Though my wife and I read all of these books years ago and lent them out to encourage young believers in our church to read wholesome material, I amThough my wife and I read all of these books years ago and lent them out to encourage young believers in our church to read wholesome material, I am repeatedly drawn back to the writing of Phillips/Pela in this and other series. Their teamwork covers their books as their talents complement each other. Historically accurate and very good at giving a picture of early California, the interactions with townspeople and natives alike are rife with challenges. Watching Corrie Belle mature in her faith and in her writing made for some good Sunday School lessons along the way too....more
Another one down, but I don't think I'll ever catch up with the author on this series or any other. I read this book in one night (Stayed up to finishAnother one down, but I don't think I'll ever catch up with the author on this series or any other. I read this book in one night (Stayed up to finish it last night after my Men's Christmas Fellowship). Anyway, I was discussing the plot and how Sharon Srock (my wife is also Sharon) shows that the back story is often driving today's story. This is more than once where the author shows a "good Christian" derailed by a past experience (specifically abuse in both cases). I also liked the group working together to help somebody through things and also bringing someone else to Christ in the process....more
Historical fiction, accurately depicting America and Europe during the First World War. The American Women's Hospital raised funds, hired the crew andHistorical fiction, accurately depicting America and Europe during the First World War. The American Women's Hospital raised funds, hired the crew and paid passage to the war zone to aid with civilian casualties. This was not a government entity. Keep in mind also at that point in American History, women still couldn't vote. I appreciated the accuracy and sensitivity of the author because she had to tread a fine line between gory detail and whitewashing the whole business. The awful truth is that war is ugly and mean and it does involve the civilians in whatever country is being fought over. I especially liked the recommended reading annex which looked like a scholarly bibliography. ...more
Okay, a slightly mixed review. Initially what I liked most was the preface where the writer explained the book and what it inadvertently causes (theOkay, a slightly mixed review. Initially what I liked most was the preface where the writer explained the book and what it inadvertently causes (the book was made into a movie, the Soviet Union thought the clandestine office within the CIA was real and made one of their own), but then as I started reading (spy thriller is really not my thing) I got hooked and couldn't put it down. Now I am considering all things Grady, especially in the Condor realm. ...more
Agreeing with all three tags for this book and series. Historical and accurately recorded, Christian, both main characters have had good influencersAgreeing with all three tags for this book and series. Historical and accurately recorded, Christian, both main characters have had good influencers and have memorized scripture which comes out often. A preacher and his midwife wife join the wagon train and contribute quite a bit also. I actually used a passage quoted by the preacher to finish a Daily Service blog post I was working on. And romance definitely. I won't give away the plot but suffice it to say I was rooting for them from the beginning. This book will make you laugh, cry, cringe, shout and cry some more so I guess getting the next one is a foregone conclusion....more
This was an interesting tale from the early days of Texas. I appreciated Zilla's determination and reliance on God throughout what amounts to aThis was an interesting tale from the early days of Texas. I appreciated Zilla's determination and reliance on God throughout what amounts to a harrowing coming of age tale. Without giving it all away, she survives an evil stepfather, the loss of her mother, and has the backbone to refuse giving up on her baby brother to the stepfather's family. Through all the struggles she relies on God and loving neighbors who are half Indian, shunned by many in the town. I'm queuing up the next book in the series now, so I'd have to say, yes, I'm hooked....more
Raging space adventure. How do you review a great action sequence like this without giving away some plot? In 3 books he goes from Messenger Pilot toRaging space adventure. How do you review a great action sequence like this without giving away some plot? In 3 books he goes from Messenger Pilot to saving the whole galaxy? Wow, now that is some dude huh? But what the author does a good job of is a great supporting cast. Like his alien engineer for instance; the retired Marine Colonel engaged to train and lead ground troops. Blasters can be disabled but the traditional AK 47 and grenades don't require an energy source. ...more
One of many titles From C.H. Spurgeon. This one, in particular, is for Pastors trying to keep them focused on God's grace so that they can communicateOne of many titles From C.H. Spurgeon. This one, in particular, is for Pastors trying to keep them focused on God's grace so that they can communicate it to their congregation....more
More twists and turns than bag full of bobcats. An interesting evocative tale with a look into the Amish tradition. I guess it's hard to understandMore twists and turns than bag full of bobcats. An interesting evocative tale with a look into the Amish tradition. I guess it's hard to understand their traditional approach when compared to our modern lives and distractions. I do admire their devotion to God, Bible Study, and family. It is hard as an outsider to understand people that don't pursue a criminal....more
