The Grey Wolves Series-Review

Okay, I am going to do a review for a series of books that Bethany and I love.  We have read the entire series many times-more than I want to admit at the moment.  We got hooked on them and just couldn't stop reading.  I actually re-read them at least twice a year!  No, I am not kidding.  The characters become my friends and I just have to be a part of their lives.  I NEED to know what will happen to them!  Plus, I just love the characters.

The first book in the series is Prince of Wolves.

Jacque Pierce was just an ordinary 17 year old girl getting ready to start her senior year in high school in Coldspring, Texas. When a mysterious foreign exchange student from Romania moves in across the street, Jacque and her two best friends, Sally and Jen, don’t realize the last two weeks of their summer was going to get a lot more interesting. From the moment Jacque sets eyes on Fane she feels an instant connection, a pull like a moth to a flame. Little does she know that the flame she is drawn to is actually a Canis Lupus, werewolf, and she just happens to be his mate; the other half of his soul. The problem is Fane is not the only wolf in Coldspring, Texas. Just as Fane and Jacque are getting to know each other, another wolf steps out to try and claim Jacque as his mate. Fane will now have to fight for the right to complete the mating bond, something that is his right by birth but is being denied him by a crazed Alpha. Will the love Fane has for Jacque be enough to give him the strength to defeat his enemy, will Jacque accept that she is Fane’s mate and complete the bond between them?

My take:  The writing is a little like a self-published author(at first), by that I mean there are some spelling errors and grammatical errors.  However, I don't find them to be too distracting and the character development more than makes up for any lack of writing style.  (Hannah-my literary student snubs her nose at these books because they are not Jane Austen or J.R.R. Tolkien!)  The story line is captivating and the main characters are full of life.  I would so be their friend in real life. Many times while reading this series I found myself laughing out loud, cheering, or crying at what is happening.  I truly fell in love with the characters and will be so incredibly sad when the series is finished...it can never be finished.  I'm just sayin'.

The next book in the series is Blood Rites, it continues the story flawlessly and advances the plot to the point of racing through the book to get to the next one! The story continues all the way through book 10!!  Then she takes a side-step and branches out some of the characters and created The Gypsy Healer series.  This is also a series that I just love and can't seem to stay away from.  The latest installment I made myself read it slowly just so it wouldn't end too quickly!

They are all worth the read.  Oh, did I mention that they are CLEAN?  Meaning no sex, no major language(a few 'minor' cuss words), books that I let my teens read and don't worry about it.  That is big y'all.  

You can visit her website Here  You can also buy all of her books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.  You can also find her other book series-Elfin, Dream so Dark, The Vikings Chosen.

I encourage you to check them all out.  You just may find a new favorite author!!

**Disclaimer: I did NOT receive any books in compensation for this review.  I bought them all on my own-because I love them-and the opinions are my own.  Even if I had received any books for review, I would give an honest review and my opinions would still be my own.

Betrayals in Spring Review

Betrayals in Spring by Trisha Leigh is the latest installment in a new book series, The Last Year, our family discovered. The first book Whispers in Autumn started the whole deal. I found it for free on a website and it sounded intriguing. It took about three chapters and I was hooked.

Winter Omens is the second book and I bought it as soon as I read the last words of Whispers in Autumn. I started reading it right away and couldn't put it down.

So when I had the chance to preview Betrayals in Spring before it came out I jumped at the chance. Literally.  I HAD to read this book. I had invested in these characters and wanted to know how their stories evolved.

Thankfully, I was able to do just that. I finished Betrayals in Spring but I'm not satisfied. The story didn't end with this book, I will of course be waiting with baited breath for the next one, and I am completely shocked at what happened in this one.

Don't worry, there are no spoilers in this review. I don't like it when people do that so I try not to. But I will say that this was another page turner that had me forsaking every day life to sit down and read! Betrayals in Spring had me so involved that it was all I thought about. Yes, I am a little OCD and once I start I have to finish but this story just needed to be read.

Okay, so if you don't know anything about The Last Year series let me give you a little synopsis of each book:

Whispers in Autumn:
In 2015, a race of alien Others conquered Earth. They enslaved humanity not by force, but through an aggressive mind control that turned people into contented, unquestioning robots.

