Monthly Archives: August 2014

The First Time We Saw Him by Matt Mikalatos

28 Thursday Aug 2014

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The First time we saw him“Gospel stories retold for today,” a tag line that certainly grabbed my attention. One, because I am a fan of Francine Rivers and Liz Curtis Higgs who have retold Bible stories with great skill. I knew this book could be either incredible or truly terrible. Especially if the Gospel got lost in the modern retelling. However, to my surprise, this book is quite amazing.

I am the prime example of the person who grew up in church and vacation Bible school, in the cinder block basement rooms of Baptist Churches. I dare say there isn’t a Bible story I haven’t heard at least 100 times.  Author Mike Mikalatos managed to retell the Gospel story in such a way that it challenged and unsettled my heart.  The First Time We Saw Him, left me hungry and desperate to go back and read these astonishing accounts in scripture with new eyes. More importantly, after reading the first few chapters, I leapt into action to assist a neighbor I had been avoiding helping for several years. I know…a shameful admission, but its true. Mikalatos retelling of the Good Samaritan was eye-opening to my own failings to reach out to those who might slow me down during my “too busy for interruptions” day.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is well worth the few hours it took me to consume it. Read this book! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BakerBooks in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

P.S.  The First Time We Saw Him is currently on sale on Amazon, Kindle version, for $1.99!

Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door by Denette Fretz

27 Wednesday Aug 2014

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conrad and the cowgirlDenette Fretz once again has done a lovely job of telling a story full of laughter and at same time, teaching children…and their parents…an important lesson. Love your enemies. Be a friend to those you like, and those you don’t like. Even when someone drives you crazy, love them anyway. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all did this?

In Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door, a very adorable Conrad is off to learn to be a cowboy with the help of his Uncle Clint.  As he attempts to learn the rules all cowboys must know, an annoying neighbor, Imogene, is always there to point out what he doesn’t know. When given an opportunity to celebrate a misstep of Imogene, Conrad comes to the rescue.

My test audience (my two boys) found this book to be funny. They loved the pictures which helped explain some ideas they might not have understood otherwise. For example, my boys are not aware of what extra cayenne pepper might do to a stew. But a picture of steam blowing out someone’s ears paints a definition for them. The illustrations are wonderful, full of color and expression.

As my Kindergarten age son was far more delighted with this book than my Second Grader, I find the age appropriateness to be between the ages of 4-8. There will be more explaining to do on the younger end.  I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher, Zonderkidz, and BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

18 Monday Aug 2014

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Prelude for a LordThis sigh worthy novel, Prelude for a Lord, will no doubt put author Camille Elliot at the top of your favorites list.  For those who love Jane Austen and a good romance , you will certainly enjoy this novel. I found it interesting, and in its own category as it contains suspense and a complicated mystery.

What I loved about this particular book was the depth of each character.  While there were some surface level bystanders, Camille Elliot allows the reader to get become involved in the personal story of several of the main players. One of my most favorite supporting characters is Margaret Green who has recently become the ward of Mrs. Ebna Garen.  I am hoping we will hear the rest of Margaret’s story in a novel to come!  I would also be excited to see Lord Ravenhurst, and Lord Ian Wynnman appear in future titles.

While I loved the depth of Elliot’s characters, I did struggle some with the number of them. There are quite a few, and at some points it is difficult to remember who is who. If anything, I wish I had the hard copy so that it would be easier to flip to the front where a Cast of Primary Characters is provided to help keep them straight!

For the reader, I would say to relish this wonderful story. Don’t rush through it, take your time and refuse to flip ahead! I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLookBloggers and the book’s publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson

16 Saturday Aug 2014

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A Bouquet of LoveI had no idea when I began reading this book that I would be diving into a hilarious romantic comedy. A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson is a page turner and truly belongs on the big screen. It is fourth in Thompson’s Weddings by Design series, and a must read for this year. Get out your “to read” list and add this title and the other three of this series!

I love the characters in this hysterical story about a frustrated daughter, a controlling father, and a very attractive delivery boy from the wrong family. This story is somewhere between My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Romeo and Juliet, but unique with its own flavor and dynamic. There are plenty of eccentric characters to keep you laughing along with believable, subtle romance to capture your attention. In fact, you might get so caught up in the story, you find yourself up way past bed time.

My favorite “supporting cast” members in A Bouquet of Love, were Aunt Twila and her best friends, Bonnie Sue and Jolene. I lived in Texas many years ago and I am positive I have met these women! Teased hair, glittery tops, and so much make-up you need something stronger than Noxzema to remove it might just describe their look.

I so enjoyed this book by Janice Thompson. It really was outside of my normal pick, but I will definitely be coming back for more from this author. I was given a complimentary copy of Bouquet of Love from its publisher, Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

 

 

Evergreen by Susan May Warren

14 Thursday Aug 2014

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EvergreenIt wasn’t long ago that I read my first Christiansen Family novel by author Susan May Warren and fell in love with the sweet family in this series. The Christiansen Family books feature a wholesome all-American family who endure trials, triumphs, and everything in between.

