My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:  Just a girl. The only one strong enough to break the cycle. In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a “nothing mama,” she struggles to find a place where she really belongs.For answers, Millie turns to the Gypsies who caravan through town each spring. The travelers lead Millie to a key which unlocks generations of shocking family secrets. When tragedy strikes, the mysterious contents of the box give Millie the tools she needs to break her family’s longstanding cycle of madness and abuse. Through it all, Millie experiences the thrill of first love while fighting to trust the God she believes has abandoned her. With the power of forgiveness, can Millie finally make her way into the free?  

This is a book full of contrasts, of appearances that promise one thing but open up to reveal a totally different scene. Our heroine Millie's Mississippi in the 1930's and 40's is full of trees that sing, fascinating Gypsies, small farms, and enchanting forests. Look a bit further and you find drugs, gossip, abuse, and racism filling the beautiful land. Behind religious piety you find hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Within people on the fringe of accepted society you find honesty and compassion, and within those of the upper class, well, a lack of both. A creative young girl filled with life and energy turns out not to be a child at all, but an "old soul", as her mother has told her, who must forfeit childhood to survive the traumas of her everyday life.

I don't really care for novels with abuse, but I was so drawn into Millie's life that I couldn't help but keep reading. The words flowed like poetry, and I found myself smiling at the descriptions of how a character felt, how the landscape came alive, how the tree embraced the scared child.

The author's character development is superb. Millie's voice is so strong, so appropriate for a nine-year-old that I doubted the author would be able to continue making Millie believable as she aged. I was pleasantly surprised. I was so taken by Millie's story, by the cards she'd undeservedly been dealt in her young Life, that I wanted to jump into the pages and bring her into my own home. I cheered when people showed her kindness, raged when another hard knock threatened to rob her of any hope. I read straight through this book and was very disappointed when it ended. I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A modern story of spiritual warfare, this is a battle for one unknowing man's soul that hinges on the decisions of others to engage in the fight for him. When his wife, Lexie, seems to finds more in common with a wayward pastor than with her unbelieving spouse, she has to make a conscious decision about the future of her family.

This is a fictional story that is full of much truth, truth that could be very beneficial to readers in similar situations. It deals with temptation, with grief from losing a close family member, with the importance of a mentor, of prayer, of commitment. It deals with being in a spiritually unequal marriage and how that can play out for both spouses. While we follow the Lexie throughout the story, we learn about God's calling, about the spirit world, about the limited power of the enemy and the grace of a loving, all-powerful God.

This book was packed with relevant themes and nuggets of wisdom. I will be looking for more by Dineen A. Miller.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not only is this historical romance, but this is a tale of unraveling mysteries. Even though The Forgiven Duke is the second book of a series, I was able to glean most of what happened and catch on quickly to the plot.

A young lady placed under the guardianship of a rich, handsome duke refuses to believe that her parents are dead and runs away from his protective custody. Her vow to do whatever it takes to find her missing parents leads her into danger, bad decisions, and ugly consequences. Can she learn to trust God and His timing rather than taking matters into her own hands? Will the secrets she and the duke accumulate along the way keep them from the future they could have together?

The duke is a powerful man used to breezing through life on his terms. Now that he's deaf, he must learn to adjust to a life he can't totally control. He must overcome his handicap and find the runaway he's fallen in love with and sworn to protect. He grows in his relationship with God through the hardships he endures to complete the mandates of the king and of his heart. The imagery of this man reaching out to God without being able to hear is beautiful.

Throughout the story, the characters are faced with choices that demonstrate the level of trust they have in God. As they lean on Him, He comes to the rescue in His time, in His way. I liked that their mistakes were portrayed realistically, however, in that the characteers still had to face the consequences to their decisions.

This book strayed a little from your average Christian romance in going past the typical chivalry, social parties, and mild heroic rescues. We see a bit of that, but there are also murders, torture, battles, and--oops, I almost spoiled it for you! You'll have to see for yourself what else happens.

The ending gave enough resolution to satisfy some major questions but enough loose ends to leave room for the third book in the series, due out in September of 2012.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don’t even START to think of this as a cookbook. It’s way beyond that. Sure, there are recipes, but this is a revolutionalize-your-kitchen, change-the-way-your-family-does-mealtime sort of tool. You’ll want to add this to your list of great gifts for newlyweds, but it would really be appropriate for any stage of life.

This book is full of practical advice from cover to cover, and by the time you finish, you’ll be inspired to clean out your cabinets, make room for a pantry, and plan a menu that makes meal-prep much easier. Each chapter is a specific goal. For example, chapter 7 is called “Organize Your Tools” and deals with getting your kitchen set up in a way that is most convenient for you. There are explanations, step-by-step instructions, and ways to work through each chapter as a group, making this perfect for homeschool co-ops, book clubs, or just you and your girlfriends. Okay, this would work for men, too, but the assumption is that the woman of the home will be handling the bulk of kitchen duties.