Except sixteen-year-old Althea isn't content at all, and she doesn't need the mysterious note inside her locket to tell her she's Something Else. It also warns her to trust no one, so she hides the pieces that make her different, even though it means being alone.

The autumn she meets Lucas, everything changes.

Althea and Lucas are immune to the alien mind control, and together they search for the reason why. What they uncover is a stunning truth the Others never anticipated, one with the potential to free the brainwashed human race.

It's not who they are that makes them special, but what.

And what they are is a threat. One the Others are determined to eliminate for good.


 

Winter Omens:
Althea and Lucas barely escaped the Others' clutches int he autumn, and were separated in the process. Alone and on the run from the cruel alien race determined to exterminate her, Althea struggles to adapt and survive in a world she never imagined.

When a boy named Pax appears out of nowhere, he quickly recognizes Althea for what she is-a human/Other hybrid just like him. Althea begs him to help her find Lucas, but Pax refuses, intent on following his own mysterious agenda.

The Others' presence continues to devour the planet's resources, and if history is an indication, they won't leave until Earth is destroyed beyond repair. Althea and Pax sense the only way to save themselves-and maybe their home-is to understand the powers simmering inside them.

Together they push the limits of their capabilities in the quiet Wilds, but are soon confronted with a terrifying fact: no place is safe from the relentless pursuit of the Others.

Least of all their own minds.


I know, right? This story of Althea, Lucas, Pax, and many others is wonderfully written. It is engaging and enthralling. I love the depth of the characters and the fact that we get to know them so well. We invest in their lives and care about what happens to them.

The Last Year is a great combination of Sci-Fi, romance (just a little and not a main focus), adventure, dystopian society, courage, hope, desperate acts of kids put in a grown up situation, and so much more. I have read all of them, my 14 yo daughter has read them and loved them, and my husband has read them. He loved them too! In fact, he was surprised how good they were. ;-) He did say that the romance between some of the characters was a little too much for him but he's a man and wants action, action, action! Let me just say that it wasn't enough to keep him away from the books. lol

Betrayals in Spring is another fabulous installment in this series that runs through the lives of the characters a mile a minute. At several points I was breathless with anticipation and then crying the next minute. There were twists and turns I wasn't expecting; which is saying a lot because I am pretty good at figuring out the plot of most books. I have to honestly say I thought I had this one figured out but in the final pages a twist occurred I wasn't expecting. At all. That's all I'm going to say about that. Don't ask, I won't tell.

Just read it for yourself.

I recommend this series if you liked the Hunger Games. In fact, that is why I started with the first one-it sounded similar. And it is. But it isn't. The Last Year is a bit better in that the violence factor is dialed down considerably compared to the Hunger Games but the character development, plot, and level of personal involvement the reader has is every bit as strong as in the Hunger Games. The Last Year is a story you could read many times and discover new things each time. I love the Sidhe characters and even the Others. They are given life and reasons for doing what they do, not just characters going through the motions because the author decided that's what they were going to do. I have to admit that I am concerned with and for the character Kendaja; I know I shouldn't be but I can't help it. Trisha Leigh has given this awful Other three dimensions and made me care about why she is the way she is.

There are so many other characters that we get to explore and care about that it is a wonderfully crafted and rounded out story. There is enough insight, information, and personal inspection from the characters, without overloading us with the minutia of it all. The details are vivid and alive-you can almost feel the crisp, winter air or the fragrance of the flowers Trisha describes.

Did I mention that I love this series?

The Last Year is a post-apocalyptic YA series that has appeal for all ages. Now, I wouldn't recommend younger than 12 or so, probably. I am fairly strict with what my kids read until they can read with discernment and have serious discussions about what they've read. But, I would have no problem with my 12 yo reading this series with me. 

You should really check this series out for yourself.  Betrayals in Spring is out TODAY!!  Buy them all and let me know what you think. 

The next one can not come out soon enough for me.
 