Can I get an AMEN! Wonderful story, well organized, nicely detailed. This is a prodigal story (like mine was). Without giving away the plot or theCan I get an AMEN! Wonderful story, well organized, nicely detailed. This is a prodigal story (like mine was). Without giving away the plot or the characters I am already invested in the series and want to know more so the author has told a good story and knows how to set the hook....more
Challenging to say the least. I am not familiar or comfortable with Andrew Murray's writing style, but the biblical truth carries this book along andChallenging to say the least. I am not familiar or comfortable with Andrew Murray's writing style, but the biblical truth carries this book along and I appreciated the insights. God did some toe stepping while I was reading this book which indicates the author was on the money. ...more
McFarlane never disappoints, in outer space or out in the country. Great book, lots of action, plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep youMcFarlane never disappoints, in outer space or out in the country. Great book, lots of action, plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing. Next?...more
Okay, is this my week for novellas masqueraded as novels? 3 under 100 pages, and I feel cheated on every one because I felt like the story was justOkay, is this my week for novellas masqueraded as novels? 3 under 100 pages, and I feel cheated on every one because I felt like the story was just getting good. This is the second in the Privateer Tales series to weigh in so small. Great story, great development but it still left me hanging. What is the crew going to do with a thief? (Hobbit/Lord of the Rings comes to mind...we need a burglar)....more
There is so much in this book that appeals it is hard to pin it down. Rooting for Trudy is obvious, but herHistorical novel or inspirational romance?
There is so much in this book that appeals it is hard to pin it down. Rooting for Trudy is obvious, but her mama is a force to be reckoned with. I especially liked the prayer and church parts. All in all it makes me want the rest of the series and to check out the author more...more
I downloaded this for my wife because she finished Women of Valley View and of course, I picked it up when she was finished so Goodreads says I'veI downloaded this for my wife because she finished Women of Valley View and of course, I picked it up when she was finished so Goodreads says I've read it twice. Yes, my wife is on my Kindle account. We both enjoyed the book and the introduction of a new cadre of sisters (same town, different church but the stories seem to continue). What I said about the last series continues to be true: Well written, well-developed characters and situations. I just got material my next Daily Service post on my blog. I also love that the author is clear when God is talking. I also notice the reality check that we don't always listen, even when the still small voice becomes strident. Thank you Sharon for another great story and a kickoff for another great series. Yes, I'm heading for Amazon next to buy the next book....more
Okay, this is so not fair. A short book, interesting premise, way too many dangling questions. Of course, I want the next book, but I just bought 5Okay, this is so not fair. A short book, interesting premise, way too many dangling questions. Of course, I want the next book, but I just bought 5 new kindle books and I think I'm tapped out for now. Without doing a book report or giving too much away. How exactly are the girls (yes more than one) getting transported to a new location, presumably in the same era? How are they not missed, how can a small town absorb 3 young ladies in a short time span and not wonder what is happening?...more
I like to see inspirational stories where people are led to examine their faith and their walk. I was also pleased to see nods to mentoring andI like to see inspirational stories where people are led to examine their faith and their walk. I was also pleased to see nods to mentoring and outreach as a method of demonstrating Christ's love for us. Good book. I only did a couple of oops type notes....more
Two questions: why so short and why is this last book?
I have loved this whole series but I felt slightly cheated with the shortness of the last twoTwo questions: why so short and why is this last book?
I have loved this whole series but I felt slightly cheated with the shortness of the last two books that were more like novellas. The other problem is that this last book s the beginning of the Siskos who figure prominently in the first seven books. Was a prequel what you really had in mind? Anyway, good series and good making God the center of it all....more
Short but sweet. The Women of Valley View come through again. I won't do any more spoilers but I love the way the author continues to develop herShort but sweet. The Women of Valley View come through again. I won't do any more spoilers but I love the way the author continues to develop her characters as the react to God's guidance. I let my wife read these before I do, and she is on my Kindle account so it shows it read twice in one week. One thing I wanted to get but haven't found is the growing cast of characters that attend the Monday night Bible Study because these ladies and their spouses rock!...more
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