After dealing with the practical set-up types of tasks, the author gets into how to make a meal plan that fits your family. She deals with shopping, food prep, cooking, and storage of leftovers, with a good bit of information about how to cook for more than one meal at once to save time and money. I’ve read a ton of these kinds of organizational books, but this is the most practical, simple, yet detailed that I’ve come across. Now to put it into practice!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Publisher’sDescription:
Meet the legendary Samson as you've never known him before … through the eyes of the three women who loved him.


Before Samson was an Old Testament legend, he was a prodigal son, an inexperienced suitor, a vengeful husband, and a lost soul driven by his own weakness. This is his story as told by three strong women who loved him—the nagging, manipulative mother who pushed him toward greatness, the hapless Philistine bride whose betrayal propelled him into notoriety, and the emotionally damaged seductress—the famous Delilah—who engineered his downfall and propelled him to his destiny. Desired celebrates the God of Israel's to work powerfully in the midst of hopes, fears, desires, and sorrows.

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In this historical fiction that retells the famous love story of Samson and Delilah, Samson himself is practically a footnote to the main stories, which are of the three women of his life. The reader comes to know him from the impact he has on these women. I learned a lot about what life was like for women of that time and place. I learned about the relationship between the Hebrew nation and their neighbors, the Philistines, and about the Philistine’s god Dagon. Because this familiar story is retold from the viewpoint of the women, the lines of right and wrong, good guy and bad guy, are blurred a bit. Instead of faulting this person for his action or that person for her lack of action, the reader sees the possible “story behind the story”.

The circumstances that drew these characters to each other were so intriguing, and I found myself really hoping for a different ending than the one I knew was to come. Throughout the book, I was reminded that life doesn’t always turn out as expected. I think the summary in the lesson to be derived from this book is found on page 307, in the words of Samson’s mother:

Every winter, just before spring arrives, the almond trees bloom. They are a promise from God, each of those white blossoms, that He is watching and His words will be fulfilled in their appointed time. Sometimes, this appointed time comes before we are ready. Sometimes, it seems to come too late. We cannot understand His timing….

However, as we learn in this story, we can trust that He is faithful to keep His word and to work miracles for those who obey Him even when they don’t understand Him.

I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing. She is a gifted craftsman of poetic prose, with descriptions and phrases that make the story breathe. I never felt that she’d overdone it, nor that she could have developed a point further. This is the second book in the Lost Loves of the Bible Series, the first of which being Chosen, the story of Queen Esther.  I look forward to reading more by Ginger Garrett.  Desired does deal with adult themes that may be unsuitable for teens, but I’d recommend this book for my girlfriends who need to be reminded that God can redeem any situation, and that He finishes what He starts.

This is on my "to-read"  list, but I thought I'd share with you the first chapter, which can be read for free here.  If you like it, head on over to waterbrookmultnomah.com and use this coupon code to get 30% off AND free shipping:  CHRISTMAS11

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's hard to find a book written specifically for teens that I approve of enough to let my own girls read it, but this one has certainly made the list. The writing was relevant, the themes were real, the characters were inspiring.

In this story, a teen girl is asked to help out when violent threats are sent to her high school. She begins to pay attention to the people around her, doing a sort of undercover investigation to aid the police in finding who sent these threats.

Nikki has real issues to deal with that don't all get worked out in a perfect way. The themes of parental separation, friendships, apathy, depression, dating, and Christian witnessing are all handled well, not only showing how these things often surface in a high schooler's life, but also appropriate ways to handle them.

I was particularly impressed with the running theme of compassion. As Nikki gets more and more involved in the case, she has to consciously choose to engage in other people's lives. She realizes that it is easier to harden herself to others' pain, or just ignore it altogether, and she must decide if getting to know people is worth the pain she feels.

 
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the publisher:  The physical dimension is fractured. What remain now are numerous fragmented worlds moving simultaneously through time, sharing a common history, connected only by a guarded portal. On a parallel earth, a child is rescued from prison and trained in the arts of war by a mystical order of clerics. When he returns to his home in search of his family, he becomes entangled in a brutal conspiracy to gain control of the Empire. Racing to unravel the secrecy of the enemy’s identity and motive, he is haunted by the memories of his past and drawn by the destiny that awaits him.

I really, REALLY liked this book, enough so that I bought the other two books (as a very inexpensive 3-ebook set) within minutes of finishing the first one. This series is along the lines of Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy, with parallel worlds, a battle over the future of humanity, and a prophecy that could turn an unlikely hero into a possible savior. I stayed a little confused (I like that) with the plot, not knowing which direction this would play out. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and felt the author did a great job of developing them for their epic journey. A few open story lines make for more books to come, I hope.

NOTE:  I read the first book of this series as a free download from smashwords.com, where I was also able to buy the remaining two books.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Christmas Carol is the classic story of Scrooge and the spirits who visit him one winter night to change his stingy, evil ways.  I'd seen the movie a few thousand times but never read the book, and considering what time of year this is, I thought it'd be a good time to go for an audio version. I got the Mission Audio version from christianaudio.com,  loaded it on the iPod for a road trip, and we listened to it as we covered some miles.  

