Note: I received a copy of Jem Strikes Gold from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I had heard a lot about Susan K. Marlow and wasNote: I received a copy of Jem Strikes Gold from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I had heard a lot about Susan K. Marlow and was looking forward to reading books by her when the chance to review the first in the Goldstown Beginnings Series presented itself. I was very excited to read the first two books with our children.
Jem Strikes Gold is set in the 1800s during the Gold Rush and centers are Jem and his family. In the first story, we learn how Jem overcomes the challenge of a bully and gain a new friend - a puppy named Nugget. The story leads itself to wanting to learn more about the time period as well as encouraging perseverance and discussions about what to do if someone is being bullied.
I would recommend Jem Strikes Gold and we look forward to the next ones in the series as both our kids really loved the book....more
Note: I received a free copy of Raising Worry-Free Girls from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
This was another book that I was veryNote: I received a free copy of Raising Worry-Free Girls from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
This was another book that I was very excited to review for Bethany House Publishers. While our daughter is just a few years shy of the suggested age range of the book (6-18 years), I have seen some behaviors in her that concern me that she may be a worrier (like me). I was very pleased to read very helpful suggestions, tools, and tips to not only potentially help our daughter but also myself with my own anxiety.
The book is divided into three sections (understanding, help, and hope) with two appendixes to help parents learn about the different types of anxiety and also beat the bedtime blues. The organization of the book by Sissy Goff is excellent. One can skim through and find just what one needs to know before they read the entire book or after they have read it for refreshing their memory.
Even though the book is Christian in nature and emphasizes that God provides a safe, strong love to help our daughters build confidence, I didn't feel like the book overwhelmed me as a reader with scriptural references and Bible quotes. There were just enough for me to pull out my copy of the Bible to read the quotes in a different translation.
I highly recommend Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World. ...more
I had previously read and reviewing the first book in this two book series by Beverly Lewis when it first came out. I had forgotten when The TimepieceI had previously read and reviewing the first book in this two book series by Beverly Lewis when it first came out. I had forgotten when The Timepiece was to be released but was very happy to see it sitting on the new releases shelf at our library.
Reading The Timepiece was quite easy and a joy. It didn't take long to jump back into the tale of the Millers. It was very nice to see how Earnest's daughter from his first marriage found a place within their family and also found a closer relationship with God.
If you have enjoyed other books by Beverly Lewis, I would recommend reading first The Tinderbox and then this one, The Timepiece. ...more
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I zipped through this book! Hope's Highest Mountain was suchNote: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I zipped through this book! Hope's Highest Mountain was such an easy read - I wanted to know what was going to happen next to Ingrid and Micah that I couldn't put the book down.
I felt that Misty M. Beller created well-developed characters that I was able to connect with on a personal level. The story of Micah and his loss as well as Ingrid's injury and her own loss at the beginning of the book were poignant and meaningful. I found myself crying on numerous occasions as I connected with the troubles and plight of the characters as they struggled to get to Settler's Fort.
Some may be of the opinion that were too many things that went wrong for the characters as they trekked through the snow covered mountains to reach Settler's Fort with their precious cargo but I do not find that to be the case. Considering the tale is set during an approaching winter in the 1800s with a smallpox outbreak, there are so many things that could go wrong for the characters. All these things allowed Ingrid to demonstrate her trust and faith in God and be a good role model for Micah as he developed a new relationship with God.
I think the only thing that disappointed me was that the ending did not explore what happened to Joanna and Samuel in more detail - but I think they might show up in another book. (I hope they do!)
I recommend Hope's Highest Mountain to fans of Christian Romance and fiction and historical fiction. After this first experience reading a book by Misty M. Beller, I will be on the lookout for more of her works. ...more
4.5 out of 5 Note: I received a copy of When You Love a Prodigal from Bethany House Publishers for free in return for my honest opinion.
I do not have4.5 out of 5 Note: I received a copy of When You Love a Prodigal from Bethany House Publishers for free in return for my honest opinion.
I do not have a prodigal in life. There is no one who is addicted to something that has pulled them away from me and maybe God. That being said...I think that Judy Douglass' When You Love a Prodigal is an excellent book for anyone who is seeking encouragement in general with or without a prodigal in their lives.
Judy Douglass provides a really personal glimpse into her own life and her own prodigal, her adopted son, and how she turned to God to find love, grace, time, rest, trust, prayer, promise, hope, spirit, and gifts from God. She offers us personal prayers and words of wisdom in addition to numerous Bible quotes and Scriptural references to help us on our own journeys.
