Book Review: Destiny by Don Brown

Destiny is the powerful and inspiring prequel to the Navy Justice Series. In this book there are three characters, one American, one English and one German. Each faces the war in their own way. Throughout this book, Brown is able to express the family and individual perspective of facing war.

Walter, the American, was drawn in by loyalty and love for his brother, Billy, who served on the USS Arizona, which was located at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack.

Heinrich, the German, joins a group who acts in vengeance after a government official's assassination. He was then placed under Rommel in Africa.

Darwin, an English actor, was the son of a Royal Naval officer who wanted his son to follow in his steps. Darwin, though was a pacifist. To try to receive recognition from his father he joins the reserves and then the Royal Naval Commandos.

Each of these men face death in various battles as they make their way to the Normandy Invasion. Each is unsure of their destiny.

This is such a powerful book that is rich in details and facts, while it brings the war to a personal level of each of the men involved and the families that surround them.

I was given this book by the author, publisher and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Again by John Leatherman

Again, by John Leatherman, centers around Chance Trifle. He is given a possible gift, or a curse of living a day over again for a total of three times. The idea is to change the outcome of the day On the original day Chance was a witness of the murder of Prima, a pop star. The first repeat day he was able to prevent the murder, successfully. On the second day, the day that is remembered, he is not as successful.

This book has many characters that fit into the story, but they are not easily followed. Overall, this was a good book which helped me to reflect on each of my days to see how to live each to the fullest, not only for myself, but for those that surround me.

This book was given to me by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Essence of Evil

Essence of Evil is is e second book in the Finders Keepers Mystery series. Written by Barbara Ann Derksen, this novel centers around Christine and her quest to find missing children, with her dog, Chief.

When she was young, Christine witnessed the murder of her own parents. This has led her down the path that she is now traveling.

This is a fast-pace book that deals with sensitive subjects such as pedophilia, but with kid-gloves. This faith-based book is difficult to put down as Derksen knows how to write to draw her audience into the world of the novel. As long as the reader is aware of the subject-matter, I would highly recommend this book to friends and family.

Book Review: Worn Stories

Opening up the book Worn Stories is like opening a clothing diary. Each piece of clothing that is found in a person's wardrobe has a story, each one special its own way. Some stories are funny, some are full of memories. Each essay has its own photograph.
This was so much fun to read, then it made me want to look at my clothing and think about the memories made with each one. I would give this book the highest rating and would recommend it to everyone I know.

Book Review: Pam

Pam is the third book in the Women of the Valley Series. In this book, Sharon Srock tells about Pam. Pam escaped a physically abusive relationship to fall in love and marry a very good man. At the time of the novel, her former husband decides that he needs to move closer which brings a feeling to Pam that she had not felt for a long time, anger.

This is the story of how she learns to forgive so that she can then have a happy life. Srock has written a book that speaks to others which are dealing with issues in life that need forgiveness.

There are tough issues that are dealt with from various points of view. It is a beautifully written book that speaks to the soul.

Book Review: Praying Through Hard Times

Praying Through Hard Times by Linda Evans Shephard is a book that is written for everyone. Each person, at some time in their life, will face difficulties. This book gives encouragement, through God's Word, which can guide and comfort each person. Shephard wrote a book that can be used as an individual study or as a group study guide.

As I have faced many difficulties throughout my life, looking back, this book would have been such a help and in the future it provides a secure feeling knowing that it is there to guide me through that time.

I was given this book through the publisher, author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

All for a Sister, by Allison Pittman, tells the story of two young ladies as they try to put together the pieces of their lives.

One of the girls, Dana Lundgren, spent most of her life in prison for a crime which never occurred. There was no trial or sentencing of the girl and for most of her life she was forgotten, except by a few people.

Celeste DuFrane, on the other hand, never lacked for anything in her life, except for perhaps the love of her mother and brother.

The two girls are thrown together to find the truth about each other. As one part of the story is uncovered, other questions arise.

This novel is one of the best that I have read in recent time. The writing drew me in and kept me mesmerized as the story drew me in and kept me guessing as to what would happen next.

Allison Pittman is a talented author and I look forward to future work by her.