The book is divided into five staves. The first half of the first one was a bit hard to get into, as the author was laying the groundwork through describing the shop, the character, and a little of the history behind Scrooge and his business.  There wasn't much action and the descriptions drug on a bit, so those first 20 minutes were a little dry.  But once the action got going, no one wanted to hit pause.

This is a feel-good story about learning what really matters in life, and one that I guess will never get old.  What made this version of it particulary spectacular was the narrator (Simon Vance), who has to be the most perfect fit for any audio book I've ever listened to.  His voice set the mood, made me feel like I really was in England in the 1800's, and magnificently portrayed the characters throughout the story.  I can't say enough about what a wonderful job he did in reading this book.

I'd recommend this one for those long drives to relatives' houses over Christmas vacation, for sitting around the fireplace while the Christmas tree is lit, or for popping in your mp3 player while you're jogging off the holiday calories.  But I must warn you that it's probably going to be over the head of your small children, and some of the descriptions of the Marley's ghost at the beginning may frighten them.  As for the rest of us, well, I guess we need to be frightened every now and then!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the christianaudio Reviewers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book begins with a young widow who has recently lost her son. She reluctantly accepts the position of housekeeper/nanny for a man whose reputation is that of a difficult, demanding boss with a spoiled, bratty daughter.

Early into the story, I almost stopped reading, thinking that this historical fiction would end the same way so many do, with the virtuous heroine winning the heart of the bad guy, who instantly changes his ways, comes to the Lord, and welcomes her into his affluent life. About the time the story was all wrapped up to end that way, a major plot twist jumped onto the scene and had to be resolved. Then another and another, and before I knew it, this simple, cut-and-dry romance had turned into a full-fledged drama.

As the characters work out the kinks and learn to trust God's hand through the tough times, we get to know people who are in various places in their walk with the Lord. We see their struggles--and even failures--to live what they're being called to, and there is encouragement in the reminder that God never gives up on us.

I ultimately enjoyed this book, even more once it got a little complicated and I couldn't predict exactly where it was going. Okay, okay, it IS historical romantic fiction, so I knew exactly where it was going, but I couldn't predict every step along the way. ;)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A group of three desperate women end up working together as amateur detectives to solve the serial killings in their small town. During the process, they form an unlikely bond and work through various personal struggles. The suspense of a killer on the loose is balanced out with the development of their heartwarming friendship, as these three gals get to know each other while putting together the facts of this case.

The story switches back and forth between the three points-of-view of the women, with intermittent portions of a Pulitzer-prize-winning news article about the murders in between. Because the story only spans a few days, the transitions between voices is seamless and I never felt confused. Each woman's section is written in her own vernacular, which adds to the feeling of being right there, watching this all go down, listening to each of them tell me how it happened.

In true mystery form, certain well-placed clues threw me off track in my guesses as to the identity of the killer. I was pretty sure I knew several times, but still came out surprised by most of the ending. I enjoyed this book, which, apart from a few gory details about the murders, I'd classify as a light read.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


THE PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION:   First she served as a mob enforcer. Then she found Christ in prison. Now, Tessa Lancaster is protecting an heiress whose spouse seeks to kill her. In this action-packed read, Tessa and a handsome Southern lawyer discover the reality of being made new in Christ. 

How much does a person’s life change after becoming a Christian? How much SHOULD a person change his life after this decision? Should relationships between the new convert and his friends and family be severed or just altered, and if altered, to what extent? These are all questions that Tessa must answer in Protection for Hire, as she comes out of prison a different person than the criminal who went in. Learning to balance her new beliefs, her new lifestyle, and the old relationships is a constant challenge.

I think anyone who has tried to get a fresh start or break old habits will relate to the heroine in this book. She must change almost everything about herself, including her line of work. This leads to unexpected friendships, danger, and romance. I enjoyed reading about the adventures Tessa faced as she turned a new page in her life, and I found her story both believable and inspirational. I was reminded that God’s plans aren’t always the same as mine, but that He knows where I am and is faithful to take care of me.

I reviewed this book courtesy of NetGalley.com.

I read this book.  I re-read this book.  I took notes on each chapter.  I used it in a small group study.  I used it for family devotions.  WHAT A KEEPER!  This book is jam-packed with practical information about the spiritual battle we're engaged in daily.

I've read and studied a lot on spiritual warfare, so I expected more of the same in Beautiful Battle.  However, this is a very practical book with just the right mix of theory and application.  The author starts with a few chapters devoted to understanding the battle--knowing ourselves, our enemy, and God.  She emphasizes the need for balance in this understanding.  Rather than focusing so much on our enemy and either cowering in fear of his perceived strength, or spending all day running after him to thwart his plans, she stresses the need to see God as the sovereign Lord of all and keep everything in the right perspective.

