Book Review: The Artist's Daughter

The Artist's Daughter: A Memoir by Alexandra Kuykendall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the memoir of Alexandra Kuykendall, mother of four girls on staff at MOPS International. This follows her journey living abroad with her single mother, eventually meeting her Spanish father, meeting her future husband, and having her girls, all the while dealing with her feelings about her absent father. This is a really sweet book, I enjoyed reading her story. I especially identified as she struggled in her mothering to respond the way she wanted to rather than instinctively in a negative way. I loved her story of praying "change me", rather than "change my kids" or "change my husband". This is a great read for a mother or anyone else who enjoys a gentle memoir of love. I did hope for a little more at the end, it seemed a bit anticlimactic, I wished for a little more to this or all together. It was a lovely story.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: Forgiven, The Amish School Shooting, a Mother's Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace

Forgiven: The Amish School Shooting, a Mother’s Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace by Terri Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

T his book... Wow. I thought when I chose this book to review that it would be difficult to read. I spent probably 90% of my reading time in tears. This book is authored by Terri Roberts, the mother of the man who shot ten girls in an Amish school house and then shot himself. I grew up and still live (after a few detours) in another area in Pennsylvania with a large Amish population and I remember when this happened. We were shocked. Having grown up seeing the Amish daily, I couldn't imagine why anyone would choose to do this to them, and especially to a schoolhouse full of children. Also difficult was hearing that several of the girls shot were 7 years old: the age of my own oldest daughter now. So this part of the author's story definitely brought me to tears, the horror of the experience. But what also brought me to tears repeatedly were the expressions of grace brought to life. I remember hearing about the gracious response of the Amish population in Lancaster, but this book just brings it so vividly alive. It is amazing what a representation of Christ's grace these Amish families, the same Amish families who lost daughters, or watched their daughters suffer as the recuperated, or continue caring for daughters to this day who may never walk or talk or be as they were, what grace they extended to the author and her husband as well as the perpetrator's wife and children. I don't know that it ever crossed my mind, even once, how his parents would feel knowing what their son had done. She writes this story so transparently and beautifully. She shares her struggles of being a mother of faith who prayed fervently for her sons almost every single day of their lives and her anger at God for not stepping in and answering her prayers and changing the story. This story is full of grace, forgiveness, healing and God's love. If you have struggled with your circumstances, please pick up this book. It spoke to me as a mom of a boy born without part of his brain, who is severely developmentally delayed. It spoke to me as a mom who gets frustrated with her children and struggles with showing grace. No matter what your situation, this book is excellent and moving and beautiful.

I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. 

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Book Review: The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such an excellent book. I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially about the holocaust. This is one of the best in terms of how Corrie's and Betsey's faith colors their time in the camps. For those who aren't familiar with Corrie Ten Boom's story, it begins before the war has reached Holland and tells the story of the family's faith and how it is shown in all aspects of their lives. As e story progresses, effects of the war begin trickling down. For example, their business contacts in Germany become "out of business" and all of them are Jewish. As time goes on, Holland is taken by the Nazis and the family puts their faith into action by become part of the underground which hides the Jews.

I loved this beginning part, getting a peek into Corrie's lovely family and her life before the war. However, for me, the best part of the story begins when members of the family are taken into custody and sent into the camps. Most books on the Holocaust are so interesting to read, yet leave your heart aching at all the injustice and hate the Jewish people, and other minorities, endured. This book tells of Corrie and Betsey's amazing faith in God and how that affected their time in the camps. Corrie struggles at times, but ultimately follows her sister's example and they become such a light for Christ in the darkness of the camp. The stories of God's faithful response to their love for him are numerous. They show such grace in their journey, and frequently talk of how difficult and painful it must be for their captors! They share the light of the gospel with so many of their fellow inmates as well as with their guards.

The whole story is so inspirational to me. I think is how easily we are distracted from our faith by our silly problems and difficulties, and it is humbling to read of their faith in light of the terrible situations they went through. They did not become bitter or hateful, but showed so much love to fellow inmates and guards, even after the war.

