Book Review: My Summer With Gramps

My Summer With Gramps, by Ignatius Ryan, tells about a developing friendship between a 13 year-old boy and his grandfather. When this teen goes to spends each day one summer with his grandfather he learns so much than what was needed for his book report on "Death of a Salesman." The two talk about a wide variety of topics, including philosophy, politics, and history.

I love watching the new friendship grow between the boy and his grandfather. Plus the new words that the boy discovers, as well as the reader, means that his education is not limited to the classroom.

What a wonderful story. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read, relish and review this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Createspace in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Jefferson's America

I love Jefferson's America by Julie M. Fenster. I feel like she has given a fresh, new look to the portion of history that involves the explorations of the west. It begins while he is in office as Secretary of State and continues through the expansions that America went through during his time. There was background given to the areas before we began exploring plus of those that would go on their explorations. Fenster used journals as a launching point for her book and I was impressed with the detail that she was able to hone from each of these.

I am a history buff and I appreciate the work that it takes to produce a complete work and keep it objective. Julie Fenster was able to do just that.

There is one issue that I had with my copy, but this did not have to do with the writing, but the printing. Beginning in the second chapter, there were ink blots found throughout the book. This did make it harder to stay with the reading, but I am so glad that I did.

I was given this book by blogging for books in exchange for my honest review, however, this is a book that I would have picked up at a bookstore and enjoyed.

Book Review: Love is Something You do

Love is Something You Do is an emotional trip through the lives of these two people who have dedicated their lives through serving God. Their journey through life is uplifting, heartbreaking, full of hope and so much more. After the earthquake hip Haiti, the Burnettes were already there so they continued to minister through helping others.

I did have a little difficulty in reading this book because of the emotions that it brought to the forefront and the voice that was used throughout. However, the story is inspiration and helps others to see what can be done when someone turns their lives over to God.

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

Book Review: Spiritual Warfare for Your Family

Whether parent or grandparent, Spiritual Warfare for Your Family, helps guide families through protecting this valuable gem. This book discusses the reasons why the fight might feel like a losing battle to some and why the Enemy wants you to feel this way. Plus the author, Leighann McCoy offers practical advice to aid in the struggle and weapons to use.

I found this book helpful, even if I don't have any children still at home. I am a grandmother and as such I liked the way the author was able to address this relationship as well.

I think this is a wonderful resource to turn to again and again as different struggles surface throughout the family relationship.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Cavendon Hall

Barbara Taylor Bradford has such a gift when it comes to writing fiction. In Cavendon Hall, she created such complex characters and the setting was so beautiful. She was able to move the book through different times effortlessly.

This family saga follows the life of two British families, the Inghams and the Swanns. The Swanns have been servants to the Inghams for generations. With this relation, the stories of the two families are intertwined throughout the book.

It was interesting how the history of the world, specifically times leading up to and through World War I, affected these family. Cavendon Women, the sequel, promises to be a sequel that will be well worth reading.

I was given this book by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: On This Foundation

On This Foundation is the third book in the Restoration Charonicles. The author, Lynn Austin, does an awesome job when writing a fictional book based on the Bible. This book covers the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall.

If I did not need to sleep, I would not have put this book down once. Even then, I started back up in the morning. This book transports the reader to this Biblical time and the characters are alive. They almost made me feel like I was a fly on the wall.

As with her other books, Austin does not paint perfect characters. Just as we all are flawed, so are the characters in the story, even through he is a powerful and influential man.

I highly recommend this book and even though it is the third in the series, it easily stands alone.

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

Book Review: The Quest of All Ages

The Quest of All Ages is a fantasy with such fantastic descriptions I wanted to be there. The author was able to create complex characters that you feel like you know, also.

It centers around a Mer Prince and an Earth Princess who met at a waterfall and tried to meet again. Their parents did what they could to prevent this meeting so their children could marry someone of their own world.

I do enjoy fantasies but I felt like I was absorbed by this book. The beauty was all-encompassing.

I would recommend this book for all.

I was given this book by NetGalley and AuthorBuzz in exchange for my honest review.