Saturday, February 26, 2011

Book Review - "Angel Sister"

In the midst of the Great Depression, the main characters in Ann H. Gabhart's latest book, "Angel Sister," are dealing with not only financial difficulties, but a myriad of other struggles as well. Kate Merritt is only fourteen, yet she is working hard to keep her family together. Victor, Kate's father, is struggling with alcoholism, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress from fighting in the war. Kate's mother, Nadine, does not know how to cope with her husband's behavior and is overwhelmed by daily life; therefore she will sit back and let Kate take control. Kate's older and younger sister both seem oblivious to everything going on. Kate finds a young girl, Lenora, on the steps of her grandfather's church and takes her under her wing. The presence of this young girl leads to secrets being revealed and also helps move the family into a different direction, however this is not without hurt and problems along the way.

Throughout the main story set during the Great Depression, the story of how Victor and Nadine met and their earlier years together as a couple are shared as well. This adds so much to the book and provides a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationships with other characters. Victor and Nadine are both hurting from their past and this carries over into their relationship as a married couple and also their relationships with their children.

This is a well-written novel with historical elements woven into the story. Forgiveness is a huge piece of this story as well as love. This is a great novel for any reader who enjoys historical fiction!

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

Friday, February 25, 2011

Book Review - "A Heartbeat Away"

"A Heartbeat Away" is the first book I have ready by author Michael Palmer and it will not be my last! This is a wonderful suspense novel and the reader will be anxiously turning each page from the beginning to the end!

This novel begins with President Allaire entering the House Chambers to present his State of the Union address, something that occurs each year. However, this year is different as in the midst of the speech a crisis begins and terror fills the building and the United States. Genesis, a terrorist group, has released a virus. Panic quickly fills the room as exits are secured and no one is allowed to leave. Ten days is the time span of the novel and these days will fly by and last forever at the same time as you are on this journey and in the midst of crisis with the characters!

Palmer's novel is very well-written. The dialogue is excellent and the characters and situation are believable and well-developed. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good suspenseful read!

*Thank you to the author for providing me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book Review - "Learning to Hear God"

Jan Johnson's personal retreat guide titled, "Learning to Hear God," is a great resource for individuals seeking to really hear God in one's life. This book begins with an introductory chapter to help the reader choose a space and time to do this study. Then there are 7 conversations or chapters for study. Each chapter is divided into sections making the study very easy to follow and understand. Bible verses and stories are used and there are questions for the reader to answer and think about as well as suggestions to help the principles be applied and used in the readers lives. I found this study to be worthwhile and enjoyable!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review - "God Gave Us the World"

Lisa T. Bergren has created another wonderful book; this one titled, "God Gave Us the World." This is a beautifully illustrated hardcover book that is sure to become a favorite addition to your child's collection!

Mama Bear takes Little Cub to see a special exhibit" "Bears Around the World." As they walk around this exhibit, Little Cub is in awe of what he sees and begins to question all that he sees. There are bears in the exhibit from places other than the North Pole, Little Cub's home. These bears live in different climates, look different from Little Cub and the ones he is surrounded by and eat different foods. Little Cub learns that one bears' way of life is not better than others, it is what is best and normal for each bear. Mama Bear is very patient with Little Cub and answers each question that is asked of her.

This book is a great way to teach children that there is more than just their way of life and that each person is different, and there is not one culture that is better than another. My 2-1/2 year-old daughter enjoys having this book read to her; however I know she will understand the true meaning when she is a little older. The book is great for children of all ages.

* I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Book Review - "Who is my Shelter?"

Neta Jackson has written the fourth installment to her Yada Yada House of Hope novel, "Who is my Shelter?" Readers will continue on life's journey with Gabby.

Gabby has started over and made a new life for herself when her husband threw her out on the street. Gabby was at a loss to know where to go and what to do; however after seeking refuge at a shelter where she works, Gabby has grown as an individual, leaned on God and made changes in her life, she has essentially moved on. Gabby's husband suddenly has a change of heart and wants another chance with Gabby. Gabby is faced with a tough decision as she could give her husband a second chance or not. Gabby must work through the hurt and betrayal she has endured and decide what is best for her. Gabby seeks God's guidance and must trust Him to help her make the best decision.

This is a wonderful book of second chances, forgiveness and really trusting God and leaning on Him. I wish I had read the other three books in the series before this one as I feel like I have missed not only part of Gabby's story, but also great writing!