This is the abridged young readers edition, and I felt it was very well done. These themes are so difficult to read in any book for young people, but I would definitely say this is an excellent first book for a young reader to jump into books on the war.  The focus is definitely less on the death and mistreatment and more on Corrie and her family's faith in action. That said, it is still a book about concentration camps so there are mentions of death, including brief mention of few instances of mass murder that we know to have happened in those times. They are not graphically depicted however, for example, they hear the waves of gunshots and then it is stated how many men were killed that day. Parents will have to gauge how ready their child is for these themes but the cover recommends it for ages 9-12. I would say that's a good starting range, though I would add that it is an excellent book for any age over that! It's been too many years since I have read the original to be able to compare, though I may have to look it up now! This is definitely a book I recommend to all readers who are ready to read about the war.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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Book Review: How To Enjoy Reading Your Bible

How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible by Keith Ferrin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book thinking I would flip through, read enough to do a decent review, and stash it in the shelf for later thorough reading and study.  I ended up reading it cover to cover in a short time!  I tend to get frustrated with books "like this" as they are good at inspiring you to want change but not so great in the details of how to actually get there.  Not so here. This author has a very conversational and easy to read writing style. The best part though is that this book is so usable. He gives very concrete tips and steps on getting more out of your Bible reading time, and is good at inspiring you as to the why as well.  The book starts out with tip #1, "Remember Why You Are Doing This,"  and continues on to challenge you to read more and to read the whole story. He gives tips on keeping your focus during your Bible reading time.  He also convinced that this experience is designed to be done together, in community with other believers and urges the reader to find a partner or small group with whom to share the experience. He includes several challenges, such as a sixty day adventure, where one focuses on a book of the bible for sixty days. This chapter details this journey with a study/reading plan for 2 books of the Bible, Philippians and 2 Timothy. In this chapter he also lays out a brief description of his method for studying Scripture, which he states is also detailed in another book, which I would love to get my hands on! He also suggests two four month challenges, one being a Bible Read Thru.

This book is usable solo, though he is adamant that one should find a reading buddy or small group for several reasons which he discusses in the book.  He really encourages the reader not to miss this part of the experience.  To that end, he includes a discussion guide after each chapter in the book.  He also adds an appendix with a small group study on Ephesians, where he details how a group could go about studying the book together.  Another useful tool is a chronological reading plan so one can read through the bible chronologically, rather than just reading through the books.

I'd recommend this book for readers at all points of their Christian walk. The tips would be helpful to anyone interested in deepening their faith.  I'm definitely going to be passing this one on to our small group at church in hopes to use it together. I look forward to using the tips to go to another level in my relationship with Christ as well.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

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Book Review: Sabotaged

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey is the last book in the Alaskan Courage series which follows the McKenna family siblings. This book follow Reef McKenna, the black sheep who returned to the fold in a previous book and his childhood friend Kirra as they delve into the mystery of the disappearance of Kirra's cousin Meg.  Kirra and Reef are volunteering for the annual Iditarod race when they find out that Kirra's uncle is being forced to forget the race and complete another mission in order to save his kidnapped daughter, Meg.  Reef and Kirra team up to find Meg and discover what Uncle Frank is up to, with the help of Reef's siblings. I enjoyed this book, the mystery was entertaining.  The romance was a little over the top for me, as the interest is already there for both and they are a little sicky sweet from the get go!  The conflict in the romance comes from a bad experience Kirra had in college which she hasn't really gotten over.  I enjoyed this entire series, this book was a good clean easy read.  I'd recommend this book (and the series, though I'd say it isn't completely necessary to  have read others in the series, but it does make this book more enjoyable) to those who are looking for clean mysteries with a great message of faith. I will say that if you are used to more in depth, intricate plots, this may be a bit simplistic.

i recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: The Patmos Deception

The Patmos Deception by Davis Bunn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book but felt like I kept waiting for more.  What I loved most was the setting in Greece and the tie in to Paul's exile on Patmos. It was so neat to read and be reminded that these are real places where the New Testament stories occurred. Unfortunately, the rest of the book was a little flat for me. The story follows Carey as she goes to Greece for a job opportunity only to find that the Institute has closed.  Her childhood friend Nick asks her to help investigate the theft of religious icons which she does. This takes them off to the Islands of Greece and they meet Dmitri a fisherman turned tourist boat operator struggling to make ends meet and not lose his family's boat and dock space.  Dmitri is drawn into a scheme to steal a letter written by Paul's scribe to Jesus' mother, a priceless icon. Dmitri's first mate, Sofia, and her husband Manos, island's policeman are also drawn into the story.  I enjoyed a few of the characters (I think Sofia and Manos were actually my favorites, and they are really just supporting characters!) As I write this summary, I realize that I'm confused (and disappointed) in the ending of the story. Nick was asked to investigate the theft because high level people in the country were believed to be involved in the theft and it needed to be kept quiet.  As I think over the conclusion, I don't think this was concluded at the end! The ending seemed rather anti-climactic. Minor characters (who weren't even named!) are arrested and no mention is made of the actual "bad guy" or of the other high level people involved. The "romance" in the story really didn't speak to me either.  Carey had always thought herself to be in love with Nick throughout their childhood relationship, though he never saw her that way.  When he shows interest in her, she realizes he is not the best man for her after all.  Dmitri also shows interest in her but appears to be somewhat of a playboy. The characters and romance really don't seem to be well written, I wasn't invested in any of the main characters and the romance seemed fairly nonexistent to me. The ending of the book was terrible. In addition to the previously mentioned anti-climactic ending to the drama, the author doesn't even finish the romance story.  Suddenly, both men propose to her and the book ends with no closure.  She makes no decisions, however has a short conversation with a friend about these two proposals. The faith aspect of the book also seemed practically non-existent.  I don't recall Carey doing much soul searching, or discussing faith much, yet suddenly she has a conversation with Dmitri (untold as well, he merely asks her to explain to him and it's implied that she does so) and later with Sofia.  Carey doesn't witness or discuss her faith really yet supposedly both of these characters come to Christ through her.

So in summary, though the idea behind the book is good and the majority of it isn't terrible, it just seemed very superficial. It didn't feel like a book a well known author like Davis Bunn would have written, rather it felt like a beginner's novel.  I really wouldn't recommend it.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: Tried and True

Tried and True by Mary Connealy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really was interested in reading this book after reading the promo. Kylie, who is honorably discharged from service in the Civil War where she enlisted disguised  as a man, is now homesteading also disguised as a man. The land surveyor, Aaron, quickly realizes she is far from a man when he inspects her property and meets her. He gets caught up in investigating and protecting her when someone tries to scare her off her property.

Most of the novel was interesting, and enjoyable to read. Its a easy, noncomplicated adventure of sorts. The main part of the mystery is wrapped up easily and that is where it was kind of ruined for me... the rest of the novel seems like they just tacked on the there to round out the story, and that part of the storyline comes out of nowhere. There were several inconsistencies, such as the fact that their indian friend Sunrise, first touted as the best tracker there is, doesn't hear someone sneaking up on them yet the entire group quickly finds them for the rescue. There is hardly any talk of faith throughout the book, yet at the end they are suddenly extremely spiritual.  The entire ending was odd to me and didn't fit the book well at all.
I imagine readers of Christian fiction would enjoy this book, however the ending section really spoiled it for me.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: Murder at the Mikado

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series (don't worry, I think you can read them on their own, I read 2 and 3 without ever reading 1). I enjoy what I've read of this series so far, this mystery was no exception. The mystery is intriguing and keeps me guessing. I enjoy the characters as well; Drew, the wealthy gallant young man especially. He's not your typical heir, instead genuinely cares about people, like his estate manager who is a good friend, and treats those of all stations with respect and kindness. Madeline is Drew's American fiancé, and while I enjoyed her character in the previous book, I found myself quite annoyed with her in this book as she seemed to flip flop between being whiny about wanting Drew to drop the detective case of investigating a murder in which his ex-girlfriend is. A suspect, and understanding why he felt the need to investigate. Even when another person of interest offers him information about the birth mother he has been searching for in exchange for clearing her name, Madeline gets upset and says that she doesn't understand why it can't be left in the past (though previously in this book and the previous one she is in full agreement with his desire to find his birth mother,  Her immaturity and poor attitude throughout the book did detract from the story for me. The mystery was great though and perhaps I'm just terrible with figuring out the who-dun-it, but it was not who I thought it might be!