After laying this foundation, the rest of the book explains all the ways we are involved in the battle, things as simple as taking risks, getting rest, and living a lifestyle of prayer.  Several chapters deal with specific battles we may face, including fear, addictions, and being hurt by other Christians.
This is a great primer for battle, and something I will probably continue to read over and over again.  The reading was light, and the instructions for applying these principles to daily life were basic and easy to understand.  And while the title says this is a WOMAN'S guide, I'm willing to bet men would get a lot out of this one, too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This devotional written for teen girls has a lot going for it. First of all, the devotions are more or less one page each, meaning they are straight to the point and concise. Each has a question or text message representing common problems these girls face, then a scriptural response. It’s as if a girl sends God a text, and He responds from His word. The authors then elaborate about the topic, often including examples from the Bible. There are always lots of reflection questions, so that the reader can put this into the context of her own life. Each ends with an application, something the reader can actively do.

I liked that the authors told a bit about themselves and how they met each other in the beginning of the book, so that the reader knows where the thoughts are coming from. I also liked the way the devotions were divided into four sections: God, Identity, Relationships, and Life (acronym GIRL).

I’m very careful about what devotional books or Bibles I buy for my two teenage daughters, because I recognize that not all Christians have the same viewpoints about sticky topics. I didn’t find anything within this book that gave me a red flag, however. Even issues about dating or relationships with guys were handled with care, and I didn’t feel like I’d have to go behind any of these topics and add my own commentary.

This is a devotional I’d definitely give my own daughters, and it would make a nice gift for any teen girls I know, whether they already have a relationship with the Lord or not.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netgalley.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With a brother serving in the Confederate Army and her small Texas town being invaded by Union troops, the Civil War years are not the best time for Amanda to fall in love with a soldier from the North. However, fate plays a hand in their chance meetings over the years, keeping the flames of their frowned-upon romance alive. Will it be enough to overcome to heartaches of war and family disapproval? Both will have to rethink their opinions on important issues and take stands for what matters if they are to get past their obvious hardships.

I learned a lot about the Civil War in this book, and about different sides of the battles that tore apart our nation. I was pleased with the way the characters developed as the years passed, being changed both by the atrocities they saw and their devotion to one another.

The parts of the book that involved fighting, torture, or death were descriptive enough that I understood some of what the characters went through, but not so graphic that I felt like I had to skip passages. And while this was a bit sappy and at times predictable, I appreciated the family loyalty and faith that God was in control, which were foundational to the story. I’d recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was particularly interested in this story since I’m a South Carolina gal, and it did not disappoint. The setting of this book came alive and became such a huge part of the story. Set in the mill hill town of Startex, SC, we follow the decline of the factory and its surrounding town over the course of several decades.

Sunny works to overcome the stereotypes and family baggage she faces, hoping to rise above what those around her expect her to turn out to be. With good intentions and a well-meaning heart, she makes some bad decisions that bring about horrible consequences. Throughout the story, we watch her try to correct or learn to live with these consequences, often making bigger messes. I identified with her to an extent, not just because she grew up in a small town in South Carolina, but because she felt responsible for those around her. She tried to keep her family and friends out of trouble and to make decisions that would not bring hardships to others.

Not all of the story lines resolved in a feel-good way, but the book did feel real. I was particularly happy with the dialogue among the characters. Often when I’m reading, I can’t help but think, “She’d never have used those words,” or “That phrase is out of place with this person.” In this book, though, the conversations seemed very believable and not at all stiff. I liked the message of forgiveness and redemption, and would recommend this book. Beware of getting this one for teen girls, however, as there are numerous incidences of sexual abuse with rather graphic descriptions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Heavenly Man is the autobiography of Liu Zhenying (also known as Brother Yun), a Chinese missionary who began to spread the gospel at the age of 16, in the 1960's. From the beginning of Brother Yun's ministry, we see God's hand directing his every step. His was not an easy life, but he determined not to be stopped by threats, arrests, or torture. This level of commitment led to some remarkable miracles in his life. What a challenge to all of us!

I thought the narrator was perfect for this book. His English was a little stilted, which made me feel like the author himself was telling us his story. The mention of so many places and historical events made me want to look up maps and timelines, and I ended up learning a lot about how this part of the world evolved in their views on religion. Although I had to cringe and pause the listening during some of the more difficult passages, this was a story I really enjoyed listening to and easily found myself engrossed in.

This is a must-read for missionaries, and something that every Christian on the planet could benefit from reading. I learned a lot about devotion, evangelism, and loving my neighbor enough to risk my life so that he can hear the Gospel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this audiobook free from the publisher through ChristianAudio.com's book 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 Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Mixed in with this Amish fictional romance novel is a lot of interfamilial conflict. Mother and daughter, twin brothers, grandfather and granddaughter, mother and sons. In a world with such strict expectations placed on you by your family and, ultimately, your church community, each person has to struggle with whether or not he genuinely trusts God when times get tough. As each arrives at this decision in his own way, the family relationships are strained. Can the forbidden yet pure love between two young people from different faiths survive this strain? Can the families stick together and support one another in their decisions, or will they lose what really matters? This book dealt with dynamics of life that we can all relate to, whether or not we call ourselves Plain. Do we really trust God, or have the crutches we’ve used to prop ourselves up taken His place?