Book review: Love Letters from the Edge

Love Letters From the Edge: Meditaions for Those Sruggling with Brokenness, Trauma and the Pain of Life is a book of meditions that touch the heart and soul of those that are dealing with any of these issues.
Through twelve weeks the authors, Shelly Beach and Wanda Sanchez, helps the reader as they ask questions such as where God is during these times, will the bad times end? Can this pain be redeemed and more. There are also activities to try to focus the mind and hear such as journaling,  letter writing, and art projects.
This well-written book is a gift to each of those that are needed.
This book was given to me by bookfun.org and the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: All Right Here

All Right Here by Carre Armstrong Gardner is a touching book about a couple that would like to have a child, but are unable to. When three children are abandoned, the couple takes them into their home. Along with this decision, the family comes across many unexpected trials in their lives such as alcoholism and the challenges that come with teenagers.

This was a touching, wonderful book that I did not want to end. The blessing is there are to be more books in this series revolving around the extended family.

This book was given to me by bookfun.org and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was also posted on Amazon, B&N, DeeperShopping, CBD and my blogger account

Book Review: The Reason by William Sirls

“Just believe” are two mighty words to help see someone through a tragedy.  However, the action that is required is not always easy.

William Sirls in “The Reason” use these words to be the center of this powerful novel. As I read this work I could not believe that his was his debut story. It was so well-written and the story held my attention through the story of the construction worker, the doctor, the son of an employee at a local church and more.

I have enjoyed this book and are very grateful to the author and bookfun.org for allowing me to review this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Book Review: Great Little Gifts to Knit: 30 Quick and colorful Patterns

Great Little Gifts to Knit: 30 Quick and Colorful Patterns by Jean Moss offers projects for today’s knitters using techniques from around the world.

As a knitter that always wanted to learn how to complete something with Fair Isle knitting and Japanese Shadow knitting, this book offered projects with pictures and patterns that were easy to follow. There are different styles in shawls, fingerless gloves, socks, mittens, hats and more.

Thank you NetGalley, Taunton Press and Jean Moss for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.

 

Book Review: What Galileo Saw: Imagining the Scientific Revolution

What Galileo Saw: Imagining the Scientific Revolution by Lawrence Lipking is a well-written book about how the last years of the beliefs of witchcraft could have been the downfall of the scientific teachers of the day. Teachers such as Galileo, Newton, Kepler, Descartes and more each faced trials even as their teaching proved the former as false teachings. 

This book was a nice Christian romance. I gave it 4 stars because of the repetitive nature of it and the predictability, but overall it was good.

book revew: How to Knit

How to Knit is an excellent guide to anyone that has the desire to learn how to knit. The author takes the reader through each section of this book with ease, almost like she is sitting there talking with the reader. Items discussed include different types of needle, fibers and weight of yarns, plus the importance of gauge.
She also shows the knitter how to read a pattern, both the written word and a graph. Then she present easy patterns, for the knitter, where each of the sections are put to use. These patterns can be used for scarves or wash clothes.
I wish that I had this book when I was learning how to knit over 40 years ago. The process, including the mistakes, would have been easier to bear.

Book Review: The Art Restorer by Julian Sanchez

The Art Restorer, by Julian Sanchez, keeps the reader intrigued. Once I began I had a hard time putting it down.

The main character is Enrique who travels to his former home, San Sebastian, from Manhattan. He made this trip to support his ex-wife. While there he meets a gentleman by the name of Craig, who was there for the restoration of Sert’s paintings. When Craig dies questions were raised. He died by drowning; however he was a form Olympic swimmer.

Through an investigation that spans countries and leads to several families, this story shows the Nazis’ propensity of collecting wealth and stealing wealth.

Sanchez tells a wonderful tale, which will get the heart pumping as the story progresses. I would highly recommend this book to any that enjoys adventures.

I downloaded this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Invitation

Hello friends!

I wanted to let you in on some exciting news from Holley Gerth!

Holley will be hosting a face(book) club for her new book, What Your Heart Needs For the Hard Days! You can read about it on her blog at : http://holleygerth.com/heart-needs-hard-days and to join all you have to do is “like” her facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/HolleyGerthPage

It would be great if you could share this info on your blog when you post your review (unless you’ve already posted) or on your facebook page!

Thanks so much!!

Review: Founders' Son by Richard Brookhiser

I am a history buff, which began when I began looking into our founding fathers through Lincoln. When I found this book I was very excited. It did not let me down.

Founders' Son, by Richard Brookhiser, looks at the influence that the founding fathers of the United States, not only his Presidency, but most of his life. To see the breakdown of the influences gives the reader a better insight of Lincoln and those that fought for the ideals for which this nation stands. Brookhiser did an exceptional job of helping the reader understand the man, Abraham Lincoln.