This is labeled Christian fiction, but it honestly is very sparing in that area. A few of the characters mention God rather vaguely and Drew prays several times, especially towards the end about his Spiritual life, but I don't think it would be overwhelming for non-Christian readers looking for a clean mystery/romance. I enjoy this series and would definitely read more!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

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Book Review: Truth Be Told

Truth Be Told by Carol Cox

Another enjoyable novel. Like most Christian romance/mystery novels, this is an easy read. It's not deep and inspirational or thought provoking but it is a good, quick, fun read. The romance angle is sometimes a little much for me, but the mystery was engaging and interesting to follow. Amelia is returning to the small town where she grew up, and where her father still lives for her customary summer visit with her father only to find him dying if cancer and herself i possession of a newspaper. She takes the reins and tries to continue her father's investigation on a local company buying up local land and planning to mine it. She meets Ben Stone, a young employee of the company and they strike up a mutual interest. What she doesn't know is that he has been told to get close to her to convince her to give up the investigation. Thankfully, Ben is a honest, Christian man who sees Amelia as a friend and soon realizes as well that there is more to his company than meets the eye...
Recommended for readers who enjoy clean romance or mystery.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

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Book Review: Silenced

Silenced by Dani Pettrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fast, good read.  The series follows the McKenna siblings, a close knit and is of the romance/mystery genre.  This particular book, number 4 in the series, is focused on Kayden McKenna as she finds a fallen climber during a free climb and assists new deputy Jake Cavanaugh investigate what turns out to be a murder. The romance develops between Kayden and Jake as they continue to investigate together.  The mystery was great, with a twist I didn't really see coming. I have enjoyed the first few in the series, though I missed the third one; I think these are enjoyable on their own, but they do bring in the other siblings occasionally, which is more enjoyable when one is familiar with their stories.  There are some lead-ins throughout the series to that hint at who the next book will focus on (Reef is up next time! and the last McKenna sibling so perhaps the end of the series??), but I'd say that each book is definitely very satisfying on its own.  I'd recommend it to both mystery and romance readers (I prefer mysteries but don't mind when there is romance mixed in!). The siblings are Christians and refer to their faith, but I don't think the faith aspect is too overwhelming for non-believers either.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Review: For Such a Time

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really enjoyable book placed in the times of the Holocaust.  These books are always hard to read but I really enjoy and feel that its necessary to understand what went on in those times.  While the author is very clear that the events in the book are fictional, she does state that the suffering of the Jewish people in the camp is true to history, and I think she does a good job at portraying that without being incredibly graphic. The book follows the main character of Stella and is a story based on the story of Esther in the Bible.  Stella is a Jew in Dachau concentration camp but was taken with false papers showing her as Aryan. Aric, the new commander of a different camp, sees Stella and is drawn to her strength despite the circumstances and finding the inconsistency in her paperwork, frees her from the camp and gives her the position of his secretary.  She travels with him to the new camp and finds her uncle Morty there, and also becomes attached to the Jewish houseboy Aric "saved" from the camp.   She feels torn between her new feelings for Aric, who seems unlike other SS officers, and her loyalty to her people, and risks her own safety to help save some of her people.  The parallels between the story of Stella and the story of Esther are obvious, and the author includes a verse from the book of Esther at the beginning of each chapter to help guide the reader in those parallels.  The story of Stella is interesting enough without adding the twist of the similarities to the book of Esther, but it is an interesting comparison.  The story and characters drew me in and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how Stella would succeed at being the Jews' "salvation" as they call her. The ending was a satisfying twist.  I'd recommend this book to romance and intrigue readers as well as those interested in the Holocaust in a less graphic description.  For hardcore studiers of the Holocause it may not give anything very new but its a great intro to the Holocaust for those not as well read on it, or who prefer not to read the more distressing graphic accounts. I appreciated that the author took the time at the end to discuss the fact and fiction of the novel.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.



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Book Review: Death by the Book

Death by the Book by Julianna Deering
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book quite a bit. It was a nice clean mystery with some romance. the main character and hobby detective Drew is a wealthy man in a small town in England wooing his American girlfriend Madeline and wondering when she will consent to marry him! He stumbles upon a set of murders and assists the police with the investigation. I enjoy books like this, no worries about overly gruesome murder scenes or sexual encounters, but still entertaining and well written books. I liked the main characters and really didn't see the end twist coming, though to be honest, I read to enjoy not to figure out the mystery ahead of time. It is a Christian novel, though is not preachy or overwhelming. I think if would be enjoyed by anyone who prefers clean mysteries or romance, though the romance is definitely a secondary storyline.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 


