Guide me Home

Kim Vogel Sawyer brings us another historical fiction that brings the reader into a world where times are hard, family is all you have, and accidents happen far too easily. Leaving those behind to handle the pain and the guilt.

Tragedy leaves Rebekah's family in shatters. Nothing is the same, and their all struggling to make it one day after the next. In an attempt to help her family Rebekah dresses as a man and takes a job as a guide through the beautiful, yet dangerous, Kentucky Mammoth mountain caves. The stakes are high, but Rebekah is willing to do what it takes to heal her family. 

I have made no secret that I am a fan of Kim Sawyer's books, but I can't say this one is a favorite. Like all of her books I have read this one was good, but to me it dragged a little. 

A lot of detail was put in to describe the Mammoth caves and surrounding areas. Yet I felt the characters hardly moved from point A to point B throughout the entire novel. I wanted to watch the characters grow, to get to a better place then where they were. And I did, but it moved in such a slow pace that it felt unnatural.

It's still a good book. New and old fans of Kim Sawyer will enjoy this heartwarming story. So if you're looking for a good historical read I suggest this book for sure.

That's all I have for now. Until next time, I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

The Returning

Rachelle Dekker’s series comes to an end in this last amazing book in The Seer series. It took me a week after getting the book to finally read it. As long as I didn’t read it then the stories and characters I had come to love wouldn’t over. I guess it just goes to show all good things must come to an end.

Rachelle’s Christian fiction has made me laugh, but mostly I have cried from the beauty of it. The story in this third book I was afraid would be sad, seeing how The Calling left me bawling after I finished it. I did still cry with this one, but for many reasons that would take a little too long to go into.

The message of the Seer series rings clear and true, as in the previous two books, leaving a legacy of hope and love for those who make the choice. What I love most about this book is it speaks to believers who are in the middle of a heavy storm.

For those of us who have to make the choice of living out our faith or following our own path when our world is crumbling around us The Returning is a book you need to read.

With clear writing and expert storytelling from this author’s first series I find myself ready to read this series over, and sharing it with all of my friends. Rachelle Dekker is the type of writer I wish to be one day. The type of writer who can spread the true love of Christ through amazing stories not just for believers, but for the none believers too.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I’m going to have a really hard time waiting to see if Rachelle will write any more books. I truly hope she does.

That’s all for today folks. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Because you're Mine

Colleen Coble’s new book, Because you’re Mine, will keep you turning the page with little to no stops in between. This book weaves mystery, death, and the power of love to make an interesting novel.

Everything is going well for Alenna’s celtic band Ceol. The tour is on schedule and their new manager has been bringing them to new heights. Alenna and her husband Liam (Also the drummer for the band Ceol) look forward to informing their band-mates to telling them the great news of their pregnancy; but all goes wrong when Liam and his best friend Jesse get caught in a car bomb.

With threats from her in-laws in Ireland to sue for the right to raise her unborn child Alenna feels she has little choice but to take the offer of marriage from her manager. When all is said and done though Alenna realizes she will have to do a lot more to keep her baby safe as dangers arise in her new home where everything is not what is seems to be.

Colleen Coble always creates interesting mysteries filled with romance and a good message about God’s love. I expected to see this when I read Because you’re Mine. Throughout the book though I found a quite disconnection from any Christian influence in most of the book. It might have been the author’s intention due to Alenna’s grief over Liam and a sudden remarriage.

Even still, any Christian input I usually see in Colleen Coble’s books I saw very little with this one. I was sadden a little by the fact that I felt like I was reading a normal murder/mystery book with more hints of Irish folklore then any of the characters growing in their Christian faith, or even really talking about it.

I liked the background story of many of the characters. They were well thought out, but a bit rushed. And another thing is I had a hard time relating to anyone. I usually can at least feel what the characters are feeling in Colleen’s books, but this one lacked its usual connectivity. Again this might have been the author’s intent.

I still really like this book, but it was not one of my favorites. If you enjoy a good murder/mystery I would say you enjoy this book.

Well that’s all for today folks. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Airship Genesis

Working with the children’s choir I was looking for a kids bible that I could use when we have a little extra time on our hands, and maybe that I could give as gifts. I have to say if you’re looking for a good study Bible for kids this is one I would recommend.

