What a great morning! I got up this morning and found I had won Wanda Brunstettler's "Goodbye to Yesterday" from a facebook page I'm a member of, and then got the email from The Book Club Network that they had announced their December book winners. I won "All Things New" from Lynn Austin from there!! Top it off with 2 new followers on my blog and I'm having a great day! :-) Don't forget to go to my sister's blog http://cabinfeverreading.blogspot.com/ and sign up with the rafflecopter for her giveaway. Just over 3 days left. I'll be doing a giveaway here around the first of the year, so stop back by!
Happy Reading!!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
"Wildflowers From Winter" by Katie Ganshert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Wildflowers from Winter began with so much potential. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to it. Bethany was emotionally scarred by past experiences, but she is portrayed as a selfish jerk. Ms. Ganshert tries to soften this by explaining away her actions as Bethany trying to protect herself from more hurt, but I was just left disliking her throughout most of the book. Religion (re: church) is pretty much slammed throughout most of the book with emphasis on a personal relationship with God, but even that is severely watered down. Yes, a personal relationship with God is very important, but that doesn't mean church is not. This "personal relationship" seems to be not much more than admitting He's there, praying when you need something, and thanking Him if things turn out like you wanted. Salvation was not mentioned a single time. I felt like this was another book trying to straddle "Christian" and secular fiction and failing miserably.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
http://katieganshert.com/
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalo...
"Wedded to War" by Jocelyn Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jocelyn Green has written a wonderful book in her new "Heroines Behind the Lines" Civil War book series. This is a work of fiction, but is heavily based in fact. It was a fascinating read on the trials and horrors of the time. Charlotte wants to be more than just an empty-headed, pretty woman on some man's arm. Her greatest desire is to have her life count for something. She fights with everything she has against overwhelming obstacles to be able to work as a nurse during the civil war. She endures incomprehensible circumstances to be able to do that work. She can be overly strong and opinionated, but as the book progresses, you start to see some growth. I very much appreciated when Alice (her sister) calls her on her attitude towards men in authority, though I wish she had not let Charlotte get away with a couple of her nastier comments.
This is a hard review to write without giving spoilers. The author wrote a very gritty, realistic book, but there were times when it felt she was pushing a little too hard--going for shock factor. I also had a hard time with the fact that Charlotte stands there while her fiance verbally attacks, with no discernable reason (at least to Charlotte at the time) Ruby, the woman she has taken under her wing and she doesn't really do anything. This from the girl that stands up to everyone--sometimes to her detriment. Ruby's story is woven throughout the book adding even more depth to the story.
I love a book that makes me root for the characters, and this one certainly did. The added bonus is the "History Behind the Story" at the end that gives a short sketch of the characters that were taken from history, and the bibliography to help anyone who would like to read more on the subjects in the book. Very well done book. I look forward to reading the sequels as they come out!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
"The True Account of Adam and Eve" by Ken Ham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was so excited to get this book to review from New Leaf Publishing!! It's hard to find Biblically accurate Bible stories any more. Ken Ham went above and beyond in this book. I love the fact that he not only gives an in-depth account of Adam and Eve, but he even goes so far as to refute common arguments kids might hear against creation. I only gave it 4 stars for two reasons. One, I hate that they don't use the King James Bible. I know many might disagree with me, but it just strikes a bad chord with me when I read books using other "versions". Secondly, it can be a tad wordy at times, which can definitely put off some kids. My 10-year-old loved it, the 11-year-old liked it, but my 13-year old thought it was boring. They all agreed that the picture of Adam being formed from the ground was just plain creepy. It is a beautiful book, though, that I would recommend to others.
I was sent this book by New Leaf Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book Giveaway!!
Happy Reading!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
"Would You... Read Me To Sleep?" by George E. Edenfield
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was so excited to get this book to review!! "Would You...Read Me to Sleep" is a sweet story I'd be happy to read to my kids over and over. I love how the book begins with the little girl asking her daddy to read her to sleep, and ends with the daddy asking the grown-up daughter to read him to "sleep". It was very precious and touchingly written for the most part.
There are some issues with the book, though. One is that the little girl in the beginning is young enough to have a "bah-bah" and calls her daddy "Dah-Dah", but then goes on to speak in grown up sentences. The worst one was "Dah-Dah, if you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?". That's quite a sentence for one so young! I realize some very young children have advanced vocabulary, but if her vocabulary was that advanced, she would be saying "Daddy" and "bottle" as well. There are many "advanced" words in the book that younger children (which seems would be the target age) would have trouble understanding.