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Book Review: Echoes of Mercy

Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel. In summary, Caroline is an investigative agent sent to a chocolate factory after the death of a fellow agent in order to determine whether his death was an accident or murder. She meets and is attracted to Ollie Moore, who turns out to be the son of the owner, undercover in order to understand the inner workings of the factory and its employees in preparation for taking over the management from his father. Caroline's compassion leads her to help Letta, Lank, and Lesley, three poor children left alone when their father dies. Ollie also becomes attached to the children and  both they and Carrie change him from a good man to an even better one. There is mystery as Carrie tries to investigate the goings on at the factory and romance. The children's story is intertwined throughout the story and definitely adds to the book as they affect all the characters lives. I thought the author developed her characters well and I definitely felt attached to them. Carrie's faith and compassion are so real, and the children's heartbreak and joy are well expressed too. I found myself tearing up with them as things are settled at the end of the book.

Overall, it was an excellent book and I would recommend it to those who enjoy Christian mystery or romance novels.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Reviews: Avenged, Ollie Chandler Collection, Shattered, and Goodbye to Yesterday

Avenged by Janice Cantore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a pretty quick though enjoyable read for me. It follows Police Officer Carly Edwards as she encounters the bodies of three executed gang members which escalates tense relations between the two rival gangs.  Of course, there is more to the situation than it would appear and Carly pursues the case.  Journalist Ginny Masters aggravates the situation by believing Carly to be a corrupt killer, and attempts to ruin Carly's reputation. As I said, I did enjoy this and would recommend it to mystery lovers, though it is not a very detailed mystery. This is the third in the Pacific Coast Justice series and though I think it would have been enjoyable and helpful to read the first two, it isn't necessary to enjoy this one.  I did think that the journalist Ginny Masters' irrational beliefs throughout the story were over-the-top and rather hard to believe that someone could be that... well... stupid! There was really no discussion of this as the book closed either.  Otherwise, I enjoyed the book, and would read more by this author.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 


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Ollie Chandler Collection: Three Novels: Deadline, Dominion, Deception by Randy Alcorn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At this point, I have only finished the first book, and must say it was great! I love Randy Alcorn, his books always make you think. This novel follows journalist Jake Woods through a car accident and the subsequent death of his best friends, one Christian and one...definitely not.  As Jake assists in investigating the deaths, his experiences lead to change in his political beliefs and faith and his relationships with his ex-wife and teenage daughter. The book discusses hot and controversial issues such as abortion, sex ed in schools, and gay rights.  As a christian, I agree with the views promoted but it may come on a bit strong for someone with the opposite views.  Overall, I felt there was an excellent story line and lots of thought provoking discussion of important issues. I'm not sure why its called the Ollie Chandler collection, as the detective Ollie Chandler is a rather supporting character to Jake's.  I've begun the second and it appears that it will follow another supporting character, a co-worker of Jake's at the newspaper, Clarence.  I assume that there will be some mystery Ollie will be involved in, but either way, I'm looking forward to the last 2 books in the series and would definitely recommend them!



I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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Shattered by Dani Pettrey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this follow-up to Submerged.  This novel continues to follow the McKenna family.  The mystery part of the novel was great. It kept my attention as the McKenna siblings, with a bit of help, investigate the murder of a professional skiier in order to exonerate their brother who was found at the scene of the crime.  The romance centered around the youngest sibling, Piper, and Landon, the Deputy who was taken in by the McKennas when his family fell apart.  Now, this part for me was readable, and I enjoyed the characters; however, I felt that the romance felt a little high school and silly.  The two characters are madly in love but neither sees that the other feels the same, and when they do finally show it, they later retract it and cause confusion.  And though Piper is an adult, her older brother Cole is angry when he encounters Landon and Piper kissing.  It all seems a bit silly and juvenile.  Overall though, I would recommend the book and I do very much enjoy reading them.  They are pretty quick reads, entertaining, though also thought provoking as the characters discuss and live their faith. I look forward to more in this series as, in the last book as well, there were some pretty big hints towards future relationships!  Excellent read for romance and mystery readers!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was pretty disappointed with this one actually. It's a tiny book with large print that in reality is only the first few chapters of a "real" book.  I would have been pretty disappointed had I bought this book. There is nothing that is resolved in this part of the story.  It sets up for continuing the series but in no way can be read on it's own.  It honestly felt like a rip-off- a way to make money by forcing people to buy different parts of the same book.  I'm not sure what the publisher or author's goal is for doing it this way, but I really didn't like it at all.  With regards to the story, as I said before, this booklet introduces the reader to Meredith and Luke, a newly married Amish couple dealing with the stress of a lost job.  I can't say that I enjoyed this too much either.  It seemed to be dragged out too much, and the adding of Dutch words or phrases then explained by an awkward repeating by the second person in the conversation drives me nuts.  This part of the story shows the stress of the couple as Luke lost his job a few months back, then his excitement and her misgivings as he goes to Indiana (from Pennsylvania) to learn and buy a business from his uncle only to experience "tragedy" as the back flap puts it. Which is exactly where the "book" ends.  I was so annoyed by that that I really cannot recommend this book at all.  I honestly would not bother unless you  LOVE Amish fiction, and are willing to buy multiple books to get one story.

