Sarah Holman's Blog, page 73
March 9, 2016
Cover revieal (and book review) for Brothers-in-Arms
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for violence and thematic elementsBest for Ages: 15 and up
When Baillot asked if I would be an advanced reader for her book, I said yes, because I like most Christian historical fiction. I was not prepared to be totally blown away by the story. It is by far the best book I have read that captures the emotions within Germany during World War II.
Right away, this book sets itself apart from most because both of the main characters are boys (one Jew, one non-Jew), and the story is about their friendship. Love interests are almost non-existent throughout the whole book. The friendship between the two boys is so deep, the characters so real, that it carries the story to the very ending.
The setting and plot of this book made it a heart-pounding gut-wrenching book. I am pretty sure there were a couple of places where I cried, it was such an emotional journey. I had to stop reading it at least an hour before I wanted to go to sleep so that I had plenty of time for my emotions to right themselves. Yes, it was that powerful.
The Christian message seemed to be absent from the book in the beginning, and in the middle I felt desperate for it (as the characters were). When it finally appeared, it was that much more powerful. It packed a punch not only for me, but for the characters. It was yet another aspect of the book that I was amazed at.
The writing was strong, as strong as any book I have ever read. I can tell that Baillot spent many hours researching because it showed in the story. Everything from major events to tiny details of everyday living in Berlin seemed to make the time come alive.
I cannot say enough good about this book and highly recommend it for history lovers, those who love powerful stories, and World War II buffs.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Jack is one of those strange people who calls herself an Author. She spends a lot of her time writing and even less time editing. She likes to write about friendships which is partly how Brothers-in-Arms came to be. More than ten years in the making, this is the book she dreaded the most writing, but which also has the most meaning for her. When Jack isn't writing, which doesn't happen too often, she keeps busy with various other hobbies – such as reading, playing the bagpipes to the dread of her neighbors, and drinking tea – which might not be considered a hobby by most but which should be. She lives in a cabin in the woods with her dog and a library which isn't quite equal to Prince Adam's but will be given enough time and a secret doorway.Contact InfoFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/JackLBaillot... – https://twitter.com/JackLBaillotGoodr... - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... – http://www.jacklewisbaillot.com/
Goodreads link - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... Pintrest Page - https://www.pinterest.com/jackbaillot...
March 5, 2016
Listening to Waltz into the Waves: Part 5
March 4, 2016
Onscreen Adventures: Hot Lead, Cold Feet
Okay, I am back to playing an old Disney nut. I even started a blog label for it. This is probably the best Disney movie ever made. The acting was amazing, the plot was fun and also compelling, and the theme doing what is right and overcoming the odds are two big themes. This is about twin brothers who have a race to decide the family fortune. One is a wild cowboy, the other a Philadelphia preacher. This movie was a favorite as a kid, and is still a favorite of mine today. Pros: Preacher shown as a good guy, acting is amazing, setting is fun, two kids help out the adults, but are respectful and act like kids. Cons: Kids talk back the adults once or twice. One quick kiss.
March 2, 2016
Homeschooled Author's Spotlight: Sci-Fi
I spend a lot of time working as the administrator of Homeschooled Authors and some of my recent favorites are from these talented people. Today, I would like to share my favorite sci-fi books that my fellow Homeschooled Authors have written. Click on the image to see the Amazon Page
This series has a Star Trek feel to it, but much, much better. Andy lives and works with her father who is the starship's doctor. She many adventures that lead her to discover much about her faith.Amazon review of:RadialloyIn His ImageMachiavellian
This book was so good. It isn't very long, but it has strong themes of living out your faith in hard times, heart-racing adventure, and great characters.Amazon Review
This book is written by a number of authors, two of which are home school graduates. I liked some of the authors better then others (see my review) but I found myself enjoying this collection of flash fiction stories about a forgotten planet.Amazon Review
These are short stories with great messages and strong, poetic writing. I really enjoyed these stories that were a cross between sci-fi and fantasy.Amazon review of:The Beauty of the Lilies
Summer Leaves
February 27, 2016
Listening to Waltz into the Waves: Part 4
The month of February is a celebration of one of the sweetest gifts God gave us for life's journey: love. We celebrate the love that God gave specifically between men and women. Even though I am not married or in a relationship, I still choose to celebrate this time of year, if nothing else because I am so happy that he brought my parents together.So this month, I will be sharing a gift my sister Rose made for me for my Birthday last year: an audio version of Waltz into theWaves. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Click HERE to listen to the four chapter
Find the e-book HERE
February 26, 2016
Onscreen Adventures: Island of Grace
I talked a couple of weeks ago about Overcome well this movie was made by the same people. With a stranded-on-a-deserted-island theme, this movie is fun, adventure filled, and full of good morals and faith messages. Pros: Filled with messages about standing up for what is right, picking the right person to love, and being kind even when it is hard. The setting is fun and believable. Cons: some minor immodesty (guys with shirt off, girl in shorts), girl goes for the wrong guy at first.