Two brothers whose physical limitations caused them to depend on each other for daily life, struggle with facing their shortcomings and deciding if those will ultimately define them. A mother who has a strong faith has to decide if that faith can carry her through the unknown. A father who made mistakes in parenting his only child has to decide if he wants to remain as rigid with his grandchild. The plot was interesting and pertinent, and the narrator did a great job. Her accent was clear and crisp, as the Amish and Mennonites tend to speak, and she changes her voice with each character so that I always knew whose point of view I was listening to and who was speaking. This is a great book for just relaxing and enjoying the story, and maybe finding a bit of yourself in the chapters.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the christianaudio.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is an amateur comedian moonlighting as a hotel security guard. His less-than-ideal childhood has left him with enough baggage to fill a moving truck, and he can’t quite shut the door on the traumas and move on. His pretty coworker and he get into some fun adventures as he reconciles the craziness of his past and present in order to have the future he’s dreaming of. Along the way, he learns to look behind what he sees and understand the people in his life a little better.

I liked this book a lot because it was a light read. While the issues dealt with were quite serious, the characters were very likeable and fresh, and the story kept moving enough to prevent getting bogged down in any one crisis. The love plot was prevalent but not overbearing. Oliver’s flashbacks were sad but not depressing. The tone was quirky but not disjointed. The life lessons spoke to me but didn’t scream.

Even though I’m sure this was not meant to be a book in a series, I hope the author continues the story he began with Oliver and his mixed-up life. The resolution was enough to close the book, but I wasn’t ready for it to end. This was almost like watching a date movie (chick flick) that didn’t end all wrapped up with a nice red bow on top, but still left me smiling.

NOTE: Zondervan and netGalley provided me with a copy of this book for review.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We all know that Daniel was a man of integrity, his devotion to God eventually leading him to a den of lions.  We also know that his three Hebrew friends stood up to the king and faced the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol.  But what were these four young men like?  What did life as captives in Babylon really entail?  In Babylon’s Falling, we get a behind-the-scenes fictional look at events surrounding the Biblical stories we learned in Sunday School, beginning with the trip these four young men take as they’re led away from their homeland, Jerusalem, by their captors, the Babylonians.

I was pulled into this story quickly because from the beginning, Daniel and his three friends are shown sticking together in what could be tough situations.  However, because the span of this book covers about 80 years, sometimes the story felt rushed.  The major stories from Daniel’s life as told in the Bible are covered in enough detail to stay true to those historical accounts, but I felt like the author could have taken more liberty to develop those scenes a bit.  The plot developments that could have been tense (such as the lion’s den, the fiery furnace, the fall of Babylon) all wrapped up so nicely and quickly that there really wasn’t any tension.  I felt a bit like I was reading a story written for children, where the author purposefully kept the stress level low.  The whole book felt a little too clean for me, a little too “nice.”

On a positive side, I really liked the characters.  What we know of them from the Bible was that these Hebrew men were faithful to God and to each other, and that God blessed them even in captivity.  This theme of loyalty was well developed in the book.  I also learned a lot about the cultures and leaders of that time period.  I would recommend this book for a light read, one that will teach you about Daniel’s era and inspire you, but not one that will cause your blood pressure to rise.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King's apartment begs to be played. For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill's ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life; an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make. Hundreds of lives depend on Jill's willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.

This turned out to be one of those books I couldn’t put down until I’d finished it.  This is not one of those feel-good romance novels where everything works out all pretty and you can predict the journey page-by-page.  A smattering of the supernatural and some situations that don’t wrap up nicely with a bow on top, made this a story that drew me in and wouldn’t let me go.

The main character is believable, a deep-thinking young lady who is at a powerful crossroads in her life--emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally.  She questions almost every decision she makes, until she finds herself faced with a decision that must be dealt with immediately.

Despite the tragedies in the book, there is an underlying message of hope as we follow Jill through the steps to her wellness.  The struggle as she comes to terms with her accident hit home for me in a lot of ways, in dealing with the life changes that have come about since my own accident.  I was touched by the real attempts of those who wanted to support her but didn’t know exactly how.  In the end, the power of love ends up being a major player in this drama dealing with an actual historical event.


**Thanks to netGalley for the review copy of this book. 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Saphora is a woman who feels that she has become less than she could be, less than she should be, because of the pressures of her less-than-ideal family life. On the heels of Eat, Pray, Love, this book shows us a more realistic version of a common occurrence. A woman gives all she has to her husband, her children, her home, only to find that she reaches a certain point feeling totally spent. The emptiness that could engulf her brings about a last-ditch effort to salvage what is left of her life. In a desperate attempt to escape, she intends to move out and try life on her own.