 

 

Seeing David Jeremiah on the front of the cover helped draw my attention, since both my sister and Sunday school teacher both like his work. Getting in the mail shortly after I was excited to see what it was like. I can tell you now I was not disappointed. The study notes are helpful to kids that will follow them into adult years. The print is in a decent size, and the full color pictures give something for kids to imagine.

 

I was well pleased with this Study Bible, and will be using it when I can in children’s choir. If you are looking for something that will last beyond the kid years I recommend getting this Bible for your kids.

 

Well folks that’s all for now. Until next time folks, I hope you have a blessed week!

 

 

I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

 

The Silent Songbird

I had originally thought this book was based off Han's Christian Anderson's fairytale "the Nightengale", but to my delighted surprise it was based off another of Han's fairytales, "The little Mermaid"

Blessed with a voice that nearly enchants all who hear it Evangeline feels a prisoner within her own home. Never allowed out of the castle without a full armed escort for fear of kidnapping she has seen very little of the outside world. When rumor spreads that her cousin, King Richard II, is planning to marry her one of his advisor's Evangeline fears she will never be free. When she meets her betrothed Evangeline fears for her very life.

I have always been a huge fan of fairytales, especially from Han's Christian Anderson, so when I saw the similarities between not only the little mermaid, but to me also of The Nightengale, I was love with the book even more. This is part of a series, but you don't have to read the others to understand what is going on. Though if you want to read the stories of some of the characters in this book read A Merchant's Daughter, it is Melanie Dickerson's take on Beauty and the Beast, and the best way to start this series if you are interested!

I finished off this book within the same day of getting it in the mail. That's just how good it is. With clean content for young adult, yet still captivating while keeping it realistic. Any age group will enjoy this, and any, of Melanie's books. I am heart broken that her next one will not be coming out until May of 2017. I guess that just gives me time to read the previous books again!

That's all I have for now folks. Until next time, I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my Honest review, which I have given.

Jesus Always

I have been a fan of Sarah Young's inspiring devotional's since my best friend's mother gave me a copy of Jesus Today as a gift when she saw me going through a rough time. I have fallen for each book, but I thought none could surpass my all time favorite Jesus Today.

I just might have been wrong.

     

Finding joy in the midst of trouble has been a major problem for me this past year, and the day this book came to me in the mail I was nearly pulling my hair out over some minor problem.

So when the theme of joy, peace, and love came flowing out of this book just within the small page of the first day I was nearing tears and each day it has been close to the same reaction. I didn't know I could cry this much! Still, the book is a great encouragement and one I think Sarah Young has done some of her best work on.  

A 365 day devotional I am for sure going to be reading every day. If you are having a rough time finding joy in the every day struggles of life, or you know someone who is, then get them this book.

That's all I have for today folks, until next time. I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Twilight at Blueberry barrens

Colleen Coble always has provided a good mystery and a good setting for romance to bloom even amidst strife. She takes it up a notch in the last book of this new trilogy.

I can rarely give enough praise to Colleen Coble’s work, but this has to be one of her best books and for sure the best one out of the Sunset Cove trilogy.

Kate Mason has heartache come from every direction in her life; an unloving family, failing health, and the inability to have children. Yet through it all God has pulled her through all the messes of life.

Now a new challenge awaits her. With her blueberry fields not producing this year Kate has to find another avenue of work, one that she just might enjoy. When Drake Newman and his two nieces land at her doorstep looking for a place to stay for the summer it seems like God has answered her prayers, but Drake is looking for more then just a place to rent out and that brings its own set of troubles.

So often I have seen books that sound good, like this one, turn into duds. I was a little afraid Twilight at Blueberry barrens would not hold up to predecessors, but I was mistaken. Twilight at Blueberry Barrens not only beat the other two out of the water, but gave readers a main character much more relatable then the last two.

I love the last two books, but with having to struggle with my own health failing in the past and living with the after effects of it, then Kate’s lake of confidence in her own abilities to do something new. I have felt that before, to see my own feelings reflected and then to have hope shone onto them was pretty amazing. Colleen Coble is adding a new sense of life to her books, if you liked her work before I am sure you will love in now.