I really like how the book is set up to be read over the course of 90 days which allows us to focus upon ten different topics that can aid us and our prodigals in their lives. I made lots of notes while reading When You Love a Prodigal so that I could go back and re-read and and look up Bible quotes to reflect upon again and again.
I recommend When You Love a Prodigal to those who enjoy Christian non-fiction, those with a prodigal family member or friend, or those seeking to form a closer relationship with God. ...more
Note: I received The Spice King from the publishers in return for my honest opinion.
4.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading The Spice King byNote: I received The Spice King from the publishers in return for my honest opinion.
4.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden. I found cover intriguing and set off to learn more about Gray Delacroix (the Spice King) and his family who live and work in and around Washington D.C. During the course of the historical novel we meet the second main character - Annabelle Larkin and see the two characters falling in love.
But this is not your typical love story. There is actually a lot more of history to this book than romance (which I liked!). Elizabeth Camden is known for her books set in the Gilded Age of America which makes this an intriguing time period to read about as it is one period that is often skimmed over in history classes. We read about the repercussions of the Spanish-American War, spices and their preparation, the battle to have food (and spices) need to have labels, and about life during the presidency of McKinley.
The Spice King has me wanting to read more history books about the time period which for me a sign of a good work of historical fiction. I recommend The Spice King to those who enjoy historical fiction. It is a truly interesting read! ...more
The second book in the Sapphire Brides series by Tracie Peterson was a very good read. There was very little connection to the first book in theThe second book in the Sapphire Brides series by Tracie Peterson was a very good read. There was very little connection to the first book in the series (other than the inclusion of the sapphires that were being found in Montana).
I am looking forward to the third book in the series. ...more
I received a copy of Protecting Your Child from Predators from Bethany House Publishers for my honest opinion.
This is not a book that one wants toI received a copy of Protecting Your Child from Predators from Bethany House Publishers for my honest opinion.
This is not a book that one wants to read but rather needs to read if they are a parent. I found the information presented to be very timely and important as I am a mother three children which fit into each of the categories presented.
The book is divided into three sections based upon the age of the child so if you do not have a child younger than 6, you could skip to the later two sections to find just want you need to read. There are examples provided from Beth Robinson's years as a counselor (with names changed) and helpful advice to how to recognize those individuals presented in the scenarios. Also presented is age appropriate information to tell your children to keep them safe.
I would recommend this book to any parent who wishes to recognize and respond to the dangers of sexual predators. An important read for parents. ...more
I had to set aside Until the Mountains Fall for a time to read some other books that arrived for review for my blog but once I had the time to finishI had to set aside Until the Mountains Fall for a time to read some other books that arrived for review for my blog but once I had the time to finish the book, I couldn't put it down. I reviewed the second book in the series (Shelter of the Most High) and enjoyed it but I like this one so much better!
While I enjoyed reading of the characters in Shelter of the Most High, I really enjoyed the story of Rivkah and Malakhi which was based upon the story of the Prodigal Son. Rivkah's refusal to marry the man picked out for her after the death of her first husband, Gidal, and subsequent flight to another city was very interesting to read. As well as the sad story of how it impacted Malakhi - whom she was supposed to marry.
This book was more of a romance and love story that some of the Christian fiction published by Bethany House Publishers so if that is something your are interested in - I recommend it!
I will be looking to read the first in the series now and look forward to reading the next one by Connilyn Cossette. ...more
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest opinion.
I was very excited to see The Most ImportantDisclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest opinion.
I was very excited to see The Most Important Stories of the Bible as a review option. A few years ago I read the Bible cover to cover for the first time. It was difficult. I sought out guides and plans to help me stay on track and understand better what I was reading. I wish that I had this book that first year. Even though this book includes a limited selection of stories from the Bible, I found it very helpful. yes, most of the stories are well known ones but I found that the sections on the Kings and Prophets and the Stories of the Early Church had the most unknown ones for me personally.
I really like how each section is set up in the same way: the title with the Biblical reference, "the story begins/continues" providing a background and introduction to the story "the essential story" which tells the tale in more modern day language, and finally "essential truth" which provides so what or why is this important.