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

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Book Review - "Lady in the Mist"

A new author to me, Laurie Alice Eakes sent me back in time to the 1800's in coastal Virginia in her new novel, "Lady in the Mist," her first novel in The Midwives series. This book is filled with romance, suspense, and history!

Tabitha is a midwife in Seabourne, Virginia and is alone in the world as her family has all passed away and her fiancee, Raleigh, fled before their wedding. Tabitha believes that she will be single forever as it is unlikely at her age of twenty-four another man will wish to marry her. Tabitha immerses herself in her job and at the same time finds herself to be the keeper of many secrets. Tabitha meets Dominick, an indentured servant, however there is more to Dominick than meets the eye, and secrets surround him as he is a British Aristocrat. Tension between England and America is at a high during this time period and this impacts the relationship between Tabitha and Dominick. Then, suddenly, Tabitha's fiancee returns and is determined to win Tabitha's heart once again. Dominick gets in the way of Raleigh's plan again and again and this only adds to the tension and secrecy that is already at a high!

This is a book that pulls the reader in on the very first page! Eakes style of writing is enjoyable and easy to read. The characters are well-developed and the historical aspect of the novel is well-researched. I am looking forward to reading other novels by this author!

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

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Book Review - "Once in A Lifetime Dog: My Borisangel"

Chantelle Hildreth's book, "Once in A Lifetime Dog: My Borisangel," is a very touching memoir that has the reader experience a whole range of emotions while reading it.

Boris, a Russian wolfhound, is the inspiration for Hildreth's memoir as he was her best friend and with her through many stages and experiences in her life. The love and loyalty between Chantelle and Boris is evident throughout this book and the relationship between them and unconditional love is portrayed well.

Hildreth's style of writing is enjoyable to read and is easy to follow. The memories that are shared will have you laughing at some times and crying at others. It is a true love story of the love with human and dog and a pet lover of any kind will truly enjoy this book and will not want to miss!

*I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Book Review - "Stars Collide"

Janice Thompson's new series, Backstage Pass, begins with a lively start with book 1 "Stars Collide." Fans of Thompson's previous books will not be disappointed as she once again has created fun, lovable characters and a creative plot that is intermingled with humor!

Kat, is a young television actress and she is the main character on a series acting with Scott, a handsome, strong Christian man. Kat and Scott play two characters that have fallen in love and are just proclaiming their love to each other and their audience. However, the love does not end on-screen! They try to keep their blossoming love low-key; however this does not happen as their on-screen relationship is misinterpreted to be their real-life relationship with each other and confusion soon follows! Kat's grandmother, a former Hollywood star, adds to the excitement as she seems to live in the past, and craves the attention in the tabloids for herself and her granddaughter!

I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a very light and fun read! Kat and her grandmother, Lenora, have a fun "game" that adds to the book as well. Lenora will dress as a character and they both will say movies lines to each other, while the other responds with who said it, in what film and what year. The setting of the home in Beverly Hills is very vividly described and what I imagine it to be like, so be prepared to be transported to the West Coast. The characters are filled with life and emotion, and you will keep reading to find out more of their story!

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

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Book Review - "Becoming a Woman of Influence"

Jesus worked with and mentored His twelve disciples who in return shared the teachings all over and made a huge impact on the world. God has given us the power and ability to influence others as well. Carol Kent's latest book, "Becoming a Woman of Influence" will help each reader learn to become a mentor. The book discusses seven principles that God utilized while working with others, such as telling stories, compassion, unconditional love and asking questions. There is a chapter focusing on each principle. After these chapters there is a nine-week Bible study that can be done individually or in a group.

Kent's writing is very easy to read and understand. I love how she has organized the book as it is easy to follow and use. This is a great resource for ladies wanting to learn more about God and also share her beliefs and wisdom with others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review - "Divine Appointments"

Charlene Ann Baumbich has written another Snowglobe Connections novel, "Divine Appointments." Don't worry if you have not read the first one, the characters and setting are different; however the main theme of getting a second chance is the connecting factor for the two novels.

Josie leads a well-ordered, seemingly perfect life with nothing out of place. However, she begins to wonder about her life as she is still single at the age of 47, and questions is my life really what I want it to be? Josie has a great job as a consultant and does not really think of others' feelings while completing her job. With the harsh economy and peoples' jobs being cut, Josie begins to think how she impacts others' lives. A mysterious snowglobe appears and the beautiful scene beckons to Josie and her life begins to change.

I really enjoyed the minor characters in the story. They added humor and the characters were likable and helped Josie's character to be well-developed. Great reminder that it is not too late to make changes in your own life and have a second chance!

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