Here’s where this story veers off from the typical plot. This time, fate steps in before the woman gets the chance to step out. On her way to the car with her suitcase, Saphora’s husband comes home early to tell her he’s dying. In the course of taking care of her terminal spouse, handling the extended family and their idiosyncrasies, and meeting some new friends, Saphora finds her perspective on life changing.

The themes of The Pirate Queen are so universal for women, although very often mishandled. How many of us can say we have a storybook family, instead of a family full of humans that are sometimes whacked out, quirky, or strange? What woman hasn’t felt like throwing in the towel? What mother hasn’t felt unappreciated? What wife hasn’t felt unloved? And how many times are we encouraged to live for ourselves at the cost of our families? Too many books and movies glorify escape as the only happy ending, an ending that women are invited to discover when they take the journey to find themselves. Saphora found herself pretty close to where she’d always been.

Lest I spoil it for you, I’ll vaguely tell you that there were several important issues touched upon in this book, such as terminal illness, marital fidelity, and child neglect. At times the conflicts were coming right on top of each other, as tends to happen in real life. Some things weren’t resolved in the way or in the time frame that is usually found in this style of book, which made it all come alive even more. I look forward to reading more by this author.

You can read the first chapter here, and also use this study guide in a small group setting or alone.

NOTE: WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to post a positive review.

Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

To be honest, I have put off writing this review for a long time. I took my sweet time reading this book, not on purpose but because it was like reading in a foreign language. I identified with the concept that the authors were basing the book on, but I couldn't fully comprehend it. The mother and daughter authors, Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson, drew from their experiences to point out that the common methods of Christian parenting are lacking something very important--grace.

Having grown up in a fairly conservative holiness home and church, I know that sometimes the doctrines of man end up running over the basic principles God outlined for us. I have been on a journey most of my adult life to discover what God really wants of me, versus what I think He wants and what I strive to give Him. I've learned that outwardly obeying the rules doesn't make me a Christian anymore than wearing a t-shirt with a cross on it would. The authors are simply pointing out that the idea of outward obedience being the goal, has carried over into our parenting style. Except it's not that simple. Reading that sentence and believing it is straightforward. Recognizing where I am lacking in giving the appropriate amount of grace to my children, is another story. I couldn't quite grasp how understanding and embracing this concept would play out in day-to-day family life.

I will probably end up reading this book several more times, because, as I said, I think the basic idea is valid. I just need to sift through this one a while and pray over how it applies to the Hagerman home.

NOTE: NetGalley provided me a free review copy of this book.

Night of the Living Dead Christian: One Man's Ferociously Funny Quest to Discover What It Means to Be Truly Transformed by Matt Mikalatos

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This begins as a funny--okay, let's go ahead and say it--a corny story of a self-declared neighborhood watch officer encountering a mad scientist, his android sidekick, and a subdivision full of monsters. Within a few chapters, this silly book becomes a serious look at each and every person who claims to be a Christian. Are we really living what we say we are, or have we stopped part of the way into this abundant life we claim, walking around as half-dead monsters?

Matt Mikalatos uses a ton of goofy humor to make the point that although we may be masquerading as born again and full of life, it's possible that inside hides a spiritual vampire, zombie, werewolf, or worse. An equal-opportunity monster-killer, Mikalatos covers all the bases in Christianity, from conservatives to Catholics to independent "generic" Christians. We learn what makes a monster and then are challenged to look at ourselves and deal with what we find. Night of the Living Dead Christian is a quick, easy read that will leave you thinking about what's lurking inside you for a long time after you finish.

NOTE: NetGalley provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A terrible truth has been revealed to one man: the entire human race has been drained of every emotion except one-- fear. To bring life back to the world, Rom must embark on a journey that will end either in his own demise or a reawkening of humanity.  But to bring love and passion back into existence will also threaten the powers of the world with the revolution and anarchy that had nearly destroyed them previously.

After happening upon a journal through strange circumstance,  Rom's world is shattered. He learns that humanity long ago ceased to "live," that it exists today in a living death of emotions. In a terrible risk, Rom exposes himself to the vial of blood folded into the old leather of the journal. His change is fearful and fraught with mind-bending emotion. A once-pious observer of the Order's passionless statues, he is filled with uncontrollable impulses. He is filled with love.

He is undone, terrified, and alone in the desolate world.

Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Havah) are probably two of my favorite authors, so finding out that they’d teamed up on a new series was great news. This is the first of The Books of Mortals. I’d read the predictions that this series would rival the Circle Trilogy/Series but seriously doubted that would be possible. After all, those were just epic portrayals of God's master plan for humanity.  Well, maybe the predictions were on to something.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! The violence that sometimes prevents me from finishing a Dekker book was manageable this time (maybe Lee’s feminine touch helped out a bit), and I fell right into this almost-real, almost-fantasy, could-be-the-future setting. The allegory is strong, just like I prefer, and the plot had the characteristic twists and turns that keep us Dekker fans coming back for more. I did predict one major event (a little disappointing), but there were enough sneak attacks to make me feel that I didn’t know what would happen next. I liked that there was a bit of resolution but the journey of Rom and his companions is far from over. I’ll be the first in line for book 2, Mortal.