I recieved a copy of this book for review from the publisher.

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Book review: Unashamed to Bear His Name and Unstuck

Unashamed to Bear His Name: Embracing the Stigma of Being a Christian by R.T. Kendall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was an un-apologizing book on the basics of faith in Christ.  I was worried when I started it that I wouldn't agree with a lot, but found that there were few things I didn't agree with.  Which worries me some about what churches are teaching new believers now-days.  The book is an excellent presentation of what our belief in Christ biblically entails, including (and focusing on) those uncomfortable parts (that are apparently left out of much teaching now) including those topics like hell and being looked down on for our faith.  I think this is a good next step for a believer who is fairly new and ready to take the next steps to a deeper understanding of their decision.  It doesn't sugar coat at all what it means to be a Christian, so probably is not for the brand-spanking new.  And for those who've been Christians for a while and are taught by a Bible Teaching church, it may not be a lot of new information, but it is a good reminder of our beliefs and definitely are worth reading. The author uses examples from his own life to discuss the idea that we should be privileged and honored to suffer for Christ. People may (and will) look down on us, but Christ will use those times to develop our faith and bring us to a new level with Him.

I recieved a copy of this book for the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Unstuck: Your Life. God’s Design. Real Change. by Arnie Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great book on a theme that I struggle with myself.  It is about getting ourselves out of that spot in our Christian faith where we feel stuck; far from God, distant from our faith, and unable to move forward with Christ. The book is full of research and is well-written for those who need more than inspirational words. The authors discuss their research that supports their main premise for becoming "unstuck": "engaging" in scripture, not only by reading, but taking the time to hear from God as well.  They discuss the importance of two-way communication with God, not just whipping through obligatory Bible reading time or church time, but really taking the time to talk with God and hear from Him.  The book includes prompts at the end of each chapter for daily engagement, and if you go to the site they recommend at the end of each chapter, more in-depth daily guides are available for download as pdfs.  They also offer a forty-five free trial (for those who purchase the book) to their service in which a counselor gives you a customized plan for your personal spiritual growth and also get phone calls, emails or texts to encourage your growth.  I did not try this service yet, but enjoyed the book and am looking forward to downloading the prompts and working through them. I recommend this book for any Christian who feels like they are stagnant in their faith.

I recieved a copy of this book from the Publisher for my honest review.

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Book Review: Crater

Crater by Homer H. Hickam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Crater" was an enjoyable adventure/sci-fi book. The story takes place on the moon where settlements have been established as people on earth ("earthians") need the Helium-3 found in the crust for an alternative energy source. Crater is a miner who is chosen due to his honesty and mold-ability for a secret mission that he accepts, even though it is not fully explained to him.  The book follows Crater on his adventure as he travels with a group of truckers as a scout through a solitary road and his dangerous encounters with the various peoples along that road. I enjoyed this book as I enjoy sci-fi where the author gives a perspective on what the earth (or in this case, the moon) may be like in the future.  It was a young adult book, so is not very graphic though there is some violence.  The ending was a bit strange however... a lot was tied up very quickly and the package, though made out to be some hugely important thing that people were dying for, didn't really seem all that important. So while it was an enjoyable ride, I wish the ending had been a bit different.  Even so, I would read the following book in the series when it is published, and would recommend it.

