{Review} If We Make it Home by Christina Suzann Nelson

I'm going to simply begin with this...I loved this book. Loved it. I can't remember the last time I have read a book that I could identify so closely with the characters. More on that in a moment. 

If We Make It Home is the first novel of Christina Suzann Nelson. It is set in the Pacific Northwest (a place I'd love to visit someday) and it follows the lives of four college friends twenty-five years after graduation. 

Ireland is now a jaded college professor who is facing a serious allegation at work. It was best for her to take some time away and evaluate her life while she allowed rumors to die down. Victoria is a successful speaker who has taught women how to be the perfect wife and mother. She then realizes she may have her career crash down around her because she didn't listen to her own advice. Then there is Jenna, the character that I most closely related to for rather obvious reasons. She's a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of triplets (okay, maybe not that part). Her babies have now left home and she finds herself in limbo trying to figure out this whole empty-nest thing. And lastly there is Hope, a friend they all had fond memories of but who sadly had passed away from cancer only a year before. (The back cover states she's died, so this isn't a spoiler.)

Due to various circumstance, Ireland, Victoria, and Jenna find themselves back at their alma mater where they discover Hope has died. While in the cafe her daughter now runs, House of Hope, they meet Glenda. She's an older woman who takes groups of women into the wilderness to teach them survival skills. On a whim they all decide to go, as a tribute to Hope. 

Their trip soon turns "Gilligan Island-ish" when they find themselves lost, hurt and without a guide, while trying to find their way out of the forest Glenda had dropped them into. They have to learn to trust themselves and see if they can manage to find their way home again. 

This was a great first novel and one I enjoyed more than I thought I would when I first saw it offered. Jenna was definitely someone I related to on so many levels. The overall writing was wonderful. This is a book that I have continued to think about even weeks after finishing it. 

Nelson uses great detail to introduce the characters to us in the beginning and get us invested in them. Each main character tells the story from her point of view. Nelson writes each section from a first person point of view with the character's name as a heading in order to keep straight who is talking. I enjoyed this as she would often tell a scene from each of the characters point of view, giving us a broader sense of what was happening. 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} Control Girl by Shannon Popkin

This is an issue I've struggled with most of my life. I'm not going to get all "psychology" as to why, but I'm sure my hubby can attest to the fact that this is probably my number one issue - control. When I saw that Kregel Publications was offering Control Girl by Shannon Popkin up for a blog tour, I didn't even think twice, but immediately responded with my interest. 

Shannon Popkin is a blogger turn author. Control Girl is her first book. She shares honestly about her own issues regarding control and how it has impacted her relationships with her family as well as others. I enjoyed her honesty and it helped me to take a hard look at my own life. 

Popkin then goes on to share the stories of seven well-known women from the Bible such as Eve, Sarah, and even Hagar, and how we can learn from their mistakes regarding control. 

Each chapter is short. It includes anywhere from three to five lessons in each. Each lesson begins with a scripture reference to read and reflect on. Then it has a short devotional that helps to understand the truth being shared and how it can be applied to your own life. It then ends with some thoughtful questions to help you apply and think about the lesson learned. Each lesson also has a meditation listed which lists a scripture reference to reflect on as well as a thought related to that scripture. 

The book could be used alone or in a group setting. It's not long - 207 pages minus the bibliography. There are nine chapters with 38 total lessons. 

Overall I loved this book. It's helped to give me some much needed insight into my actions and, more importantly, how to relinquish the control I feel I need to have and totally surrender to God. It's not always easy but it is always worth it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} Getaway with God: The Everywoman's Guide to Personal Retreat by Letitia Suk

Over the last few months I have been feeling the urge, the need, to take some recharge time. Lately life has been coming fast and furious and I know I need to regroup and look at what I've been doing to make sure it lines up with what God would have me do in my life. And I know this is necessary as God continues to bring confirmation to me either through things I read online or books I read (or are recommended to me) or in a myriad of other ways.