This looks like it's supposed to be a book for kids giving them the gospel, but it is very unclear. The book talks about seeking and finding the seven golden keys to unlock The Great Treasure of Golden Destiny, and it seems those gold keys are the words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant", but there is nothing telling you how to get there! It talks about the different Bible stories, though it calls the Bible a storybook--another small issue, but it never actually tells the child how to get saved.
I gave this book two stars due to the sweet storyline, and just the beauty of the book.
I was provided this complimentary copy to read and review from Golden Garden Publishing through BookCrash.com. All statements are my own, personal opinions.
View all my reviews
Thursday, December 20, 2012
"Unexpected Christmas Hero" by Kathi Macias
Unexpected Christmas Hero by Kathi MaciasMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Josie Meyers thinks she is living the American dream when she marries a nice, handsome man with a promising future. The dream quickly becomes a nightmare when Josie becomes a widow and must deal with the fallout of her husband's decisions. She soon finds that she and her two small children are forced to live on the streets and in homeless shelters. While the scenes surrounding Josie are dominated by Christmas decorations and carols, Josie finds herself struggling with the demands of caring for her two small children. She is forced to lean on the kindness and generosity of others. What she doesn't know is that the influence of one homeless man in particular is about to change the course of her life and lead her home to the One who waits for her. He becomes her unexpected Christmas hero.
Ms. Macias deals with the touchy subject of homelessness. Josie Meyers is a loving mother that is now on the streets due to circumstances out of her control. You feel her pain as she tries to keep her children safe, fed and warm while she deals with her anger at God that they are in this situation. God works gently on her heart as He places people again and again in her life that care for her and show her His love, drawing her heart back to Him. All culminating in a life-changing, Unexpected Christmas Gift. A very sweet story, but at times the writing seemed a little odd--a little forced. It seems that as soon as one good thing happens, it just snowballs and things pretty much work out from there on, and that just felt a little unrealistic and contrived. I ended up dropping the review from 4 stars to 3 due to this.
I won this book from FaithDeployed.com and agreed to give my honest opinion of it.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
"Sworn to Protect" by DiAnn Mills
Sworn to Protect by DiAnn MillsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales has sworn to protect the southern borders of our nation, but that oath has cost her. Two years ago, her husband, Toby, was killed trying to help the very immigrants Danika was responsible for sending back to Mexico. His murder was never solved. But now, a recent string of attacks and arrests leads her to believe that someone in McAllen is profiting from sneaking undocumented immigrants into the country . . . and it may somehow be tied to Toby's death.
Ms. Mills creates great cast of characters for a very good story. Danika is a dedicated agent and a great mom to her hearing-impaired daughter. Alex is a dedicated doctor with a true heart for people, especially those who are hurting. I found myself rooting for them through all the difficulties and misunderstandings. The story line was good, but—on the down side—I figured out the “bad guy” VERY early on I hate it when that happens. I did have a problem with the religious side of the book as Ms. Mills seemed to lump everyone together—your religion doesn’t matter and God loves and hears everyone. Sounds good, but that’s not what the Bible teaches. I felt like she was trying to straddle the line between Christian and mainstream fiction by not offending anyone, and it didn’t really work for me.
"Breach of Trust" by DiAnn Mills
Breach of Trust by DiAnn MillsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader--Daniel Keary--whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won't ruin his bid for office. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge . . . Or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs.
Paige is a wonderful character. She has had to give up everyone she loves and live a lie in order to protect them. She desperately wants to take down the man who has caused all of this, but has not been able to up to this point. Miles is a solid guy—the kind any woman could fall in love with. Caring, loving, tender, but all male—no wimp here! Interesting story line that kept me plunged in the book. There were a couple of small issues I had with the book. Paige was ordered by the “bad guy” to change her identity and live in this specific town, yet she seems shocked when she discovers a townsperson has been working with the enemy the entire town. Really?!? With her background and training and knowing what this man really is, yet she doesn’t suspect that he would put people in her life to get close to her and keep an eye on her? That just didn’t seem realistic to me. Great potential to the story, but definitely a couple of slip-ups in keeping the story feeling realistic.