Review: Countdown by Fern Michaels

Fern Michaels is such a talented author and her skill is demonstrated in the second installment of the Men of the Sisterhood. This book show how special these men are as their association with the sister has created a strong bond between the men and the women.

The Sisterhood, and their men, spends their time in this book taking on the worst of the slum landlords. With the twists and turns, as only Michaels can do, this book is a quick read and a thoroughly enjoyable one. 

Review: Jeremiah: Women's Bible Study Preview Book: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World

Jeremiah: Women's Bible Study Preview Book: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World by Melissa Spoelstra shows the reader that in this world which is so unstable, love and guidance can be found within God's Word.
This is a very worthwhile book for anyone that is interested in studying this book of the Bible.

Book Review: Evil Fairies Love Hair

Evil Fairies Love Hair, by Mary G. Thompson, and published by Clarion Books, is such a funny book that pulls the reader in from the first sentence.

Several kids find a tricky fairy who will give each of them one wish. However, the rules they must follow to get these wishes, and the ways the children try to meet them, will have the reader rolling on the floor with laughter.

This book may be written for the young, but anyone who wants to read a funny book should read this one. 

Book Review: When the World Was Young by Elizabeth Gaffney

When the World Was Young, by Elizabeth Gaffney, begins on V-J Day and is written from the perspective of Wally Baker. Wally, throughout the book, feels like a bit of a misfit. First of all, there is her name, which she feels is definitely a boy’s name. Then, even through she loves Wonder Women comics and ants, she feels like these items still separates her from others. Finally, there is her mother, who is not stable and the fact that the lives with her grandparents, but yet her best friends are Loretta, the housekeeper and Ham, Loretta’s son.

Wally is faced with different losses, conflicts, and prejudices throughout the book yet is able to find strength when she needs it.

This is a beautifully written, honest portrayal of human nature at this time as well as today. 

Book Review: Annie's Stories by Cindy Thomson

Annie Gallagher’s life seems to be surrounded by stories. In the year 1901, Annie is living in New York City, although she came here from Ireland. Her father was a storyteller and when he died most of his possessions were taken by his brother.

However, soon after his death, Annie ran from her homeland and found a job and a home at Hawkins House. This was the year The Wonderful Wizard of Oz took New York by storm. Along with this story, Annie seems to see the lives around her as a story. There is a young girl border that is being watched for misconduct. This would not only cost her a home at Hawkins House, a respectable boarding house for immigrants, but could close this establishment as well. This would cost Annie her home, her job and her new friends which she has made.

In addition to these stories, Annie would like to house a library in the name of her father. The loss of the Hawkins House could cost her this dream.

Cindy Thomson has written a wonderful novel about this remarkable young women and the hopes and dreams that she has, not only in her own life, but in the lives of the others around her.

Book Review: Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

Inescapable, by Nancy Mehl, is an intriguing novel. With the main character, Lizzie, having lived in a big city and a small Mennonite village, the reader can sense there will be tensions between the two cultures will arise. These and other scenarios makes this book one that is difficult to put down until the end.

Mehl is a talented author and even though this is the first of her books I have read, I know it will not be the last.

Book Review: God in this Cave by Paul Yoder

For a first novel, Paul Yoder picked an immense topic. God in This cave sends the reader on a familiar journey set in modern time. I think Mr. Yoder did a fine job. There is additional editing that needs to be done but congratulations on this epic work. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Book Review; The Song: The Ultimate Love Story by Thomas Lochnicht

Praise God!! That is what I wanted to say over and over as I read The Song; The Ultimate Love Story. The title does tell what this is about… God’s love for us is the ultimate love story. This was such an enjoyable read and I want to share this love with all of my friends.

I highly recommend this to everyone; it is the ultimate feel good read as the reader experiences God’s love through every word.

I am so glad that I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Book Review: A New Resolution

A New Resolution by Rose Dee is a book that has unexpected life issues throughout it. The story is set in Queensland and the two main characters show how being a Christian does not mean that their past lifestyles do not affect others they may meet. Each of them had had sexual partners before they became Christians and the way they face this can help others that may face this issue.

This was a well-written book that presented difficult subjects and how it is hard to come across the best decision at the time. Because of this, it is easy to identify with the characters, which helps the lessons taught to be more easily received.