I found The Most Important Stories of the Bible very easy to read I was able to pick it up, read a few sections, and put it down to move on with my day. I would recommend this book to those looking to refresh their Bible history, to accompany the reading of the Bible, or even for young adults or teens just starting to read the Bible cover to cover. ...more
The final book in the Desert Rose series was very interesting. This one was set in 1931 - during the Great Depression - in the Southwest. The main twoThe final book in the Desert Rose series was very interesting. This one was set in 1931 - during the Great Depression - in the Southwest. The main two characters - Rainy and Sonny - are a brother and sister team (twins) who drive and give tours out of the Harvey Hotels. There is a scandal in the making as items are going missing from the nearby Indian homes and reservations (usually after Rainy and Sonny have brought a tour through the area leading suspicion to fall upon them).
As usual with Tracie Peterson books, there is an element of the main characters relying upon God for wisdom and guidance. Rainy seeks God's help in this book in order to discover whether or not Philip, the famous actor, or Duncan, a museum and employee, are meant to be her future husband.
Tied up in the missing Indian artifacts is the possible movement of Sonny, Rainy, and their parents to far away places.
I really enjoyed this one - probably better than the other two in the series. ...more
Note: I received a copy of Exhale from the Publisher in return for my honest opinion.
Wow! By the end of reading Exhale: Lose Who You're Not, Love WhoNote: I received a copy of Exhale from the Publisher in return for my honest opinion.
Wow! By the end of reading Exhale: Lose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well by Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I admit it took me a few chapters to really get the feel of the book but by the end of Exhale, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it to be very helpful.
The entire book is set up in a very similar manner - with 3 parts, each chapter is written by one of the two authors and contains Scripture references, actions that readers can take (along with references to online worksheets to help you during your reading), and a part at the end of each chapter 'now breathe' so we can put into action what we read about in that chapter.
I recommend Exhale to those women who are struggling and are under pressure to do everything - at home, church, work, etc. Through Exhale readers will be able to start saying no to things they are not capable of handling or completing without feeling guilty. And readers will be on the journey to love themselves just as God loves them. ...more
I was eagerly looking forward to picking up the second book in the Desert Roses series at the library because I wanted to learn more about Alex andI was eagerly looking forward to picking up the second book in the Desert Roses series at the library because I wanted to learn more about Alex and Luke (who were in the first book) but this second book was about an entirely different sent of characters.
Readers spend their time getting to know another Harvey Girl (this one works in Winslow) - Ashley Reynolds, her daughter, and her grandpa. Into the story we also see E.J. Carsons arriving to help Mrs. Colter complete the dream of the new Harvey Hotel being built.
I think I cried from the very first page. With Grandpa Russell dying, we see the struggles of Ashley as she tries to find her peace with God and her family - who kicked her out years ago. We also see Natalie trying to match up Ashley and E.J. as a couple.
I enjoyed reading the first book in the Desert Roses series - Shadows of the Canyon. It was an interesting twist of a book in which several mainI enjoyed reading the first book in the Desert Roses series - Shadows of the Canyon. It was an interesting twist of a book in which several main characters try to recoil their Christian beliefs to a murder mystery of sorts.
The setting of the Grand Canyon and the hotel with the Harvey Girls was very well written. I felt like I was actually there - at the Grand Canyon. Great descriptions!
I enjoyed the romance aspect of the story between Alexandria and Luke. ...more
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I was very excited to see The Cranky Mom Fix as an option toNote: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I was very excited to see The Cranky Mom Fix as an option to review from Bethany House Publishers. I am a cranky mom and I really wanted to find a thoughtful and biblical approach to overcoming my crankiness. I found the entire book to be helpful from the beginning chapters that help the reader examine their triggers (what makes them get cranky) to the end which helps the reader implement F.U.N. in their family. I also was very happy to see printables and graphics on the website listed in the book. (I already printed out some of the pages to use in conjunction with the book.)
I made notations, underlined key ideas, and discussed topics from the book with my husband.
I really enjoyed When You Are Near. I picked it up at the library because I had been reading other books by Tracie Peterson.
In this story, we areI really enjoyed When You Are Near. I picked it up at the library because I had been reading other books by Tracie Peterson.
In this story, we are transported to a wild west show - an all girls' wild west show. There is murder, intrigue, sadness, and redemption during the novel.
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. ...more
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed The Number of Love. I enjoy readingI received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed The Number of Love. I enjoy reading historical fiction as well as reading about World War I so this was a joy to read and review. The characters are well-developed - even the minor ones - and there are twists and turns in regards to the revelations about the characters.
The story is Christian fiction and Margot (one of the two main characters) has a relationship with God that is tested after she loses a loved one. In fact, she feels that she can not prayer to God anymore but He is there waiting for her and she learns to rely upon Him again. I love that this illustrates the problems that many individuals have in real life.
