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.

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.

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.

Precious Moments: a Happy Harvest

Precious moments has been a part of my childhood, and my love for the sweet little characters and stories they share still lives. So when I saw this book I could not resist getting it!

Precious moments today is still a classic and should be in any home. The theme for this sweet little book is Thankfulness and the wonderful work of God’s creation. As thanksgiving and autumn come around this would be a perfect story book for parents or grandparents to read to their children or grandchildren.

The artwork is amazing! the bible verses and sweet little rhymes will help your children remember the lesson of being thankful for what you have been blessed with. The sturdy board-book will ensure years of good use. I can’t wait to share this with my future children!

That’s all for now folks. I hope y’all have an amazing autumn season!

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

To Love a Stranger

Colleen Coble returns with one of her older works and again leaves me wanting more.

I have been looking forward to this new set of books for months, and “To Love a Stranger” was no disappointment! Though I am reading book 2 instead of book 1, but I don’t care, that’s how good this book is.

Bessie is a boston girl, and little too late she learns that her younger sister has not only been pretending to be her but she has also signed her name onto a proxy marriage. Bessie has no idea what this stranger is like, but to save her sister from prison and to salvage her integrity Bessie chooses to honor the vows.

Jasper is expecting a dark haired beauty who craves adventure, but what he meets at the stagecoach is nothing like what was in the letters he exchanged or the picture he received. Instead he is saddled with a plain and frail looking woman. After having the situation explained to him Jasper feels duped. Who can blame him? He doesn’t believe Bessie’s claims to having no idea about her sister’s deception. Making a very rocky start to the relationship.

Bessie is determined to prove herself to Jasper, that she can make a better wife then her sister Lenore. I really related to the character Bessie. When you have siblings there is always the shadow of doubt lingering over you “Do they like you better then me?” “Will I ever be loved for me, or will it always choose my sister?”

I have to say that this really is my favorite Colleen Coble book, and I don’t think any other will take it’s place. I relate to Bessie very well, and Jasper too honestly. And seeing old characters warmed my heart.

That’s all for now folks, I’m gonna go read this book again, so until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

the Beautiful Pretender

Melanie Dickerson has become my favorite author of fairy-tales and medieval fiction. The Beautiful Pretender is by no means an exception to this.

I was able to borrow “The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest” from the library before I got this book in, and I will say it helps keep some of the characters straight, but you don’t have to read the first one to enjoy this book.

How would you feel if you only had two weeks to find a wife, and you had a list of only ten girls you were allowed to choose from? The mangrave of Thornbeck faces this problem and his only option is to invite the women from the King’s list and decide which young lady will be his bride.

Avelina is a maid-servent from a neighboring area. When her mistress runs away the blame is laid at Avelina’s feet. To save her family from banishment Avelina must go in place of her mistress, making sure that the mangrave does not pick her at all costs.

The story takes some elements from the princess and the pea, which is one of my favorite fairy tales, and a story to mix into this series of fairytales. A good amount of historical detail is also put into this book, just like most of Melanie’s books, and to me it just makes her books all the more enjoyable.

Something that has made this book more dear to my heart is how marriage is viewed by Avelina, and what she wants from it. So many marriages, both back then and now, turned sour and left children with a horrible idea of what marriage is or what it will be like for them. Avelina explains that a woman wants to be loved for who she is. Not for her money, her family name, or for her looks, but for the person they are. I screaming “YES!!! AT LAST SOMEONE GETS IT!!!” all throughout this scene.

The Beautiful Pretender is by far the best book Melanie Dickerson has published yet. I am very much looking forward to her next book “Silent Songbird”.

So if you are looking for a good fairytale or wanting to know if this one is any good then I hope you have found the answers!

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

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

NKJV Chronological study Bible

I have been looking for a Chronological study bible, and when I saw this one I couldn’t wait!

I truly enjoyed this bible and to see each book of the bible in the order, and the NKJV is a good translation to go with this type of study bible, in my opinion. The print size was also a good size, though I think it would help to have it a little bigger.

If study Bibles were in large or giant print it would help when I am in the middle of a Bible study class and I am trying to read a verse aloud.

Either way this is a good NKJV study bible if you’re looking for one. The full color images, maps, and all the little tid bits of information are interesting as you read through scripture. The binding is well done, the brown color eye appealing, and the soft leather like material makes it a good gift.

Not much more I can say on this other than if you’re interested in a chronological study bible this is a good one.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

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

Black and white Bible, Black and blue Wife

I had not planned not ordering this book. If you could look on my Amazon Wishlist I have all my blogging books for nearly the entire year, but this one came up when I was checking to see what books I could order. It sounded like an amazing testimony of Ruth A. Tucker and others, I really looked forward to reading it too, but that wasn’t exactly what I got.