I received this book from the author and bookfun.org in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Ronald Glanz has written another book that will keep the reader on their toes. This book, PDQ, revolves around robberies and murders that have occurred at a few convenience stores in Madison, Wisconsin. Detectives Schultz and Finney are assigned to this case and their investigation takes some unpredictable twists and turns until they finally solve it.

I have become a Ronald Glanz fan with previous books that I have read. I look forward to his books to keep me on the edge of my chair and to grab my attention and keep it to the end.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Book Review: Up From the Grave

Marilyn Leach has a way with a mystery. In Up From the Grave she continues with the tradition. While having the ground-breaking for a garden at St. Aidan of the Wood Parish, a bone turns up. This set Berdie Elliot on the hunt to solve the mystery of the bone and how it ended up in this spot.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Now I will need to check out this author’s other works. Thank you.

I received this book from bookfun.org and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Book Review: Never Ending Night by Tanya Stowe

T.R. Sheridan fought and died during the Civil War. Or did he? During a re-enactment of the same battle, Sheridan came out of the woods and suddenly the world changed for several people. The photo-journalist who took pictures of the re-enactment as a part of her newspaper assignment, also took pictures of T.R. coming out of the woods. The gentleman who was in charge of the event, and he was a professor of Sheridan’s poetry. Then there was a dr. who wanted to observe this man from another time.

Never-Ending Night, by Tanya Stowe, tells the story of these people and makes it intriguing. Once I picked up this story I could not put it down. Stowe knows how to build a book to a wonderful climax and then finish it so that the reader is satisfied with the reading experience. I look forward to more work by this author.

I was given this book by the author and by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Ashes in the Wind by Peggy Levesque

Sara’s life was turned upside down when her husband, a DEA agent, was killed. She was placed in witness protection, but that did not work, as someone tried to shoot her. With a myriad of other actions aimed at her and her late-husband, Sara did not know who to trust.

This is a suspenseful, action-packed book that was very hard for me to put down. Peggy Levesque, the author of Ashes in the Wind, is a talented writer and I look forward to anything else that she may write. I recommend this book highly.

Ashes in the Wind was given to me by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Engaging, Wonderful Book

Erin Taylor Young is a terrific writer. “Surviving Henry” is such a wonderful read.

Henry is a boxer puppy; however, he is not just any boxer puppy. Henry has a stubborn streak and he wants what he wants when he wants it. This is the story of how Henry works his way into, and wins the hearts of Erin and her family.

Young takes the reader through obedience training, although it is never sure who is being trained Henry or the family. There are also road trips, boat rides, and boarding. Each of these events includes episodes that bring a smile. This could be because of the readers’ similar experiences or because the way Young and Henry bring these times into the heart.

I would read more by this author anytime. Thank you, Erin Taylor Young.

In the book Tested by Fire by Kelley Latta, the readers are invited to discover and live God’s will throughout their lives. In this Scripture-based four-week study Latta leads the readers through the necessary building blocks that are needed to survive what is thrown at them.

This is an excellent resource to find God’s will in one’s life and to learn how to share His love with others.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my fair and honest review.  

Book Review: The Illusion of More by Harris III

From the time of Adam and Eve, through today, people have always desired more than what they are given by God. In “The Illusion of More: The Trick to Finding Faith in a World of Deception” Harris III explores this desire that we have to for the unattainable, and quite often, the unneeded.

Through the use of Bible stories and verses demonstrates Satan role in this and how it was Satan’s downfall in the first place. Each chapter ends with reflection questions to see how the lessons within fit each person’s live and the paths we can take to avoid Satan in our lives and, instead, invite God in us.

This book was given to me by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Book Review: Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

Fatal Exchange, by Lisa Harris, is a modern-day suspense novel. Before beginning this book, find a comfortable seat and a nice cup of a favorite beverage, because once you begin to read this you will want to stay with it to the end.

Emily Hunt’s brother, a police officer, was killed. Whereby Emily and her family have their own suspect, it needs to be proven. The path that this book takes you on will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

This is a very good book and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my fair and honest review. 

Light the Fire is the kind of book that readers have difficulties putting down once they begin reading. The characters are complex and the incidences in the book are down-to-earth.

Even though this sounds similar to other books of this genre there is a difference. God is interspersed throughout to help the characters develop. He also is there through the resolution of problems that are encounters.

Mary Manners is an excellent writer and I plan on reading more of her books now.

I was given this book by the author and bookfun.org in exchange for my honest and fair review.