I have been a fan of Colleen Coble’s work since I read my first book by her over four years ago, yet Twilight in Blueberry Barrens will now hold a special place in my heart thanks to the character Kate. I hope anyone else who reads this book can benefit from it as much as I have.

That is all I have for now folks. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Uninvited

Uninvited is my first book by Lysa TerKeurst, and without knowing the author's renown for penning some amazing books. I've looked forward to reading this one for a few months and I can very happily say I was not disappointed.

Uninvited deals with the enemy's way of trying to make you feel like you're the only one who feels left out, how he tries to isolate you in your own head. In delves deeper into the roots of our self doubt, insecurities, and so much more. Giving scripture to show how to handle these feelings and to show that you're not alone in this. God is prepared for all of it.

We've all faced rejection sometime in our life, and it's not an easy thing to handle. I know I've had to face a lot of it. Reading this book helped me unearth a lot of past hurts, and to move on from them. Lysa mixes in a nice blend of humor and isn't afraid to share her own experiences with these feelings. Reading through this book will be like talking to a new friend, one who isn't afraid to share the pain of the past to help you. 

Rejection, loneliness, depression, all of these are hard for anyone, especially young women, to handle. If you are going through anything like this then please pick up this book. It's not easy to face these things alone, make the choice to not be alone anymore.

I would really suggest reading this with a friend or in a group. It will help all within the group unearth an honest and openness they may not have had before. Living loved when the world makes you feel lonely....that is the whole point of this book, and I have to say Lysa did a perfect job with it.

I can't give this book more praise, and if I could I would rate it 10 stars. 

Well folks that's all for now. I hope y'all have a great day.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

A Tapestry of Secrets

The next and maybe the final book in the Appalachian Blessings series is here. If you haven't been looking forward to this book as much as I have then you haven't read the last two books by this amazing author!

We return to the town of Wise to see Perla now in her eighties and surrounded by loving family. Only one dark cloud remains over her life; the secret of Sadie's biological father. But a stroke has left Perla silenced. Will she ever be able to tell her beloved family the truth about that night so long ago?

I have been looking forward to this book since I was told that it was coming out and the story would be more focused on Sadie, a character I felt was far too often was put to the sidelines. Sadie was seen more in this book, but I still feel like there needs to be a book focused on her. I thought to a degree that is what this would be, if you thought the same thing you will be disappointed. Perhaps there will be a book four that will be all about Sadie, as I hoped for this one.

The main characters of this story are Perla (As in the other two books) and her granddaughter Ella. Now Ella is an interesting character. I found her relatable, probably because she is close to my age, and the way she handles change is pretty close to how I use to handle it.

This book deals well with the uncertainty of the future, and I think many young adults would benefit from reading this book and hearing things from the mind of Ella. Also be prepared for tears, laughter, and mystery. Keep a tissue box near by at all times.

If this is the last book in the series it ended well. Though my hope for a return to Sadie still remains the ending to this book was able to satisfy my need to know what happened to all the other characters. It is a book you will enjoy for generations to come.

That's all I have for now folks. Until the next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Honor Redeemed

Once something is done it cannot be undone. Once honor is lost can it ever be recovered? David is unsure, but he will do as honor demands. Even if it costs him the love of his life.

Book 2 in the key west series focuses on the story of Prosperity of Nantucket. After losing her mother, and with no relatives willing to take her in, she must make a hard decision. Rely on the charity of others or risk going across the sea to the little island of Key West to marry her fiance?

I came into this book series unsure. Book 1, Love's Rescue, was a good book, but not one of my favorites. If you have ever started on a book series and had this same experience I highly suggest holding on until you read book two to make your final judgement.

 Honor Redeemed fixed everything that the first book lacked.  The dialog and detail were even with each other, giving readers a picture of their surroundings without cutting out the much needed interaction between the characters that helps the story move along.

Another point I held in high regard when writing this review is the author, Christine Johnson, brought into life with the perfect words all throughout the book the struggle to forgive, the hurt a person feels when there is no answer to the pain inside their hearts. I felt a deep connection to Prosperity during these times in the book. 

For historical fiction you will find many relatable characters and scenes within the pages of Honor Redeemed. It would be a good selection for a group of friends to read together.

Well folks that's all for now. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.