Friday, December 14, 2012
"Lethal Legacy" by Irene Hannon
Lethal Legacy by Irene HannonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. There are many things I loved about this book. I enjoyed the characters, and I thought the story line was well written. I ended up dropping this down from 4 stars due to the what has now become irritating habit of making the characters very forward when it comes to the romantic side. It was kind of cute in the first book I read (which was actually book 2) because it seemed to catch her off guard that she was being so open about her interest in him. By book three, it was just annoying. It's like they're not just showing the man that their interested, they're being very forward verbally. I mean, the second time she meets this guy she tells him "I'm not involved with anyone. But if I ever am, it will be with a man who's considerate." She fixed those green eyes on him, and her gaze didn't waver. "Like you." What?!? Really, REALLY didn't like that. To me it just kind of cheapened her character a little.
Otherwise, I enjoyed reading this book. I would like to read this author's next series that is coming out, but if that sort of thing continues, I probably will not read any more of her books.
View all my reviews
"Twice a Bride" by Mona Hodgson
Twice a Bride: A Novel by Mona HodgsonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek. When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn.
With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West. Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow?
This book was a nice surprise. I had not read the earlier books in the series, so I was coming in to this fresh. The thing I liked most about this book was the lack of a big misunderstanding between the main characters. It seems a good portion of books these days--especially romances--spend half of the book (or more) concentrating on some huge misunderstanding that could easily be fixed by a conversation. It gets so frustrating for the reader. What a breath of fresh air that the characters actually talk about what happened and what the truth really is very quickly.
I really enjoyed the characters with all their little quirks, flaws and charms. I came away from this book wanting to go back and read the others in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and want more!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All opinions stated are my own.
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalo...
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
"Sisterchicks in Gondolas" by Robin Jones Gunn
Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones GunnMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bella Italy!! I couldn't resist choosing this book to read and review! I've never been to Venice, but I've been to Sicily several times. This book just makes me want to go again--and maybe get to see a few other places in Italy, including Venice!
Robin Jones Gunn's descriptions are spot on. Sue's reaction to her first bite of gelato cracked me up! I may not have said exactly what she did, but the reactions were about the same. Once you've had the real stuff, nothing else compares. Ummmmm, my mouth is watering for some baci (chocolate and hazelnuts) or pistachio right now just thinking about it! Most of the interactions with Italians were right on, and the ones that might be different could be because of the different are of Italy.
Jenna and Sue have a sweet relationship. I loved that Sue was the first person Jenna thought of to take to Venice with her, because she knew that life had been so hard on Sue for the past couple of years and she wanted to giver her a little break. I enjoyed them interacting and drawing even closer together.
The scene with Sergei late in the book was beautiful. The wonder of how God orchestrates things and the blessings we get from it. Wow! The epilogue was sweet and a fitting ending to the book. To top it off, Robin wrote at the end of her times in Venice and included some (b&w) photos to go with it!
This was a well-written book that I thoroughly enoyed. It makes me want to get some of her other "Sisterchicks" books to read! :-)
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
http://www.robingunn.com/
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=72911
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963
Monday, December 10, 2012
"Submerged" by Dani Pettrey
Submerged by Dani PettreyMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really wanted to love this book! I lived in Alaska for around 10 years total, and loved the idea of a book set there. However, I was pretty disappointed. Frankly, it sounded more like it was set in California, Florida or Hawaii than it was Alaska most of the time. "Surfer" lifestyle--in Alaska?!? The story is supposed to take place in a fictional town on the peninsula just south of Kodiak. Um, I lived on Kodiak. Her descriptions do not in any way match what I remember. She talks of Piper and Landon trekking through salt marshes ("the glades") but never mentions mosquitoes. If Landon is complaining of trekking through mud, he would definitely be complaining of the mosquitos!! They're Alaska's unofficial state bird, for crying out loud! lol They would be being eaten alive during the summer! The worst thing is all the diving. At one point they talk of staying in the water for around an hour. Not in Alaska!! My sister's brother-in-law fell in the water in Kodiak and nearly died of hypothermia in 4 minutes!! Nothing was mentioned of special dive gear for the cold water, and even with special gear they would have been seriously limited on how much time they could stay in. For Cole to show up with a dive mask and tell Bailey she only needed a swimsuit (for a moonlit dive--ummm "Land of the Midnight Sun"?!?) shows how badly this book was researched. I wish she had done a lot more research of what the area is really like.
Some of the story line I thoroughly enjoyed. Dani dealt with Bailey's rough past very well. She didn't fall into the trap of being too descriptive, but she didn't gloss over it, either. Cole is almost too good to be true. He is all care and concern for Bailey, seeming to have no trust issues or doubts about her despite what she did to him years ago, but has issues trusting a young man he's been working with that's in a bad situation. The guy has been doing great for months, but he's very quick to suspect him when something goes missing. A little bit of a double standard to me.
