Reviewer: Sarah Laughmiller 

Title: “A Voice in the Wind” – book one of the Mark of the Lions series 

Author: Francine Rivers 

Genre: Inspirational 

During the first Jewish Roman War, a young girl is ripped from her home in Jerusalem and sent to Rome to be thrown into slavery. Serving an aristocratic Roman family, Hadassah clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance and protection.  

Torn by her love for her master’s son and her faith in God, Hadassah dares to speak up above her station. She clings to the voice in the wind for guidance.  

If you love a good romance with some danger, and if you love reading about miracles taking place, then you’ll love this book. It’s extremely encouraging to see how an ordinary person is put into extraordinary circumstances. Her strength endures through some of the toughest trials imaginable. Her faith is tested time and again.  

This is an amazing story of trust and perseverance.   

This is just the first installment of a trilogy. If you enjoy this one, you’re bound to love the other two. If you have any questions about any of our digital resources, please contact the library at 256-773-9880. Happy reading! 

Title: “Cinder” 

Author: Marissa Meyer 

Reading Level: Young adult 

This book is a science fiction retelling of the classic story of Cinderella. The main character, Cinder Linh, is this version’s Cinderella. Her evil stepmother only keeps her around because she’s a talented mechanic; however, what makes her a talented mechanic is that she is a cyborg.  

Being a cyborg makes her adept at fixing machines and androids. Her abilities catch the eye of Prince Kai after his beloved nanny droid dies. While fighting her growing attraction to Kai, Cinder is sold by her stepmother for monetary gain. Will she escape captivity and get her happy ending? 

This book is perfect for young adult readers looking for books that have a strong female protagonist and romance. Cinder, already mature for her age, quickly starts changing into a fierce and loyal woman who puts the wellbeing of others before herself. She learns that she can be strong and loving at the same time. Being complex makes her strong, not weak. Her growth starts a chain reaction of all the other characters maturing into bright young adults.