I recieved a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


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Book Reviews: The Captive Heart and The Daniel Fast

The Captive Heart by W. Dale Cramer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don't read a lot of amish fiction, and have to admit that when I started this one, I had more stereotypes in my head than I thought. I grew up and live in an area with lots of Amish, and despite not knowing any personally, thought I had a good idea of them.  As I was reading this book, I thought several times,"this is so unrealistic!" It wasn't til I finished the book and read the note from the author that I realized he probably knew what he was talking about! So, that said, I did enjoy the book; i thought the premise of Amish moving to Mexico was interesting (it is based on actual historical happenings) and enjoyed it as a quick, enjoyable read that opened my eyes to my stereotypes of those I see around me every day. I am Mennonite and agree with Mennonite views of Pacifism which is another subject broached in the book; it brought up the same debate I have with myself at times though- if I choose not to do actions of violence, someone else has to or I would not survive. Though I would not choose to be a soldier and go to war, I am thankful for those that do so and protect us as a country. And in the story, if Domingo did not take action, the settlement would most likely not have survived. No answers are offered but it always gets me thinking!  I would recommend this book to those that enjoy Amish fiction or romance; there is some action in the book but most likely not enough for a die-hard action reader!  Despite not reading a lot of this genre, I am interested in reading the first in the series as well as seeing what happens in the lives of these characters!


I recieved a copy of this book for the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


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The Daniel Fast: Feed Your Soul, Strengthen Your Spirit, and Renew Your Body by Susan Gregory

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I've not finished the book completely or attempted the fast, I feel I've read enough for an honest review.  I am enjoying this book; I had not heard of the Daniel fast before but as soon as I read the title and brief synopsis, I felt it really made sense! Daniel and his friends proved to their jailers that it works and looked healthier than ever, so why wouldn't it be a good option for us today?  I see it as a wonderful alternative to a complete fast which may not always be realistic in our busy lives today, and especially not to me as a mother of young children and a nursing baby. The daniel fast focuses on restricting your diet as Daniel did which also causes one to be disciplined, and encourages similar focus on Bible Study, Prayer and spiritual growth. I appreciate that the author takes the time to discuss why and how one goes about it and includes a great many scripture passages to back up her thoughts. She includes 5 helpful tips to a successful fast and expounds on them.  The book also includes enough recipes to complete a successful fast. She discusses the spiritual side but also is specific on how to go about it. I think these would be a great book for someone who is not very familiar with fasting but has interest in pursuing it, but of course would be excellent for a Christian at any level in their faith.  I'm looking forward to finishing it and planning a Daniel fast of my own!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher for review.

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Book Review: Vigilante

Vigilante by Robin Parrish

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Vigilante by Robin Parrish was a really easy book to read, with lots of action. The main character is an elite war hero with amazing skills and a team that provides him with cool gadgets for crime fighting. He develops a plan to "show the world a better way" and begins to help people by saving them from crime and villains.  The action was great; the only issues I had were the character of Alice, while loveable and necessary to the story, seemed a bit unrealistic- he saves her from an abusive husband and immediately trusts her enough to risk his identity being revealed and eventually even invite her to live with them in his secret hideaway to save her from her husband.  That whole thing came about too easy and she accepted his actions and plans with very little thought- it seemed to tied up and neat.  The Christianity part of the book seemed almost secondary as well- growing up with a pacifist background, I was a little torn between the "help" the team gives others and the means used to do it, which granted, later becomes part of the character's conflict.  It just seemed to be shoved to the side to allow for all the action to unfold.  I did enjoy it though and would recommend it.

I recieved this book for free from the publisher for review. 

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Book review The Alarmists

Alarmists, The by Don Hoesel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I loved the premise of this book, and really enjoy this type of book in general.  Basically, a wealthy business man is trying to realize a childhood goal of surpassing the wealth of Solomon and goes about it by planning a world disaster that will cause his business to make loads of money.  I really enjoyed most of the book and the characters, but felt like the end was a bit of a let down, rather anti-climactic.  It seemed to me that there was no real peak to the action, it just all tied up very (too?) neatly and really was not very satisfying.  It's an ok read if you can get it at your library or borrow it but i wouldn't bother buying it, unfortunately, unless you want just a quick easy action read.

I recieved a copy of this book for review by Bethany House Publishers.



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