Eve by W.M Young.

"Lilly, fairy tales and myths are born inside imagination's storehouse; just because something is considered to be 'a story ' doesn't mean it isn't true."

Eve tells the story of Lilly after she was found in a shipping container, broken and frozen.  Through tests and healing processes from The  HEalers and Scholars, it is discovered that Lilly has the genetic make-up of every race known to man, meaning that she is literally THE daughter of Eve: Mother of the Living.  Through dreamlike states Lilly meets with Eve and is invited to witness the truth about her life, and in turn the truth of all life.  No one who is connected to Lilly could know what her survival could mean for everyone.

I highly enjoyed Young's previous novel The Shack, so I was excited when I seen he had published a new book.  I have to say I am slightly disappointed in this novel.  I am not entirely sure of what I was expecting when I was reading this book.  It is supposed to be a look at the creation story, and I think I expected something along the lines of the Shack, but it wasn't.  Sure there were moments when Lilly meet with Eve in the Garden of Eden and witnessed things, but it wasn't her walking alongside God discussing these things or even really discussing them with Eve.  Yes she questions and wonders about things, but I don't feel like it went as in depth as it could have.

There are things that are mentioned throughout the book, but nothing is done with them such as Lilly being a Witness, what does that mean, how does that play into her understanding of God and His love?  She is also referred to as Lillith several times throughout the novel.  This is never explained.  There is folklore that Eve was in fact Adam's second wife and Lilith was his first, but would not submit to him, and was abolished.  Knowing this lore makes the references to her being Lilith very confusing, if she is the daughter of Eve, she cannot be Lilith.  So what is the significance to her being called this?  What is significant of Lilith, or is Young trying to confuse readers?

I found the writing in this novel to be boring and dull.  There were moments I had to stop because it was too strenuous to continue reading.  I admit I have tempted to read this book several times and needed to walk away each time.  It pains me to admit that a book had this effect, especially one from an author that I have previously admired.  Sadly I give this book a 1.5 out of 5 star rating.  I would recommend The Shack, but I do not think I would recommend Eve.

Treasure of the North

Treasures of The North (Yukon Quest Book #1), by Tracie Peterson
Media: ebook - Nook
Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Recommendation:  I would recommend this novel for those who enjoy both Christian novels with focus on relying on God as well as those who like old west novels, novels about the gold rush and romance.


Treasures of the North is the story of a young woman, Grace Hawkin, who travels to the Yukon with her governess, Karen Pierce, to escape the potential to marry an abusive man.  Karen travels to the Yukon in hopes of finding her father who has gone missing during a missionary trip among the natives in Alaksa.  Along the way they met and make new friends in Peter Colton, a ship captain who sees the gold rush as a way help establish the family shipping business and Bill, a widower who packs his kids up to head north in hopes of achieving riches with the gold to be found.  Martin Paxton makes his way to the Yukon unbeknown to Grace and Karen.  Martin continues to manipulate her family to bring down their ruin, and he is determined to bring down Grace as well.

This is one of those novels that you can find yourself getting lost in and lose complete track of time.  I almost finished it in one night.  The story is compelling, the characters are thrilling, and you find yourself hoping each of their dreams come true (aside from Martin who you love to loathe).   There are a lot of references to religion and God throughout the novel, so if that is not something you dislike, this isn't a book for you.  That being said those references were done very well, it displayed the beliefs of Grace and Karen, and sometimes Peter.   It added quality to each of the characters to see how their faith fit into their lives. 

Peterson does a wonderful job with this story. It flows nicely and the changes in storylines, meaning changing to the different characters flowed together well. Readers aren't left wondering what is happening or where the story is headed.  There are questions that arise and go unanswered, but that is why there is a second book in the series.  The novel doesn't necessarily end, but prepare readers for the next novel.  It almost leaves you hanging which drops the rating down slightly.

Will I return to it?  I am not sure if I would return to this particular novel, but I will continue to read the series.