The White Horse King: The Life of Alfred the Great by Benjamin Merckle is my latest Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers pick.

I really enjoyed this book. The format is very easy to read and comfortable to hold. There are side notes where a little more history or clarification of a term is helpful. I found this more interesting than just footnotes at the bottom of a page. The story is well told and clear, in spite of describing a time and culture very different and new to me.

The story is a good one. The history of Christianity in England, the invasions of the Vikings, and the efforts of the people to fight the Vikings is one I am vaguely aware of. This book provided very good detail about the events and the people. The efforts of King Alfred the Great to implement defenses for his country, literacy in the vernacular for his people, and a love of learning and the virtues of nobility in the country are worth studying.

The Sweet By and By by Sara Evans is my latest Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers pick.

A great story, the first but hopefully not the last from Sara Evans, collaborating with Rachel Hauck. The story was well written and well told. It weaves the present day and memories of the past showing how our actions and words can haunt us, and how hard it is to accept forgiveness. The story provides an interesting study in lifestyle choices and the effects they have on others.

I enjoyed the story as it told of a young woman facing unexpected consequences of poor choices made as she was growing up (and seeking love and stability) and her relationship with her mother whose own lifestyle led to that need for love and stability.

Recommended.