it’s hard to read a book that’s part of a series without reading the first book, but I never felt that way about this book–the author made it fairly easy to “catch up” without pages of backstory, which is not easy.

For more information, including how to order, go to http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

Blessings, Laurie Kingery, Thomas Nelson blogging program