February 23, 2016
10 Things Girls Should do for Girls
1. Remember they have feelings too. We can easily get caught up in arguments, discussions, and conversations and lose sight of the fact that the other girl has feelings. Whether you are commenting online, feel you need to speak up in a conversation, or talking to a stranger, remember that they have feelings that are as or even more sensitive than you.
2. Give encouragement. So often it is easy for us to see the negative side of our fellow girls. We need to reach out and say many positive things. Girls need to hear what they are doing right from their friends and sisters, make sure that they are hearing the encouragement from you.
3. Be able to give and accept correction. There are things we all need to work on and there are times when we will see bad behavior that we need to speak up about. We need to be open to giving and receiving correction in love.
4. Do NOT make fun of each other's beliefs. This doesn't mean that you cannot challenge biblically incorrect stands, but mocking what someone holds dear is never appropriate. You may not understand why a girl has chosen to wear skirts only, read books that you wouldn't, or any number of things, but you shouldn't make fun of those choices. If it worries you, start a discussion where you listen to what they have to say and show them where you stand in all gentleness and humility.
5. Remember that the small things matter. Little gifts and notes mean the world to most girls. Send those letters and emails. Leave little notes and gifts. Make your friend or sister's day.
6. Spur each other on. When we get together, we should speak about what is on our hearts. We should spur each other to higher and better things with scripture and personal experience. When we see a fellow girl struggling with something we have struggled with as well, we should come alongside her and build her up.
7. Be an example. Other girls are watching you. Each of us should remember that and be an example to them of godly womanhood.
8. Remember and remind each other that what is inside is what it important. I am not just talking about beauty; I am talking about the essence of who we are. Girls easily fall for the lie that they need to pretend that they have it all together and they never do. We need to encourage them to start by working on the heart and then let that change shine through, not pretending to be something you are not.
9. Do not participate in bad-mouthing and gossip. This one is easy to fall into. I myself have been part of conversations that were just gossip or bad-mouthing someone. We need to take a stand against both. We need to say something when a conversation heads in that direction and/or walk away if we cannot stop it.
10. Pray for each other. It is the most powerful thing that we can do for each other.
February 20, 2016
Listening to Waltz into the Waves: Part 3
The month of February is a celebration of one of the sweetest gifts God gave us for life's journey: love. We celebrate the love that God gave specifically between me and women. Even though I am not married or in a relationship, I still choose to celebrate this time of year, if nothing else because I am so happy that he brought my parents together.So this month, I will be sharing a gift my sister Rose made for me for my Birthday last year: an audio version of Waltz into eh Waves. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Click HERE to listen to the third chapter
Find the e-book HERE
February 19, 2016
Onscreen Adventure: Geek Charming
Modern Disney movies are pretty shallow, and yes, this one falls into that category. I enjoy watching this one on occasion when I am sick. The story is about a film geek who does a documentary on the most popular girl in school. Yes, with very typical romantic results. Pros: Cute, fun, reminder not to judge quickly. Cons: romance (two kisses), no mentions of God, and shallow.
February 17, 2016
Adventures Between the Pages: Peter's Angel
Buy it Here
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up for some violence
Best for Ages: 15 to 25
Description: In the wake of a lost War for Independence, Peter Jameson, a young colonel, struggles to protect his tiny patriot state of Rhode Island from the oppression of New Britain, the wealthy British duchy. When New Britain invades and attempts to seize Rhode Island’s newly-discovered mine, Peter finds himself leading his small cavalry against the massive British army. But war becomes the least of his worries when his own men kidnap him and hold him for ransom. Facing certain death, Peter is freed by a mysterious boy who vanishes without leaving his name. Indebted, Peter determines to find his "angel" and reward him. But his rescuer has a secret of his own—he is the exiled rightful heir of New Britain, and he will do anything to keep from being found.
Well, this was my first historical fantasy (a what-if genre, in this case what if the British had won the American Revolution) and it will probably be my last. Hansen has a lot of talent. Her style shines as it did in one of my all-time favorite books, Red Rain. However, I found as a lover of history, this genre just isn’t my cup of tea.
The first third of this book was a bit hard to get into and seemed to drag. I really didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. It wasn’t until tragedy struck the characters of both Edwin and Nathan that I really got into the book.
Peter was my least favorite of the whole cast. He was a nice guy, and I found a lot of admirable qualities about him. However, I just never felt connected with him. After he was kidnapped, he is so embarrassed and keeps acting as if everyone will turn on him because he was so stupid as to get kidnapped. I really wanted to slap him and then yell that the people who would blame him for being kidnapped were not the type of people you want to listen to.
Edwin’s story was the most heart-breaking one and the one I most enjoyed. His love for his family, his faith, and his determination were all believable. Nathan also tugged at my heart, especially toward the end of the book.
The hardest thing about this book is that it leaves you hanging, and the second book hasn’t been released, nor does the author seem to have a release date set. I would hesitate to recommend anyone to get into this series until we are sure the author plans to complete the trilogy.
Nothing that was too startling for the causal historian, but just a fair warning if that is something that could hinder your enjoyment of the story.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy what-if scenarios, strong writing, and well-rounded characters.
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