This is one reason I jumped at the chance to read Getaway with God by Letitia Suk. The title grabbed my attention and the subtitle clinched it. I haven't been disappointed in that choice.

Sadly, I'm late in posting this review because of the said busy-ness in my life which once more confirms that I need some time with God. Some purposeful time where I can chat with my Abba Father and figure out how to live my life best to honor him.

I love the tone of the book from the first page. Letitia writes in a conversational manner. One that makes it easy to picture you sitting with her at a little coffee shop sipping hot beverages and sharing what's on your heart. Sometimes books like these can have a "holier than thou" attitude that comes across in the writing. This is not that book! It is easy to read, easy to understand, and yet Letitia makes her points well.

The breakdown of the chapters is as follows:

• Part 1: You Can Do This!
• How it Began: An Introduction
• The Basics: Answering Your Questions
• One Style Fits All: Not!
• The Details: Answering More of Your Questions
• The Schedule: Designing Your Retreat
• "But Wait....!" Addressing Common Concerns
• Sabbath: Getting Away Without Getting Away
• Part 2: Slow Down, Girl!
• Five Days Away: The Life-Giving Retreat
• Before You Go: Getting Ready to Get Away
• Day One: "Now What?"
• Day Two: Looking Back
• Day Three: Looking Around
• Day Four: Looking Ahead
• Day Five: Reentering the "Real" World

Letitia also includes a number of appendix in the back of the book that also are geared towards helping one plan a retreat.

I'm very excited to try this all out for myself. My hubby and I are going away for a week later this winter. He is attending a conference and I'm just tagging along for the ride. I'm planning to try out some of these retreat ideas while I'm gone. I won't be alone for the whole time but I'm determined to make the time I will have work for me. 

I'm happy I was chosen to review this book. It has already been helpful and I haven't even tried any of the premises put forth in it yet!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} End of the Roadie by Elizabeth Flynn

Detective Inspector Angela Costello is once more on the case in the End of the Roadie: A Mystery for D.I. Costello. Her daughter is out on a date with one of D.I. Costello's constables. D.C. Gary Houseman and Madeleine have tickets to see rock-star Brendan Phelan in concert. Brendan is known for his use of prop guns and whips along with traditional instruments in his music. The crowds are loving his brand of entertainment. However, after the concert D.C. Houseman hears real gunshots outside the theater and finds one of the stage hands, Oliver Joplin, dead and Brendan standing in shock nearby.

D.I. Costello works with her team to untangle the lies and deceit hanging over Joplin. Considering he was an inadequate roadie, why was he always on Brendan's team for every tour? Did Brendan, an expert marksman, pull the trigger or was there another shooter?

This is the third D.I. Costello book. Each book stands alone. I've enjoyed all of them so far. Elizabeth Flynn is a British author and does use British slang and colloquialisms which I happen to like. I do find that I sometimes need to look things up as I don't understand the context of what is being said or a term that was used, but overall the books are enjoyable and the mysteries are excellent. This particular one had me guessing "who-done-it" right up to the very end.





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} The Cantaloupe Thief by Deb Richardson-Moore

The Cantaloupe Thief is the debut novel by Deb Richardson-Moore. Richardson-Moore is a former journalist from South Carolina who left the field and went to seminary. She ended up becoming a pastor at an inner city non-denominational mission church for the homeless. When one is a writer, they are told to "write what you know." She has done just that.

The protagonist of the novel, Branigan Powers, is a journalist for a small newspaper in a small southern town. She tried big city living once and didn't like it. She came back to her hometown and works for the local newspaper. She lives alone on a farm in the country with her dog, Cleo.

Her former co-worker, Liam, left the business and is now a pastor at a church with a homeless shelter attached.

The novel goes back and forth between "present day" and "ten years ago" as Branigan researches the only unsolved murder for their small town. There seems to be an element that points to the homeless population in town - the invisible population.

As Branigan delves into the mystery more and more it seems there are people out to stop her. She meets resistance and learns things are not always as they seem.

The plot twists in this novel were excellent. It kept me guessing right up until the end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} I Hope You Dance by Beth Moran

I Hope You Dance by Beth Moran is one of those books that you pick up to read and find yourself unable to put down. It follows the story of Ruth who just wanted to marry the boy-next-door but life got in the way.  Ruth leaves her hometown with a broken heart only to return fifteen years later at rock bottom - and a broken life. 

After the death of her partner, she returns home with her fourteen year old daughter to face the fact that she is living with her parents. She is depressed and doesn't want to face life anymore until her over-bearing mother makes her. Ruth must also deal with the relationship, or lack thereof, she has with her father, try to help her daughter work through her grief over the loss of her father, and face all the people she knew when she was growing up. Needless to say, things are rough.

Moran does a fantastic job adding in wonderful plot twists and creating characters a reader cares about. I have to say, I literally gasped aloud at one point near the end when Ruth...well, no spoilers, but trust me, it was a thrilling moment in the book!

I also found it very interesting to read a book by a British author set in the UK. Culturally things are different and it made it fun to read. I only had to look up a couple things since I just didn't understand the references. For me, that made the book that much more enjoyable.

Overall, I highly really enjoyed I Hope You Dance and would recommend reading it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} Ishtar's Odyssey: A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide

Advent: the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and 

observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting

Ever since my children were small, I have enjoyed celebrating Advent. It gives us a chance to slow down and enjoy the season as we focus on Christ's birth. Quite a few years ago I discovered Arnold Ytreeide's books. My boys have loved them. 

They were excited to learn that a new book in the series was just published this year, Ishtar's Odyssey. I'm a bit of a rebel and we don't typically read this at night. The books are intense so if you have very young children or those sensitive to intense scenes, you may wish to read this during the daytime or wait until they are a bit older. 

All of the books follow a young child (typically boys) on an adventure. All of the books also tie in to Christ's birth in some way. Historical facts are scattered throughout, but obvious literary license is also taken. 

From the back cover:

Ishtar, the ten-year-old son of a Persian wise man, will soon join a caravan following that star across the desert. The slightly spoiled prince would just as soon stay in the predictable comfort and safety of the palace, but slowly he learns that there's much to see and do, and learn in this world that can't be experienced with tutors. Disasters and dangers challenge his courage and confidence but Ishtar finds strength he never knew he had. He eventually meets Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he follows his father and uncles in their search for a newborn king.

The first book in the series is Jotham's Journey followed by Bartholomew's Passage and then Tabitha's Travels. While each book stands well alone, Ytreeide does tie in previous characters in each subsequent book.

At the end of each book is a list of dates for Advent. The newest book goes all the way until 2081. Each chapter also lists what week and day it should be read in order to finish on Christmas Day. At the end of each chapter there is also a short devotional that ties into what was read. 

My boys love these books. My 11 year-old in particular enjoys them. As he says, "That's a cliffhanger! Keep reading!"

We were very glad to add this book to our Christmas reading collection. 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

{Review} Mercy's Rain by Cindy K. Sproles

Set in the late 1800s in the heart of Appalachia, Mercy's Rain tells the story of Mercy Roller. Brought up by her abusive father, the Pastor, and her compliant mother, Mercy suffers abuse and torture at the hands of her father. She feels her name is a curse and cannot figure out why her mother ever gave it to her.

The story uses flashbacks to tell about the unspeakable acts, Mercy's father committed not only on her and her mother, but on the other families in the community they live in. It is an excellent and well written story and shows how Mercy finally finds the true meaning of her name. 

From the back cover:

Married and widowed at thirteen, a mother and childless at fifteen, Mercy has spent her life under the authority of her abusive father, the Pastor. The Pastor rules both her family and the community around Wadalow Mountain, Tennessee. Not a single person seems capable of standing up to the man who calls his sinful actions "righteous," that is, until Mercy takes matters into her own hands.

Kicked out of her home by her grieving mother, Mercy finds her way to the other side of the mountain where she slowly learns that true righteousness has nothing evil about it - and that there might be room for her own stained and shattered soul to find shelter, and even love. 

My thoughts:

The story is not an easy read in the sense that the abuse described doesn't hold back anything. Unfortunately, there are too many people like the Pastor in this world and too many girls like Mercy. Sproles does an excellent job of showing how far Mercy must go to find what true love is and how to live in God's grace and mercy. She doesn't make it seem simple but shows just how hard it can be to finally rest in God's loving embrace.


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

{Review} Dead Gorgeous by Elizabeth Flynn

From the back cover:
Kirsty was trying to make it in the fashion world. As the in-house model for Ivano King and having dated the great designer himself, she believed she was well on her way.

But Kirsty is found dead in her flat one Sunday afternoon, and D.I. Angela Costello is called to the scene.

Kirsty has left behind a lovesick ex-boyfriend and a jealous flatmate And what about King's new girlfriend, who openly admits she has a reason to wish Kirsty dead?

Behind the flawless make-up and gleaming catwalks, Angela's enquiries uncover theft, drug addiction, prostitution - and suddenly her own life could be in danger...

My thoughts:
Dead Gorgeous had two things I enjoy which made me want to read it - mystery and fashion. I enjoy a good mystery and this certainly fit the bill.  I also enjoy fashion but I am far from being a fashionista. In fact, my daily look is typically slip-on shoes, jeans, and a t-shirt. My guilty pleasure is watching Project Runway wishing very much that I could sew a straight seam let alone use a sewing machine. However, I can only sew a button and fix a small rip by hand - that's about it. I have an odd fascination with it all though.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have to admit I'm a day late on this review. I simply forgot about the book sitting in my stack of review items. Thankfully I had a free time today and blew through the entire book. Yes, I started and finished the entire thing today.

The author was great. This is the first book I've read by her. I enjoyed the fact that she is British and used quite a bit of British slang. I wasn't familiar with a lot of it, but it didn't stop me. Typically most of it could be figured out within the context of the story.

She did a great job drawing us into the book and quickly moving the story forward. It was a great whodunit and the plot twists kept coming so every time I thought I had it figured out something would change and I was proven wrong - right up until the very end.

While this is the second book about D.I. Costello, it is definitely a stand-alone story. I have not read the first book (yet, I just bought it and downloaded it to my Kindle) but did not feel it stopped me from enjoying or understanding this story at all. I'm very much looking forward to the next book by this author. I highly recommend Dead Gorgeous by Elizabeth Flynn.


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

{Blog Tour} Edwin: High King of Britain by Edoardo Albert

Edoardo Albert has penned a novel that takes events of history and transforms it into a readable account. Edwin: High King of Britain shares the story of Edwin, a king in the country of Northumbria in 604 A.D. 

This was a time when holding on to a kingdom was tough. There was always someone looking to take it from you. It also shares how the pagan Anglo-Saxons were converted to Christianity.  This is a pivotal part of world history. The book shares the history as to why England eventually became a Christian nation

I have to admit that when I first saw this opportunity posted, I wasn't eager to jump at it. While I thought the story was a good one, it wasn't my usual genre to read. However, I thought my oldest son, age 17, would enjoy it. And so he did. 

His summary: The book starts with Edwin having been exiled from his own kingdom by a clever warlord.  He flees to his friend, King Raedwald.  There he stays until he hears a rumor that King Raedwald was bribed by the warlord to hand over Edwin. Edwin then goes down to the beach to think about what he should do when a strange man walks up to him.  The man tells Edwin he will be king of all Britain. 

His thoughts: Overall it was a good book and one I enjoyed. It did get a little slow in the middle of the book when they began debating whether the Christians could keep their faith. The ending was great and I liked it a lot. I’m looking forward to the next book.

You can currently purchase the eBook version of the book for only $1.99 for the rest of the month. 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.

{Blog Tour} Hands of Darkness by Heather James

What if you could tell, simply be looking at someone, that they were evil? What if you could smell how off they were and could alert someone before anything happened? What if you had a supernatural ability to help fight evil?

In Heather James' first novel Unholy Hunger, her daughter is kidnapped and subsequently murdered. She goes it alone to find the killer and finds that she has the uncanny ability to spy evil when no one else can.

Now, Evelyn has a new lease on life. She's moving forward and trying to make a new life for herself. Until an old friend is the newest victim of a sadistic serial rapist and murderer. Then Evelyn begins a new hunt for evil.

*******************

I was able to read Heather James' first book and enjoyed it thoroughly. I was eager to see how the second book would come out. Hands of Darkness continues where the last left off, but is a stand alone book as well. She does an excellent job carrying the story forward but allowing it to stand on its own.

The book not only shares Evelyn's story, but it also shows us what the rapist is thinking and doing. I found that interesting and not distracting. In fact, it kept the story moving quickly, in my opinion.

We are able to meet Evelyn in a way I truly enjoyed. Her wit comes through with every thing she says. Oftentimes, even though this is a suspense novel, I found myself smiling over the comments she made. She's someone I would want to meet in real life.

Heather James does a great job of weaving her story and keeping the suspense building throughout. I enjoy a great page turner and especially one that will keep me thinking for days later...and looking over my shoulder.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.

{Book Review} The Vicar's Wife by Katharine Swartz

The Vicar's Wife by Katharine Swartz opens with the reader meeting Jane Hatton, a die-hard New Yorker, born and raised who loves the energy of the city but seems to spend more time working at the charity she loves than raising her family. Her husband, an British ex-pat, convinces Jane to move the family back to his native land after their fourteen-year-old daughter, Natalie, begins hanging with the wrong crowd at school and making poor choices about life. Jane reluctantly agrees never dreaming how much she would be giving up in the process.

Once on the coast of England in the small town of Cumbria, Jane begins to face the realization that she didn't really want this move. She begins to catalog all the sacrifices she made and slowly begins to resent it all. While cleaning out a pantry to paint, she discovers a slip of paper with a shopping list on it. Thus begin her journey to find out about the previous occupants of the old vicarage she finds her and her family now living in.

The shopping list belonged to Alice James, the wife of the vicar who lived in Cumbria in the late 1930s into the early 1940s, as World War II is beginning. Jane feels a kinship to Alice as she begins to research who might have written the list and what her life might have been like in the house.

I loved this book. While I've never been a city girl, I remember well when my husband and I made the decision to move from the suburbs of one of Maine's larger cities to the very small town he grew up in. I had three small children. I left behind a wide support and social network. It was hard adjusting to the new rural lifestyle I found myself living, even though I had grown up in a similar fashion. However, soon I loved it and found it just as difficult to leave that quiet life for a slightly busier small town life just a year or so ago. It's all in the perspective.

The book bounces between Jane's point of view and Alice's. There are some similarities with both women as they each struggle in their own way to make the vicarage their home. It also gives us look at what life was like in England during World War II, albeit in the countryside.

I found myself trying to talk some sense in to Jane about the decisions she felt justified in making. I also found myself completely caught up in Alice's life. The author did a great job making me feel like I knew both women well. I read this book in only a couple of days and continue thinking about the characters. To me, that's the mark of an excellent book.

{Blog Tour} Death Be Not Proud by C.F. Dunn

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.  

{Book Review}

C.F. Dunn introduced us to quite the cast of characters in the first book in her new Secrets of the Journal trilogy, Mortal Fire. (My review of that book is here.) I was intrigued by the story line and left hanging at the end. I hate that. I had to wait far too long to find out what happened to Professor Emma D'Eresby.

One of the things that intrigued me about the first book was that it was set in my state, Maine. Not many books that I read do so. As such, it's always a treat to read them.

Book two, Death Be Not Proud, picks up right where the first one ended - I adore it when authors do this. This second volume could easily be a stand alone book though as the author does give a synopsis of what has occurred thus far. This is also helpful for those of us who know they enjoyed the book, but can't quite remember all the details. That's certainly not due to advancing age or anything. I always blame it on my children!

Book Summary from the author's website: 

Following the vicious attack that nearly killed her and reeling from the discovery that mysterious Matthew Lynes – the man with whom she has inadvertently and irresistibly fallen in love – is lying, historian, Emma D’Eresby flees the college in Maine for her ancient home town in England. With her she carries a precious Seventeenth-century journal and the secrets bound within its pages. Once home, she comes to terms with a shattering revelation, and, just when she thinks she has the answers, faces a future where past and present collide.

I enjoyed this second installment as much as I did the first. I was also left hanging yet again. So now I wait for the third book to arrive

{Blog Tour} Unholy Hunger by Heather James

From the publisher:

Evelyn Barrett wants to die. As long as her daughter's murderer dies with her, she is ready to go. Why did this man--this stranger--destroy her family? Why has he not been brought to justice? Why is she forced to live a life of anger and grief? Amid a million questions she cannot answer, Evelyn knows one thing for sure: this murderer must be punished for his crime.

Before it all, she was a successful attorney who won all the hard cases. Now that the case is personal, Evelyn will stop at nothing to seek her own version of justice. When another girl goes missing, Evelyn plows forward, ignoring the warnings from police detectives, the pleas of her grief-stricken husband, and the strange, almost supernatural tingles that tug at her. But as she follows the stench of evil, Evelyn learns that the hardest thing she will have to face may not be the death of her child after all. Perhaps the harder lesson is this: the ultimate truth--of crime and verdict, of life and death--cannot be swayed by a mother's revenge.

In this first book of a new, page-turning series, a woman will be brought to her limits before she finally recognizes the movement of the Holy Spirit and reconnects with the source of true peace.

Heather James does a fantastic job in her novel, Unholy Hunger. When the publisher calls this a "page-turner," they hit it straight on. I read this book in under two days and I spent most of the last day simply reading. It's been a long time since I've picked up a book and couldn't put it down. I was drawn in to the story line and wanted to find the killer almost as badly.

The subject matter of the book hits home for me as I'm sure it would for many parents. Your child is lost to you forever and to a murder no less. How does one get past that? Not only is it a story of vengeance - holy and unholy - it tackles the hard topic of grief. I've never lost a child, but it's one of my biggest fears and one I have to give to God a lot.

I really can't put it to words how much this book impacted me. Yes, it was a book of fiction, but it's one that makes me think. What would I do if something this horrific ever happened to me? Would I take on the world as Evelyn does or would I seemingly hide from it all as her husband does? I pray I never have to answer that question.

This was a five star book for me. One I thoroughly enjoyed and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

You can check out the first three chapters of the book online.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.

{Blog Tour} The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson

I love reading crime novels. I especially love reading ones that make me think and rethink who the bad guy really might be. I love it more when there isn't a lot of extra stuff thrown in such as explicit crime scene descriptions and/or "extracurricular" activity if you know what I mean.

The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson filled all of my loves for good crime novels and then some. I have one issue with it and one only....it's only the first book in a series and then others still need to be published! 

I loved this book. As I mentioned above, I really do enjoy reading crime novels. I'm not sure why. I think it may have something to do with the "who-dun-it" part of it. I will say that when I read the last page I literally yelled, "NO!!!!" because I didn't not want it to end. It was that good!

Brandt Dodson has done a fantastic job of drawing you in to the story. He shared this information with those of us reviewing the book....

"The Sons of Jude was written as the first in a series featuring a fictional Chicago police district and a rotating a cast of characters. Major characters in one novel may return in minor supporting roles in other novels, if at all. Characters will marry, die, or get transferred to and from the district. In that sense, this series will be similar to the late Ed McBain's 87th precinct novels, set in the fictional Isola, New York. But it will also be very different in that The Sons of Jude is set in a real police department in a real city. I've lived in the Chicago area and know it well."

The fact that the author was well versed in Chicago was apparent. I have never visited the city, but I now feel like if I ever do, I'll have a working knowledge of it already. I enjoy reading books set in places I've been to or I am familiar with.

You can check out the first two chapters of the book online and if you get drawn in, like I did, I have good news for you....the Kindle version of The Sons of Jude is currently on sale for $5 through Sunday, October 21st.

I, for one, am now eagerly waiting for the sequel to The Sons of Jude series to come out. And I'll be picking up some of Brandt Dodson's earlier works to enjoy in the meantime.

 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.

{Blog Tour} Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn

There were two things that intrigued me about this particular book - enough to ask to review it. The first was that it was set in the state I reside in, Maine. The second, it was a mystery. I enjoy reading mysteries and figuring out "who-dun-it."

Mortal Fire is the first book in The Secret of the Journal series by author, C.F. Dunn. The setting is a fictional university in Maine where visiting professor Emma D'Eresby has come to teach for a year. During the course of the book we journey with Emma as she meets the other professors, some of which become instant friends, some who become enemies, and one who becomes a potential suitor. Emma agreed to come to the university in order to see a journal that her grandfather has alluded to and one she has only a few pages from. It's a journal that holds secrets that may change her life forever. You can read the first two chapters online.

Author C.F. Dunn runs a school for dyslexia and autism in South East England and enjoys writing in the South West. She describes this as "living between the here and now and the never-never."

My Thoughts:

It took me a bit to get in to the book. However, once I delved in, I had a hard time putting it down. Whenever I read mysteries I'm constantly trying to figure out who the plot. This book has a twist I simply can't figure out. And while I knew it was the start of a new series, I was not prepared for the ending!!! I was laying on the couch reading it one after when I was feeling a bit under the weather when the book came to a seemingly abrupt end. I literally yelled, "NO!" and wanted to chuck it across the room. This is all actually a good thing....I really want to find out what happens next! That means I'll be waiting very impatiently for the next book in the series, Death Be Not Proud.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone. 

{Blog Tour} The Book of Books: The Bible Retold by Trevor Dennis

The premise behind The Book of Books: The Bible Retold by Trevor Dennis is a simple one. The language of the Bible can oftentimes trip up children when all a parent wants to do is share the story of God's love - from the beginning of time all the way to the end. Mr. Dennis has taken the Bible and retold it in a novel form designed for children ages 9-12.

This book is not a Bible. It is a retelling of the Bible. While there is a listing of references in the very back of the book, it is designed to read like a storybook. As such, it has short, simple chapters that tell Bible stories in story form.

Since The Book of Books is a retelling of Bible stories, it does not cover the entire Bible. It attempts to cover the big stories and the ones that seem to fit best with sharing God's story. For example, there are only two psalms included in the book while the Bible contains 145. 

I began reading The Book of Books with great expectation. I hoped it would simply be a flowing narrative in modern language that told the same Bible stories I remember as a child - an easy way to read God's word. However, I just simply didn't like it. I wanted the real Bible. I just didn't care for this retelling of the Bible stories. I didn't like how much was left out and what was changed to make it easier to understand. 

The book itself is lovely. It's hardcover and should stand up to much use. With over 400 pages, it's definitely a substantial volume. You can purchase via Kregel for $16.99.

However, if one has never read the Bible and wanted to read this book as a way to become familiar with Bible stories, than it might be a good fit there. In the end though, I simply have to recommend getting a modern Bible translation (such as the New Living Translation or the American Standard or even my favorite - the 1984 New International Version) and read that. Nothing compares with the word of God and reading it directly from the Bible.

 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book through the Kregel Publications Blog Tour program. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions stated above are mine alone.