I would recommend The Number of Love to fans of Christian fiction and historical fiction. And while at the heart of it is a love story as Margot grows to love Drake, there is enough mystery and secret agents that even individuals who do want to read a love story will find it an enjoyable book. ...more
I was given a free copy of the book from the publishers in return for my honest opinion.
Overcoming Fear is a very well-organized book (five parts)I was given a free copy of the book from the publishers in return for my honest opinion.
Overcoming Fear is a very well-organized book (five parts) with group discussion questions, activation prayers, and declarations at the end of chapters in which Dawna De Silva shares a way in which individuals can balance power, love, and self-discipline to break free from fear.
I think I may have walked into the reading of Overcoming Fear with too many expectations. While there is great organization, there are many examples from the Sozo Ministry (which was unknown to me prior to reading the book). It often seemed at times like there were too many examples from these Sozo sessions.
De Silva spent 9 chapters discussing God's plan for overcoming fear and only one chapter in how to apply the plan to our lives. I felt that there definitely needed to be more information on how to apply the ideas presented by De Silva.
I think some may find Overcoming Fear to be very useful and helpful. I think I need to re-read it to see what else I can glean from the book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed reading Whose Waves These Are. I am aDisclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed reading Whose Waves These Are. I am a fan of historical fiction while the focus of the book was not history there was just enough story telling in the past (starting with the World War II era and moving forward as we learn more about Robert Bliss) to really hook me.
At the heart of this story are two individuals and the lives of their loved ones. We learn about Robert Bliss and his mission (along with his twin brother Roy and his family) and Annie Bliss and some difficulties she has had in her life prior to returning to Ansel-by-the-Sea to see her ill uncle, Robert.
The main characters are thoroughly brought to life as well as the minor characters like Ed (and how he can really see even though he is blind) and Mr. Spencer T. Ripley (who may seem like a pain at first but will come through in the end).
I enjoyed uncovering the layers of the story of Robert and his brother as Annie learned more details from town residents and her own family. I wanted to know what happened next!
This was one book in which I found myself crying at certain points - the story came to life that beautifully. And while there was sadness in the tale, there was also the reminder that we can rely upon God for his bigger than everything.
I recommend Whose Waves These Are for fans of Christian fiction who are looking for something enjoyable to read this summer! ...more
Note: I received a copy of The Tinderbox from the Publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed reading The Tinderbox. It is only the secondNote: I received a copy of The Tinderbox from the Publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed reading The Tinderbox. It is only the second Beverly Lewis book that I have read but I think it found it even more enjoyable than the first).
At times it seemed like the story progressed quickly and I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to see what would happen next between Earnest and Rhoda as he secret was revealed as well as between Sylvie and Titus and their budding romance. Everything is tied into a pocket watch found in the tinderbox. There are secrets that are revealed that threaten to change the entire Miller family. By the end of the book changes have been made as Earnest (who came to the Amish life later in life) and his family adapt to the new found knowledge.
Be warned: there is a sequel to the book so there is one huge surprise at the end that will (hopefully) be resolved in the fall of 2019. ...more
Note: I received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I admit that the teen years scared me a bit - even with being a highNote: I received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I admit that the teen years scared me a bit - even with being a high school teacher for many years. There is nothing quite like your own relationship with your teen. Reading Parenting Beyond the Rules has been a great help in realizing that one do does not need to just survive the teen years. It can be an awesome time in which your relationship grows and develops.
In Parenting Beyond the Rules, Connie Albers presents practical advice over the course of 12 chapters (which include questions for reflection at the end) on topics from trust, relationships, difficult discussion topics (drugs, sex, etc), and being role models for our children. I found her book to be very helpful in how to approach different situations with our teen.
I recommend Parenting Beyond the Rules for Christian parents looking for assistance in raising their children while exhibiting Christ-like behaviors. ...more
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed readingNote: I received this book for free from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading this small volume (it only 167 pages long) written by A. W. Tozer and compiled and edited by James L. Snyder. A Cloud by Day, A Fire by Night: Finding and Following God's Will for Your is a very thought-provoking and inspiring book.
My three favorite things: 1) The book cover - in its simplicity, it evokes God guiding Moses and the Israelites to the Promised Land (this theme is the central focus of the book) 2) The layout of the book - each chapter has a prayer, main body of text, and hymn excerpt 3) The easiness of the text - I found the book easy to read and understand but still deep in concepts. I found myself taking notes to reflect upon when I reread the book a second time.
