Book Review - "Chasing Mona Lisa"

The most prized possession of France, the Mona Lisa painting, has been hidden away during World War II as the Germans have been taking French paintings. Now on the verge of Paris being liberated, someone is out to get the Mona Lisa and many find their lives in danger. Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey take you on a breath-taking, high-energy journey in their novel, "Chasing Mona Lisa" as four individuals race against time to save this masterpiece.

Bernard has given so much of his time and life to the resistance effort in France. Much of his effort he has not shared with Colette his girlfriend. However, Bernard is not the only one holding back as Colette works as curator at the Louvre and she knows the exact location of the Mona Lisa, but she is being blackmailed by a high-power German gentleman. Eric and Gabi appear to the general public as working for the Red Cross, but are in fact Swiss OSS agents sent on missions and are caught in Paris on the day of liberation. Meeting up with Bernard and Colette saves their lives on this day, but soon they find that they are all fighting for lives and not just from the Germans.

This novel is filled with so much historical detail from the World War II period and the culture and pride for one's country is so rich. I was immersed in the story from the very beginning and enjoyed it all along the way throughout the various twists and turns. All of the characters were well-developed, even the minor characters. I loved the roles that the banker, Captain Palmer, the Countess and Kristina all played as well. This is a wonderful novel and I am going to read the authors' previous novel, "The Swiss Courier" and learn more of Gabi's story!

“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "The Keeper"

Fans of Suzanne Woods Fisher must read her latest book, the first in her Stoney Ridge Season series, "The Keeper!" This book is an emotional read that will tug at your heart and keep you reading page after page.

Julia is trying to take care of her family as her mother passed away years ago and her father is struggling from heart failure. It's an overwhelming task as each person has their individual struggles and then on top of that her crazy uncle causes embarrassment and others to look down upon the family. Julia believes things are spinning out of control when her fiancee once again postpones the wedding, the Bee Man returns to town and a woman shows up to run the household and help out. Soon, Julia realizes that this may be the best thing for her and her family.

This book is filled with so much and so many various struggles and experiences. Just because the family is Amish, they are still dealing with struggles just as the "English." The family is struggling with money issues, Julia's younger sister Sadie deals with being overweight, Mennon is developmentally delayed, Julia believes she's in love with her fiancee Paul, but yet she has feelings for Roman, the traveling Bee Man, and her father is dying from heart failure. Sensitive subjects are discussed as a heart transplant is considered and when one is available from horrible situations, the family must look on the bright side although they are filled with grief.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction!

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "7 Money Rules for Life"

As the year 2012 starts, many people make resolutions or goals for the year. Several of these involve money - spending less, saving more, climbing out of debt. Mary Hunt's latest book, "7 Money Rules for Life" is released at the perfect time for those of us making resolutions involving money!
Mary Hunt shares her own personal experience with financial difficulties and climbing out of debt and inspires and teaches others from any and all income levels how to do the same. Money can be a daunting subject, yet Hunt used straight-forward language and simple steps so that anyone can try these steps and make changes. This book is not something to help save money just for the year, but it is essentially a life change to help you be more money savvy and in control for the future as well. The 7 rules will help each of us to spend less than we make, save some money for the future and manage credit.
This book is a great resource to help anyone get on track with managing their money. The layout of the book is user-friendly and easily understood. Being that Hunt shares so much of her personal struggles and journey toward being in control of her finances, it makes it more attainable for the reader and her story is inspiring! A great way to begin taking control of your money at the start of this new year!

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "Sisters of the Quilt: the complete trilogy"

Once I start reading a series I like to read it straight through beginning to end; therefore I was so excited to see the three novels of Cindy Woodsmall's "Sisters of the Quilt" series in a complete trilogy edition! Woodsmall's "Sisters of the Quilt" includes the three stories of the series that have previously been released as single novels. Hannah Lapp is struggling to know her place, her beliefs and what her heart feels in the first book of the trilogy, "When the Heart Cries." Hannah is in love with an older man who is more worldly than she and her family and she accepts his marriage proposal. Tragedy brings other issues to light and disruptions for not only Hannah, but her best friend and brother as well.
Hannah's story and journey continues in the second book "When the Morning Comes." Not being treated kindly by her Amish community, Hannah disappears into the English world to try and find solace there. Although she is still in love with Paul, Hannah meets someone new who is accepting of her; yet this adds to her struggles as well. This is a highly emotional book as the reader will feel for Hannah through her new experiences and struggles and also Hannah's family and community as they are dealing with her disappearance.
"When the Soul Mends" is the last book in this trilogy and it an engrossing ending to this series. Hannah hopes to help her sister and returns home to do so. Hannah is faced with choosing between her two worlds and questioning her decision to leave over two years earlier.
This is a well-written and captivating series! You are not going to want to put it down once you start! Hannah's struggles, heartache, love and decisions will have you hurting alongside her, cheering her on and being torn between her loves and worlds.

*I received a complimentary copy from Waterbrook Press in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "What a Son Needs From His Dad"

Each son needs his father as a role model starting from day 1 of his life and continuing throughout his adult years. Michael A. O'Donnell, PhD has written a book, "What a Son Needs From His Dad: how a man prepares his sons for life," to encourage and guide fathers with raising sons. This book focuses on the roles that fathers play in their sons' lives. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect, for example, chapter 7 focuses on helping one's son choose the right friends and chapter 4 is about preparing your son to work. Children cannot just be thrown out into the world with no guidance and expected to be successful and O'Donnell has created a guide that will help fathers be that guiding force balancing giving love, guidance and being a teacher and role model.

This book is well-written as it is easy to follow and understand and organized into well-defined chapters. The book is also interactive as there are some spaces for questions to be reflected upon and answered. Each chapter ends with questions for thought and discussion. This would make an excellent resource for a small group. It is insightful for mothers to read as well as it will open their eyes as to the roles that the fathers play in their sons lives and they can be supporters and an encourager to their husbands in this area.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "That's My Girl"

What better way for dads of girls start out the year than reading Rick Johnson's book, "That's My Girl." This is a honest, man to man book that I would recommend for any man who is the father of a daughter. This would also be a great resource to use in a men's small group as each chapter ends with questions for further thought and discussion.

Rick shares his own experiences with raising a daughter and his perspective on different issues along with research and stories from other individuals. Rick encourages dads to bond with their daughters even though this may not be as natural for them as bonding with their sons, however this is so important. Dads are role models for their daugthers as to the males that they will date and marry in the future. Rick addresses different aspects of role modeling including treating women, especially their wives/daughter's mother with respect, care and love as this is how the daughter is going to expect to be treated by her future husband. Daughters are only little for just so long and now is the time for dads to build on their relationship and be good example for their daughters. Not only is this an excellent read for dads, but it is for moms as well as it will open moms' eyes as to the role that the father plays and she can be an encourager to him to fulfill this role in the best way possible.

This book is straight-forward, yet it has a gentle approach as well so that it is not intimidating or "preachy." I would highly recommend Rick's other books as well that focus on sons and also being a better spouse.

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "Then Sings My Soul Book 3"

I have enjoyed the previous two books in this series and I was not disappointed with this newest edition! Robert J. Morgan has complied interesting facts about composers and hymns in his latest collection, "Then Sings My Soul Book 3."

There are many hymns that are shared in this book that I am not that familiar with and I loved this as I was to read new songs. Knowing the stories behind hymns are fascinating and interesting as to how they tie in with history and also give insight to the writers as to who they were and their lives. This is a great gift for anyone who is interested in music, history and knowing the origins of beloved hymns.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*