**NOTE: netGalley.com provided me with a free e-copy of this book for review.

Song Of The Ovulum by Bryan Davis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the first book of the Children of the Bard series. It continues the saga of humans, dragons, demons, and all sorts of other creatures that began with the 4 books of the Dragons in our Midst series and continued with the Oracles of Fire series, also 4 books. Although a summary of those 8 books is provided in an appendix, the story is very, very complicated and almost impossible to follow without having read at least a few of the preceding volumes. I had read four of the eight, began with the summary, and was still confused throughout much of this book.

The confusion is in part due to the fact that there is no one stable element in any of the setting. The story takes place in various worlds and references even more. The beginning chapter opens near the time of the Great Flood, instantly transports the characters forward quite a large span, and ends in current time. Much of the book involves flashbacks and visions that are virtually indistinguishable as past, present, or future. Add to this the fact that most of the characters have died and been resurrected at some point. As a result of this, they sometimes changed state (dragon to human, human to wraith, human to dragon—you get the picture) and often took on new names, too. My head was spinning to keep up.

I gave a quick rundown of the plot in Song of the Ovulum to my teen-aged daughter, and she had no trouble following what I was talking about. She had read one more book in the series than I had, and apparently this was a key book in grasping some of the significant characters.

Apart from that, there is a powerful message of forgiveness and mercy in this story. The characters have to make peace with wrongs they’ve done and wrongs that have been done to them, especially as they understand the consequences of allowing bitterness to take root within them. Love among family members is shown in a very strong light, and God—-referred to as Elohim-—is recognized as the Supreme Being. The main heroes are brave teenagers with special powers, with plenty of help from adults and dragons. All look to Elohim for guidance and strength, and the acknowledge that it’s He who teaches them the all-important mercy song. Their journey is one of discovering who they are, what their purposes are in the grand scheme, and battling the forces that seek to destroy their worlds.

I’m interested in continuing this series, but I think I may go back and fill in the blanks by reading the books I missed. I would recommend Song of the Ovulum to teens who like the fantasy genre, or as a family read-aloud with children (CAUTION: Occasionally dragon fire burns an enemy, sometimes resulting in death.) It’s also a good read for adults, but be aware that you will need to study the appendix and understand the general story before beginning this one.

**NOTE:  This book was provided to me as a free review copy from netGalley.

What happens when four brave teens set out on a secret mission for their king, only to find out that those they thought were friends may be enemies, and they may have more in common with their enemies than they thought?  A lot of adventure!  Three of these youth were chosen and trained to be members of the elite Youth Guard.  The fourth is a crippled orphan, Jesse, who ends up joining the group when one of the original three is injured and left to heal.  Along the way, Jesse learns a lot about his own character and strength, and that his disability doesn't define him.  The group must learn to recognize each other's strengths and compensate for each other's weaknesses.  They must become a family in order to conquer the enemy they can't quite define and complete the mission they weren't really prepared for.  And they must open themselves to the possibility that there is a God--One who involves Himself in the affairs of men and has a plan for them.  As this book ends, the group is struggling with what they were told their mission was to be, and what it has become.  Will they recognize God's involvement and seek His help before they are all killed by this unclear enemy?

The hubby and I read through this one together and learned a lot.  You've probably read at least one of the other Love Languages books, and this one's no shocker.  Same author, same languages--words of affirmation, gifts, physical touch, acts of service, quality time.  But how these apply to teens can get tricky.

The book was full of great explanations, lots of examples, and the practical application of these languages.  Considering that each person speaks a bit of each of the five love languages, each page is a great resource.  I'd definitely recommend this one to parents and youth workers, and all who want to have a better relationship with the teenagers in their lives.

**NOTE: Thank you to netGalley and Moody Publishers for this review copy.

Back in the days of living in a country with thrift stores on every corner, I was quite enamored with refashion--taking an ancient muumuu some granny deposited at Goodwill and making a little stitch here, a rip or two there, a button or some ribbon over there, and VOILA!  Instant cute dress.  Now that I'm living in ultimate conserve mode, it's even more appealing to me.  

Based in a fourteenth century monastery, this book is all about the everyday lives of the monks of St. Alcuin's Abbey.  This is the fourth book in Penelope Wilcox's series, The Hawk and the Dove.  I hadn't read the previous three books but had no trouble following the story line.  The handy list of the men and their positions at the abbey, found at the beginning of the book, helped quite a bit.

With tween and teen daughters in the house and the girls in the weekly Bible study, I'm always on the lookout for good books for young ladies.  I read the summary for Uncompromising and expected author Hannah Farver to write the typical dos and don'ts list with a sprinkling of relationship advice.  What a pleasant surprise to be proved wrong!