I am in no way diminish the horrible experiences these women went through, nor do I condone what their husbands or boyfriends did to them. I was expecting a memoir, and there are pieces of that in the book, but if felt much more like a rant about domestic abuse. After chapter 2 I felt like there was some hidden meaning between the lines of these pages that I couldn’t figure out, and I’m not sure I want to know what it is.

I did find it helpful in becoming more aware of some details of domestic abuse, how hard it is for these women and children to speak of them or to find the lines between normal discipline and domestic abuse. The lines can be more blurred than we think. Still, I found little of their actual stories in this book like I first thought, nor did I see how God played a part in helping her overcome the trauma of the past. There was actually little refernce to God in her actual life and more of a...side by side comparison to stories of the bible. Not to say that’s a bad thing, but even that was a bit minimal. I guess I should not expect any more then that from Zondervan books nowadays (I’ll explain that in another post) still I had hopes for this book.

It’s not a bad book, but if you are looking for an actual memoir that will not only explain the past of the author and illustrate God’s loving ways then I do not suggest this book for you.

That is all I have for now folks. I hope y’all have a blessed day!

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

Siren's Song

The ending to an epic fantasy trilogy. Siren’s Song puts a close to what we’ve all been waiting for.

Dreawolf has waged War on all the hidden lands, and he wants one thing; ultimate power. In a game of chess that could cost everyone their lives. Nym has to lead the Faelen people, but doubts creep in and she wonders if she is leading her people to freedom or to their deaths.

The Storm Siren Trilogy has been interesting, and it covers a lot of topics in just three books. What I found a little odd though was for a christian fiction series I had to really dig to find the reference to the Bible. And the made up cussing, such as “Go to Hulls” may have blocked a little more of it for me. I don’t know what the reasons were the author put that kind of stuff in there, she probably had a good reason, but I personally could have done without it.

Nym’s journey throughout this book reminds me a little bit of Moses, and throughout the whole series I see more of the Old Testament then the New Testament, which was interesting, but again like the other two books before this I really had to dig to find any reference to the Bible.

The theme of this book is Mercy and healing, in many scenes we will see how Mercy, or lack of it, can change the fate of an entire nation. After reading the ending I was left feeling there should be a continuation to this series, maybe there will be, maybe there won’t. I’m not sure.

All in all this book series was good, but I do feel some stuff was lacking, and the focus of the books was a little off. It left me feeling like I had just read a normal YA book I would find in Barnes&Noble, not a teen christian fiction book. That is just my opinion. If you have read these books and feel differently then please leave a comment and tell me how you felt about the books.

Well folks that’s it for today. I hope y’all have a blessed day.

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

Mermaid Moon

Again I missed book one of Colleen Coble’s amazing series, but I do not regret getting my hands on book two!

Okay, for all you people out there wondering you do want to read book one of this series, because the characters are in here and they play a role in the story. And another fun fact, these take place in the same islands, or at least the islands around the Summer Harbor series by Denise Hunter! that is just so cool to me.

Anyways, back to the program. As we have come to expect with Colleen Coble, this is a mystery/romance novel, but this one is different from her previous works. I’m not sure how to explain it, maybe it’s the writing style, the feel of the characters, the storyline, or maybe all three. Mermaid moon is for sure her best book to date!

I want to explain a little of the story, like I usually do, but anything I could say would spoil the plot, and I just cannot do that to you readers, not this time anyways. You can look at the description below, but that’s all I can give y’all this time.

Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.” Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point. Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago. When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

The theme of this book is forgiveness, forgiving family and forgiving yourself when God already has. It touched my heart deeply. Before I was saved I battled with a guilt I couldn’t comprehend, and I felt God would never show me forgiveness if I couldn’t even find it in myself. I was wrong. If you are battling with a deep guilt I suggest picking up this book, it might help you.

That’s all for today folks I hope you have a blessed day

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

5 minutes of Precious Moments

Precious Moments has been fading from the modern world. What a sad state of affairs we’re in to not see these beloved little characters more in our present time. Finding anything Precious Moments related I cannot resist, and this book is no exception!

  

This book will surely become a beloved classic within any family home. With beautiful illustrations done in familiar Precious Moments art style kids will be looking forward to bedtime (Or anytime you choose to read this book) It uses the Kids NKJV of the bible, and has stories from Adam and Eve, to Christ miracles. I won’t spoil all the bible stories it contains, but let’s just say I enjoyed it, and I don’t have kids yet.

It also has a place to put down your child’s handprint, their name, birthday, and even a family tree! If you miss these adorable little boys and girls, and the lessons they teach, then I highly suggest picking up a copy of this book as soon as possible!

Until next time folks, I hope you have a blessed day!

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