I recommend this book to those interested in reflecting upon the Old Testament, the early history of the Israelites and their relationship with God, your own relationship with God, and others. ...more
I really enjoyed the other books I have read by Peterson but I just couldn't get over the plotline of Priam Welby with this story. It seemed a bit tooI really enjoyed the other books I have read by Peterson but I just couldn't get over the plotline of Priam Welby with this story. It seemed a bit too forced and 'done before' for me to actually be able to enjoy it.
I admit I wanted a happy story of Abrianna and Wade getting married (with some tension made up by her recent inheritance).
SPOILERS
I was not looking for the jailing of Wade and Jay for crimes they didn't commit b/c Priam twisted things and committed crimes himself. It was too much for me. ...more
I received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
When I first saw the cover of Far Side of Sea, I thought this will be anI received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
When I first saw the cover of Far Side of Sea, I thought this will be an interesting book to read. Beyond knowing that it was historical fiction, I did not have much information going in when I started reading it. For example, it wasn't till I was finished the book that I found out that there was an earlier book written about some of the characters. This did not hinder my enjoyment or understanding of this intriguing story.
Lieutenant Colin Mabry and Johanna Reyer unexpectedly meet up as both try to find Jewel Reyer in World War I France and Spain.
Mabry receives a coded message from a person he believes to be Jewel but when he arrives in Paris it is actually Johanna (her half-sister) who is waiting for him. Both set out to find Jewel and her father in worn torn France, traveling through the countryside south to Barcelona.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will be looking to read more by Kate Breslin in the future. ...more
Such an interesting mix of reviews on Goodreads for this book.
Potential Spoilers
Personally, I did not feel like For Such a Time was trying to negateSuch an interesting mix of reviews on Goodreads for this book.
Potential Spoilers
Personally, I did not feel like For Such a Time was trying to negate any of the evil that the Nazis did before/during WWII. The lead male character, Aric even speaks about the fact that he may have to answer for his crimes. I also did not feel that the lead female character, Stella/Hadassah, was converting to Christianity just because she was reading the Bible. In fact, most of the time she flipped open the book, she was reading from the Old Testament. I do not think she read from the New Testament until she was being held in the ghetto with her uncle.
I found it to be an interesting attempt at retelling the story of Esther. I enjoy the story of Esther and found parts of this book to be a good retelling and other parts (those mostly involving Morty) fell short.
I was very sad to learn that there was no real attempt at escape and in some respect I almost wish there was a disclosure at the beginning of the book rather than a note at the end. ...more
I received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. While at times it was not easy toI received this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. While at times it was not easy to read - b/c it was so honest and direct - I value the message that Watson was driving home. We cannot allow ourselves to remain victims and wallow in our brokenness. We must breakthrough and we can do that through the help of Jesus.
The book is divided into 12 chapters. There are biblical quotes and references, questions for reflection, and prayers to read to help the reader on their journey to freedom.
This is definitely one book that left me with a feeling hope. I would recommend to those interested in finding a way to break through with the help of Jesus. ...more
Note: I received a free copy of His Mercy Endureth Forever: Psalm 136 from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
This is such a beautifullyNote: I received a free copy of His Mercy Endureth Forever: Psalm 136 from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.
This is such a beautifully presented book. The illustrations are lovely - colorful and pleasant to view - and the text chosen (Psalm 136) is inspirational.
I really enjoyed getting the chance to review this book. I think it would be a perfect gift for families (individuals, children, parents, etc) at various points on their journey in life.
The illustrations present multiple opportunities to discuss the text and images with younger children. You could even position the book so that it is open on a mantle or shelf to view one set of illustrations (there is a large one on one side and smaller one that accompanies the text) a day to discuss. ...more
Much like the first in the series (Steadfast Heart), I had difficulty getting interested in the beginning of the tale. Even though I was alreadyMuch like the first in the series (Steadfast Heart), I had difficulty getting interested in the beginning of the tale. Even though I was already familiar with the majority of the characters (since they all featured in the first Brides of Seattle novel), I still felt that the first chapter or so moved slowly. However, once I began reading it and the story began to take shape around Militine and Thane, I couldn't put the book down. I read the Refining Fire in one night.
We are learning more about the Madison Bridal School and the inhabitants of Seattle during the late 1800s. The characters face many hardships including the death of their beloved pastor, a new venture, blossoming relationships, and a devastating fire.
I would recommend Refining Fire to those interested in Christian fiction. If you enjoyed the first in the Brides of Seattle series, I do not think this will disappoint you. ...more
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