Miss Farver is a young gal herself, barely out of her teen years.  She has an incredibly grounded view of life and seems to know how to live that out.  The book begins with an explanation of the Cause and the causes.  God's plan for our lives, centered around His sacrifice and love for us, is THE Cause.  However, we tend to fill our minds and, consequently, our hours on the little causes that seem to be so important, losing sight of the main thing. This book touches on all the normal issues today's young lady faces, from friendships and dating to beauty and self-esteem, but it does so from the inside-out.  Rather than focusing on what you should do, the focus in on why and for whom you should do.  With a study guide included, this is the perfect book for groups large and small, or for sharing with a daughter or young friend.

**NOTE: Moody Publishers via NetGalley provided this book to me for review purposes.

This book seems so simple, so straightforward.  I have to admit, though, that I struggled through it.  I had to read in small bites and process it, because much of what I read pertained to me. The premise is that all we need is Jesus, and we don't have to add anything to what He is and has already done, in order to have all we need.  Sure, every Christian can say we believe that, but how many of us live that out?  Despite how far God has brought me out of legalism, this book brought out more spots where I was trying to earn God's gift, not able to accept freely the work of the cross. 


While reading this, I had to overlook some style issues, such as how the author quoted other people so much that it started to seem more like a compilation than his own work.  I did feel like it got a bit bogged down and repetitive at times, too.  However, the nuggets I found to chew on were worth plugging through the dry spots.  My copy is full of notes and highlights, and I am sure I'm not done reading this book.  I'll be digesting it for some time.


**NOTE:  I received a free copy of this e-book for review, from Crossway via netGalley. THANKS, NETGALLEY!!  :)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Tish is confronting the demons of her past, she finds herself caught up in what just might be a murder mystery in a strange little town.  Whom can she trust?  Who could be the killer?  Will he come after her next?  All the while, she is being pursued by two men who want to win her heart.  Which should she confide in, and which is dangerous?

This quirky little tale touches on euthanasia, suicide, fear, trust, and finding a way to forgive oneself and move on with life.  I enjoyed the main character’s progression through making peace with her past as much as I enjoyed the twists and turns of the whodunit.  This was a light read with just enough tragedy to make it believable and just enough love and danger to make it a page-turner.  Did I mention this book is an Amazon freebie?  Gotta love that!

Do you remember a guy in King David's army named Benaiah? He was a valiant warrior who proved himself many times in the time of his service to the king. Before being appointed the head bodyguard for David, a small passage in 2 Samuel 23:20-21 tells of something crazy this guy did:

“Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it.”

Benaiah could have walked away from the lion that day, and no one would have thought anything of it. No one would have called him a coward, no one would have wondered why he dropped the ball. But his decision to follow the lion into the pit and kill him went against all odds and qualified him into someone extraordinary. This book challenges us to go past the expected, the safe, the known, and defy odds to do the extraordinary that God calls us to.

Full of examples from the Bible, modern life, science, and the author's experiences, each chapter deals with something that could be standing in the way of these great accomplishments. At times I thought this book was a bit redundant, but then I realized that these are basic principles we really already know. The problem comes in when we don't live these principles out or don't even realize we've forgotten them. The repetition and abundance of examples help us to recognize where we've perhaps stopped believing a simple truth and instead let life's hardships shift our focus to other things.

Several key points that I gleaned from the book are
--We restrict God by putting him into our confines, our four dimensions;
--Suffering can be the catalyst for growth, and the experience makes you better able to minister in that area;
--Our perspective determines if the problems we face become our life, or enhance our life.

It is exactly this shift in focus that the author addresses in each chapter, reminding us of the differences between a lion chaser and someone who has settled for status quo. As he confronts each of the hindrances to becoming a lion chaser, he is challenging us to go beyond mediocrity.

At the end of each chapter, a summary of the key points is provided, followed by application questions that caused me to reflect on chasing my own lions. I already have a list of friends I will be recommending this book to, because it's just impossible to read it and not feel inspired to do great things.

Click here for more info about this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books (Edelweiss) 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 Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

I’ve read many of Stormie Omartian’s books on prayer and have the little prayer cards that go along with several of them. I regularly refer to these books when I run into a snag in life, and wondered how I’d like the audio version of her latest, Praying the Bible Into Your Life.

When I slipped on my headphones and began, I immediately loved the narrator’s voice, calm and confident. After the introduction, I expected to hear a long talk about each topic, as in the other books she’s written, followed by instructions on putting this into practice, and then a prayer. Instead, I found that each topic is only about 30 seconds long, with a short scripture passage followed by a prayer. Just the right amount of time to get to the point.

The 193 topics are listed as the titles of each chapter, meaning that when I want to look up “Ask God for Wisdom” or “Be Ready for Battle”, easily scrolling through the titles pulls up just what I’m looking for. The topics are diverse and the prayers are specific in each one, and I have already put them to use at times that I felt I needed to get down to business with God about urgent situations. Hearing the scriptures that speak specifically to what I’m going through, then a prayer using that scripture to remind me of God’s involvement in my life was a great source of comfort. This is an audio file that should be in every believer’s mp3 player!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the christianaudio book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 “How could someone who had never known freedom understand the reality of living without chains?”