The last think is a personal preference. I don't like it when books rewrite history. "Well, everyone THINKS that such and such happened, but what REALLY happened was....."
I struggled with how many stars to rate this. I ended up going with three vs. two for the sensitive way she dealt with Bailey and her story.
View all my reviews
"Fatal Judgement" by Irene Hannon
Fatal Judgment by Irene HannonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read these out of order, but thankfully, it didn't make a huge difference. I read #2 first and liked it so much I went in search of the first book.
I really like Irene Hannon's characters. Liz is a sweet lady who has gone through and is going through some pretty rough stuff, but doesn't turn her back on God and get bitter. That doesn't mean she's perfect and doesn't occasionally question God (who among us hasn't at one time or another?!?), but she still trusts Him and leans on him. She is instrumental in getting Jake heading back toward God.
Jake is a great character. I love the fact that even though he had a really bad opinion of Liz at the beginning, he doesn't let it cloud his judgement and is pretty quick to start questioning the information he had been given about her. He keeps his heart and mind open to the possibility that he was wrong, and has no problem admitting so when the truth becomes clear.
The story line was well written. I enjoyed the pace of the book. You know who the "bad guy" is fairly early on, but that doesn't detract from the story at all. In fact, you get to understand what drove him to these actions. It doesn't make you sympathize with what he does, but it does make you understand more what made him tick.
Excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm looking forward to reading book #3 soon! :-)
View all my reviews
Thursday, December 6, 2012
"The Unfinished Gift" by Dan Walsh
Patrick Collins is seven years old, and on his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And, for reasons even he doesn't understand, he wants the soldier that's tucked away in his grandfather's attic.
Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift tells in an engaging, simple style the story of a family, and reminds us of the surprising things that affect powerful change in our hearts--like a young boy's prayers, a shoebox full of love letters, and even an old wooden soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of forgiveness will engage readers everywhere.
I was almost afraid to read this book--afraid I'd be let down after the last book I read of Mr. Walsh's. I needn't have worried. Once again, a quiet story that wraps itself around your heart and won't let go. I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down! The characters are well rounded and feel real--like someone I could sit down and chat with awhile. There wasn't huge suspense, and I could guess sometimes what would happen next--or at least pretty close to it--but that didn't seem to matter. Dan Walsh is a master at his craft and I look forward to reading more of his books!! Five stars out of five!
"Deadly Pursuit" by Irene Hannon
I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoy this genre of Christian fiction. Some of that is probably due to my husband being ex-Navy, ex-police officer (now a preacher!). The pace was good without being too overdone. There were a few too many "coincidences" that had they not happened, the case would not have been solved, but overall it was a good story, well written.
I LOVE this heroine!! Alison is independent without being obnoxious about it--she isn't trying to constantly prove she can do everything as good as a man. She has a kind heart, and puts action to her feelings. She doesn't cut Mitch, the hero, any slack in his loss of trust in God--but she's not hard or mean about it. Mitch's relationship with her brother, Cole, is hilarious. Definitely a good read. This is book 2 in the Guardians of Justice series. I really want to go find the first book now! 4 stars out of 5.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
"Startling Beauty: My Journey from Rape to Restoration" by Heather Gemmen
"Heart's Safe Passage" by Laurie Alice Eakes
All Phoebe Lee wants out of life is to practice midwifery in Loudon County, Virginia. But when she refuses to accompany her pregnant sister-in-law to help save her husband from a prison during the War of 1812, Phoebe finds herself pressed aboard a British privateer.
Captain Rafe Docherty promises to get Phoebe's brother-in-law out of prison in exchange for information Rafe needs to exact revenge on the man who destroyed his family. As he realizes his attraction to Phoebe, she determines to get ashore before her patient goes into labor--and before her own heart is in danger. But an enemy in their midst threatens to end their plans--and their very lives.
I won this book on The Dust Will Still Be There Tomorrow facebook page. I really, really, REALLY wanted to like it! Unfortunately, before the book was over, I was over the book. I felt that the author went for shock value more than anything. Everything was over the top. I can't give much illustration of this without giving away too many spoilers, but by halfway through the book I could pretty much tell what would happen next just because I knew it would be extreme.
Everyone's taste is different. This review reflects only how I feel about this book. I would have to only give "Heart's Safe Passage" 2 out of 5 stars.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Giveaway!
Christian Book Review Blog is hosting a giveaway for this book! http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/author-interview-and-giveaway-road-to.htmlCheck out the above link to enter!
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