This particular Novella highlights the struggle of the now empty-nester’s, John and Ingrid.  With all of their children doing their own thing for Christmas, John decides to surprise Ingrid with an overseas trip. Unfortunately, more than one family emergency disrupts his plan. John and Ingrid struggle to find one another again in this winter drama that will leave you craving snow, hot cocoa, and maybe even a few twinkling lights.

A Novella can be a iffy read. More often than not, they leave you wanting. However, I can say that Evergreen is a wonderful read well worth your time. If you are already reading the series, you will absolutely enjoy it.  And, if you are unfamiliar with the series, Evergreen would be a fantastic way to sample the series. I am excited for the next novel, Always on My Mind which releases Spring 2015.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: God Shows the Way

11 Monday Aug 2014

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God Shows the wayThe Berenstain Bears: God Shows the Way

By: Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain

I love this title by Stan and Jan Berenstain. It brings the beloved Berenstain Bears to my newly reading five-year-old in a I Can Read Level 1 book. This particular title is three books in one. It includes, Faith Gets Us Through, Do Not Fear God is Near, and Piggy Bank Blessings. Each selection tells a faith based story with an easy to understand bottom line.

My favorite of the three was Do Not Fear, God is Near. My son often struggles with being afraid. I feel this must be common at his age, but I would still like to empower him with the ability to overcome his fears. For our family, knowing God is our protector is the best avenue. These books are great because they are a teaching tool for my kids. My son sat with me as we read all three and he was delighted.

With all of the options in reading materials for early readers, I love chpices like these three books. They provide a positive message with long loved characters. The illustrations are clear and just as wonderful as the original series. I feel the age range for this book is 4-6. My seven-year-old has not shown any interest in this title.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated.

The Lady and the Officer by Mary Ellis

11 Monday Aug 2014

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The Lady and the OfficerThis book was rather special and personal in a surprising way. I love romantic historical fiction, and so clearly this was a typical selection for me. The fun part for me was the geography referenced in the book. I actually live in Spotsylvania, Virginia near the city of Fredericksburg, just north of Richmond and very close to Culpeper. Author Mary Ellis was spot on in her history and descriptions of the area the characters moved through. I was so absorbed in the story and excited to see my local history come to life.

Author Mary Ellis tells the story of war widow, Madeline Howard whose husband fought for the Union. As the war creeps into her backyard she is rescued by dashing General James Downing. They quickly form an attachment, but Madeline is forced to find shelter with her only family left in Richmond.  It is there she finds herself constantly pulled between the the love of her Confederate family and her loyalty not only her country, but her new found love.

I loved the quick whit author Mary Ellis gave to Madeline. Fiction with strong female lead characters coupled with real human emotion always appeal to me. This is an excellent read and well worth adding to your must read list. A Lady and the Officer is the second book in the Civil War Heroines Series. This book stands alone, but having enjoyed it so much, I will definitely go back and read the first book.

Just for fun, here are some actual pictures of one of the battlefields Mary Ellis mentioned in her fabulous story. This is the Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield I visit often with my family. These were taken just after one of our Spring snows.

battlfield viewBattlefieldThis was definitely a perfect read for me, but you need not live here to enjoy it. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated.

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

04 Monday Aug 2014

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Miracle in a dry seasonMiracle in a Dry Season is a book you will pick up and not want to put down. I read it in its entirety in two days. I read while I dried my hair, cooked dinner, hid from my family…whatever it took to keep reading. Sarah Loudin Thomas tells a story with charming characters who are interesting and believable. I especially enjoyed the story being told mostly from the perspective of the main male character, Casewell Phillips. This is very different from most books I have read lately.

In this book, a beautiful woman named Perla escapes to Wise, West Virginia to get away from all of the gossip and judgment she faced as an unwed mother.  It is in Wise she meets Casewell and entrusts him with the truth about her situation. Casewell finds it difficult to see Perla as more than her sin, regardless of his feelings for her.

Miracle in a Dry Season more than a sweet love story. It is a call to love others right where they are, to forgive, and to receive forgiveness. Sarah Loudin Thomas did a magnificent job in her debut novel.  Although it is a work of fiction, Miracle in a Dry Season has so much life application. You will find your heart checked and your eyes wet!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Surviving Henry by Erin Taylor Young

01 Friday Aug 2014

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Surviving HenrySurviving Henry: Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe

Author Erin Taylor Young gives a humorous and nearly unbelievable account of her life with an out of control boxer in her new book, Surviving Henry. I purposely chose this book to read because we had made a decision as a family to think about getting a dog of our own. Needless to say, this title did a good job of changing my mind!

Henry is a boxer from a champion bloodline. Logically, a dog with a superior pedigree should be a guaranteed “good” dog. Apparently, this is not always true. If you can think of trouble a dog might get into, Henry has found it, experienced it, and learned nothing from it.  My favorite story about Henry is his spree of destruction while being boarded at his obedience school. I won’t give away the details, but I will say that I found it so humorous I read it to my husband.  Henry really needs his own cable series.

Outside of trying to talk myself out of a dog, I would have never picked this book to read. It is definitely entertaining and will certainly be enjoyed by those who love dogs or enjoy a good dog story. While I am sure author Erin Taylor Young did not set out to scare anyone out of owning a dog, she painted a word picture of my worst nightmare!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated.