{Review} Other Bodies by Joel Ohman

I tend to shy away from controversial topics. It's not because I don't have an opinion about them. Trust me. I totally do. However, I really dislike controversy and arguing. It's just not something I enjoy and, honestly, I'm not very good at it. I often have a hard time conveying what I think clearly in that type of situation.

This is why I thought long and hard before asking to be part of this review. Joel Ohman is an author who decided to tackle not only a controversial topic in his newest book, but perhaps one of the most controversial topics, abortion.

Other Bodies follows a young teenage girl named Hattie. The setting is somewhere in the future where the government has failed, the economy has failed, and the environment is so bad that the rivers only have trash floating in them and the sun no longer shines. Hattie is struggling to survive living in the inner city of Philadelphia after her grandfather, who raised her, has passed away. She can barely afford food or rent when she manages to finally land a job at Managed Motherhood (MM). She makes friends there and enjoys her job.

One aspect of her new job is to help the clients who come in to have an abortion. In this time period, there are robots who help with the procedure. In fact, there are so many robots that there have been laws enacted to protect their "human-ness." It's during a tour of the Medical Ring, when Hattie is shown how the Transport and Examination Devices or TEDs work. These robots give the patient a 4-D virtual experience all while scanning and documenting their health.

Hattie learns during her VR experience to help show her what the patient encounters that she is pregnant. Pregnant, broke, and barely surviving even with her new job. The book explores what it is MM does at their facility along with the ramifications of hard choices. Hattie determines that she cannot keep her baby and has an abortion. The book then follows her as she struggles with this decision and struggle she does.

I'm still not sure how I feel about this book. Author, Joel Ohman, is a great writer. I enjoyed the dialogue and the overall story. I'm just feel the end of the book lacked closure, but perhaps that was the point. He uses the story line to explore aspects of abortion that have come in to play recently, namely the selling of body parts. He shares why he felt the need to write this book HERE.

Ultimately the title plays in to the line that continues to roll through my mind "the body inside your body is not your body." The book is definitely thought provoking no matter where you stand on the issue of abortion.




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 book for review. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

{Review & Giveaway} CSB Day by Day Chronological Bible

**The giveaway is now closed. The winner is Zena Griffeth! Congrats!**

I love a good story. Just ask anyone that knows me. I have shelves of books in my home. I typically have at least two books going at a time (if not more). I just love reading.

The greatest story every told is the Bible. Have you ever read it cover to cover? I have a few times and I'm currently in the process again. I'm using a Bible app to keep me on track but I'm doing the actual reading in my NIV Study Bible that I've had for years. I'm about halfway through the Old Testament and I learn something new every time I read. I love that about the Bible.

I was approached about checking out a new chronological Bible. During one of my read throughs, I used one such style Bible. What's amazing about this method is it really helps one to see the overall timeline of the biblical story. I loved that I could see where the major and minor prophets fit into the biblical narrative. I really enjoyed reading it that way - like a true story line.

The CSB Day by Day Chronological Bible does that and more.

First let's go over the set up of the Bible itself. There are 52 weekly readings in the Bible. It's set up for one to read six days a week with the seventh day for reflection of the week's readings. There are large areas for you to jot notes on day seven. The text is also set up as in a single column so there are wide margins throughout allowing for ample room to jot down thoughts as one reads. The readings, as implied by the title, are in chronological order. This is not a Bible one would want to use to look up chapter and verse quickly and easily. It's not set up like that at all although it does have a nice index in the back so one can easily find a chapter/verse if desired.

The readings are broken into three main acts: God's Plan for All People, God's Covenant People; and God's New Covenant People. Each act begins with an introduction that talks about the setting and the people involved. Then each act is broken down further into scenes (think of how plays are written), and within the scenes, the readings. For example, the smallest Act is Act 1 which only has three scenes. Each scene has one to three readings. The largest scene is Scene 2 which covers the majority of the readings with nine scenes total. The last Act has five scenes.

Each day's reading starts with a introduction, questions to think about while reading, and lists out the reading for the day.

Now for the translation. I know there are folks out there who are very adamant about which Bible translation they read and why it's the correct one. I don't fall into that category. I grew up on the King James Bible but for the most part I have always read the New International Version. More recently I use the New America Standard Bible (NASB). And I even {gasp} read the Message version from time to time. One of my absolute favorite things to do is read the same verse in different translations as it helps me to see what it means.

If you'd like more information about the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation, then you can check it out on the publisher's website by clicking HERE.

I know that the next time I do a read through of the entire Bible (it will start when I've completed this current one), I will be using the CSB Day by Day Chronological Bible. I love the way it is set up and the entire feel of it.

Did you make a resolution this year to do a Bible read through? If you'd like to win your own copy of the Bible, please leave me a comment. This is a short time frame on the giveaway. You have until midnight tonight eastern standard time to leave your comment. The winner will be announced tomorrow on January 26, 2019.




Disclaimer: 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} 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} Told You Twice by Kristen Heitzmann

Today this wonderful book, Told You Twice, releases to Amazon. I was fortunate enough to snag a copy of the first book in the series when it was on sale earlier this year. I devoured it and was thrilled to find out that the author was planning a sequel. It screamed for a sequel!

I was able to get on the launch team for this book and I have to say, I'm beyond thrilled to have been chosen. (All opinions, however, are my own.) Kristen is the type of author that just draws you immediately into the story and makes you care about the characters she has created.

We were introduced to Bo Corrigan, the main character of this book, in the first book, Told You So. Bo is an actor. A really good actor from the sounds of it. He also lives the Hollywood lifestyle of parties, girls, and drugs. He is trying to find something, anything, to dull the pain of his past.

At the end of the last book, his actions had caused some pretty serious consequences. This book starts to deal with all that follows. His star-filled life quickly becomes one of attempted murder and running for his life. He is determined that no one else will be hurt because of what he's done.

Once again, the book drew me right in. I can't recommend this series of book highly enough. And I strongly recommend reading them back to back. It's not necessary to follow the story line. Kristen does a great job of making them stand on their own. However, if you like big books like I do, reading them back to back makes it last that much longer.


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} The Life We Never Expected by Andrew & Rachel Wilson

The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel Wilson gives insight in to what it's like to be the parents of special needs children. They have three children and their two oldest have a regressive form of autism. 

The book is a very short read but full of wonderful insight - even for those without children with severe special needs or special needs at all. There are five "cycles" to the book. Each cycle includes a chapter on "weeping," "worshiping," "waiting," "witnessing," and "breathe."  

I would encourage you to read Andrew's explanation of what it is like to find out your child has special needs. You can read it on his blog. This is an excerpt from the book itself. 

When I began reading the book, in order to write this review, I wasn't expecting to take away much. I don't have children with special needs - at least not as severe as what the Wilson family experiences on a daily basis. While I do have a son on the autistic spectrum, most people who meet him would never know this. And if you don't know which son I'm talking about, I'm not going to share that here. That just proves the point I'm making.

However, I soon found myself grabbing a pen so I could start to underline all the fantastic quotes such as this one:

In God's global mission, the role of 

extraordinary people doing exceptional things

is probably far smaller than we imagine - 

and the role of ordinary people doing 

everyday things is certainly far greater

than we imagine. (pg. 48)

I highly recommend this book to anyone and especially to anyone who has a child with autism or other special needs. The Wilson's share a wonderful list of resources at the end of the book as well. 

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

I enjoyed the book so much that I'm going to do a giveaway.  I will pick one random winner to receive a copy of The Life We Never Expected. Just leave a comment either here on the blog or on a Facebook post of this review. I will pick a winner next Friday, July 15th.

Fine Print:

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.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

{Review} The Service of the Dead by Candace Robb

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Service of the Dead by Candace Robb. Released by Pegasus books just today, this book is the first in a brand new series.

The book is set in medieval Europe during the 15th century. It follows Kate Clifford, a woman raised in the Scottish Highlands, who finds herself a widow in York, England. She is trying to keep her family, household servants, and herself safe during a time of political upheaval.

Her late husband has left her in debt and she has been working to dig out from under it while trying to keep her independence as well. She owns a number of properties and has turned one into a guesthouse that the wealthy can use to discreetly meet with their mistresses.

However, on the eve of an important visit, a murder is discovered which leads to Kate trying to figure out who is behind it and why it has occurred in her house.

Candace Robb is the author of thirteen crime novels set in 14th century England, Wales, and Scotland. She also writes under the pen name of Emma Campion.

My Thoughts
I really love historical fiction. However, the background to this story was a bit confusing and hard to get into. Once I figured out who was who and what was going on during this time frame, I did enjoy the book. The author does include a glossary of terms which I appreciated. It saved me from having to look things up and, yes, I actually do that while reading if I don't understand something. She also includes a very good note that helps to explain what was going on in at the time in history and how this fictional story fits into it.

Overall this was an interesting book and I would recommend it to anyone who really loves historical mysteries.


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} Grace Space by Robin Merrill

Most people in this day and age have probably had contact with someone who does direct sales or perhaps have even dabbled in it themselves. Years ago, when my oldest was my only child, I was a Creative Memories consultant. I could tell you some stories about some of the parties I did. Oh wait, they weren't parties, they were "classes."

Grace Space by Robin Merrill follows Darcy, age 24, whose life has fallen apart. She is living back in her childhood bedroom trying to make her student loan payments while working as a waitress. When she hears about Grace Space, the direct sales marketing company that sells makeup, she quickly signs on the dotted line. After all, they make $40 an hour! She quickly realizes that Grace Space isn't what she was promised. The director of her unit is an over-the-top control freak who makes every meeting more interesting than the last. Add to that the cast of characters Darcy meets along the way and there is nothing but laughter and sympathy for our main character. 

I've read Grace Space twice now and enjoyed it even more the second time around. I would so love this book to be longer. That would probably be my only complaint. The pace of the book is fast as we follow poor Darcy on her adventures. One would think that things like this can't really happen, however, I've been part of a direct sales world and it can so happen! Yes, some of the events may be a bit exaggerated, but that's what makes it so funny to read especially for anyone who has ever been part of that world.

About the author:

Robin Merrill is the author of several books, including two collections of poetry from Moon Pie Press and five Scholastic Book Fair books. Her poems, short stories, articles, and essays have appeared in hundreds of publications, including The Cafe Review, Ledge Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Spoon River Poetry Review, and Stolen Island Review. Three of her poems have been featured on The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor. She is a 2013 recipient of an Emerging Artist Award from St. Botolph Club Foundation of Boston. Visit her at robinmerrill.com.

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} 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} Betsy Karounos' Heroines of the Old Testament Coloring Book

Adult coloring books are all the rage right now. I have picked up a couple myself and I really do enjoy them. The designs are always complicated and it's just a nice way to pass the time when my mind doesn't want to or can't be fully engaged.

I was recently given the chance to check out Besty Karounos Heroines of the Old Testament Coloring Book. I liked this coloring book and have really enjoyed coloring in it.

I even decided to start with the introductory  page. It had a great design surrounding the words that were centered on the page.

Each section began with the woman's name it would be depicting. The book covers Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Hannah, and Esther. Then there is a verse (they use the New King James Bible) followed by a number of pages that have either just designs or some type of picture that complements the woman's story.

This is an over-sized paperback book with 80 pages. There are geometric designs, portraits of the women portrayed, botanical designs, and the book has a section in the back with helpful tips on how to color and use the book. 

Overall this is a wonderful coloring book with intricately drawn designs that will certainly keep an adult occupied. The added bonus is that it's biblically based. I found myself many a morning pulling it out after my devotional time to work on one of the pages I had started. 

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} 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.

{Review & Giveaway} Navy Seal Noel by Liz Johnson

I've been reading Liz Johnson's Men of Valor series for awhile. I've been blessed to have the opportunity to review all three books in the series so far. Navy Seal Noel is the third book. Each story stands alone but includes minor characters from previous stories.

The newest book follows the story of SEAL Will Gumble and Jessalyn McCoy.
From the back cover:

Abducted by a drug cartel, scientist Jessalyn McCoy's orders are simple - produce a deadly toxin, or be killed. Trapped with no options, she's desperate for help...she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Yet trusting him is a struggle. Will's Christmas wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get t hem to safety. But time is running out and the stakes keep rising. Any mistake could mean the difference between facing the holidays together or apart forever.

Liz does a great job with her books. I knew when I started, I needed to make sure my schedule was left pretty open. I find these books a quick but addicting read. Once I start, I don't want to stop until I'm done! Thankfully they aren't all that long, a couple hundred pages, but my boys were a bit neglected for a day or two. And I was correct. Once again this was a great read. I was drawn immediately into the story. It was a great escape for a few days and very enjoyable. Thanks, Liz, for another great read!

About the author:
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring local music, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings and shares about her adventures in writing at LizJohnsonBooks.com, Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks and Twitter.com/LizJohnsonBooks.

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Would you like to have your own signed copy of Navy Seal Noel? Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite Christmas carol is. I'll pick a winner on December 31, 2014.

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.

{Book Review & Giveaway} Persecuted by Robin Parrish

About The Book: The Question Is Not IF Attempts Will Be Made to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When

The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical. But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option--putting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation's freedoms.

About The Author: Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about the intersection of faith and pop culture for more than a decade. He's also the author of Offworld and The Dominion Trilogy . Robin and his wife and children live in North Carolina. Visit Robin's website...www.robinparrish.com/

My thoughts:
I get easily annoyed by politics so I try to stay out of that type of discussion as much as possible. I'm pretty conservative though and grow more so each and every day. I really don't think it talks a poly-sci major to see the way things are moving in our country. Frankly, I find it a bit unnerving at times. 

This is one reason I was intrigued by this book's concept. It poses an interesting scenerio. The government is trying to push through a bill called the Faith and Fairness Act. A bill that would make all religions equal. None would be above the other. It would all be fair. It's a nice concept on the surface, but there is a darker side to all of this and the protoganist, John Luther, finds it all out first hand when his seemingly wonderful life is turned upside down. 

I started this book on a Thursday morning and had it finished by Saturday morning. I would have had it finished sooner, but there was a holiday in between. It was a page turner that had me guessing all the way to the end. It was impossible to predict the ending.

This book was written based on a movie by the same name that is coming out on July 18th. I'll be hoping it comes to a theater near me. I'd love to watch it.

If you like thrillers and, in particular political thrillers, then I think you'd enjoy this book. You can view a sample on the author's website. 

Would you like to win your own copy? Please leave a message below (if you are reading this on Facebook, you can leave a message there), telling me the title of a recent book you really enjoyed. I'll pick a random winner on August 25th. Please be sure to read the fine print below regarding the contest. 

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.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

{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.