Deadly Ties Review

"A horrific crime shatters Lisa Harper’s idyllic childhood. Her father is dead and her desperate mother, Annie, quickly marries Dutch Hauk, an abusive monster who soon reveals his hatred for Lisa. To protect her, Annie defies her ruthless husband and forfeits custody to a trusted friend. Enraged, Dutch vows to keep Annie and Lisa apart—and he does. Years later, though keenly aware of Dutch’s evil intent, Lisa and her mother seize a chance to be a family, safe in a home where love dwells. But they fail to fathom how far Dutch will go to keep his vow."

For the latest book review, which is sadly overdue, I decided to let my oldest daughter read the book and write the review.  She is an avid reader and jumped at the chance since she loved the first book Forget Me Not.

"Deadly Ties is the thrilling sequel to Vicki Hinze's Forget Me Not.  Lisa Harper is the new focus in this book, battling her challenging past to forge a new life.  But complications arise, forcing her to take action.  Mark Taylor is struggling as well.  Guilt has taken a permanent residence in his heart and mind.  Together can Lisa and Mark overcome their troubles?  Can Lisa take a chance on love?  Can Mark learn to believe God can help?

I thought this was a beautiful story.  It told of a terrible childhood, heart-breaking reunions, true love, and mystery.  While one character always trusted God another struggled giving it all up to Him.  Read for yourself to find out which was right and which was wrong."

Age recommendation for this book is 13 and up.  That is just my opinion but with the content that is what I would suggest.

She actually enjoyed reading it so much she started reading it again!

Head over here to read a preview of the book for yourself.


**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

I have finally gotten around to reading this book and I'm not sure why it took so long.  I received this book from the Blogging for Books program to review.

This books is adorable!  It was a little confusing at first with the back and for between the characters and places, but once you straightened that out it was smooth sailing.

I enjoyed these characters and the story.  At first I was worried that it was going to go the way of most romance novels and have them making out or planning on marriage after their first meeting.  They didn't, by the way.

While it was fairly formulaic, it was enjoyable.  I was invested in the characters by the end of it and wanted to have the happy ending for them!  There was some 'God' talk but it wasn't preachy or oddly placed as in other Christian books.   I would have no problem recommending this book to my non-Christian friends, knowing that they would hear some eternal truths without it being hokey or too in your face.

I let my 13yo dd read it and she enjoyed it just as much as I did.  It is just a sweet book.

**I received this book from Waterbrook/Multinomah Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Ranting and Raving about Hypocrisy

Okay, I have read the Twilight books and I liked them.  I also read 1984 and liked it.  Liz Curtis Higgs is one of my favorite authors.  Jane Austen rocks!  Dickens-yup!  I have read a wide variety of authors and genres and will continue to read as many books as I can.

Here's what I don't get.  The controversy that the Twilight books caused in the Christian community.  It's crazy.  Not that we shouldn't be careful about what we read; we should.  I just find it interesting that the bandwagon is chock-full of people fussing and fuming over these books and yet they tout authors like Ted Dekker just because they claim to be Christian authors.  Huh?

I have written before about my disgust with Ted Dekker.  I don't find his books to be Christian at all.  Are they well written.  Sure, I guess.  If you like to focus on dark, disturbing images that is.  There seems to be an out of balance focus on the dark side of things in Dekkers books.  I know there are some that would argue the redemption theme or the analogy of Christ theme; but I just don't see it.  How can a book focus so much on the dark, icky side of things and then for a moment of the book say something vague about Christianity and be considered Christian? 

I don't get it.  And it makes me angry.  Can you tell? lol

The same people that get worked up about Twilight will probably not have a problem with Dekkers latest book, Immanuel's Veins.  But let me tell you-it is a dark loving, focus on the evil, blood-fest.  I found out far more in this book about the different ways vampires suck blood and the sensual things it does to them than in the Twilight books.  I felt dirty after reading this book of Dekkers.  Just like the others I have tried of his. 

I keep trying his books because people keep going on and on about them and how wonderful they are.  Like this new one.  There are glowing comments in the front of the book that are reminiscent of the stir that came from the Twilight crowd.  One person states that they read it three times in five days and two weeks later was on reading number seven.  I can't imagine focusing on this book that many times.  Eeww.  There was so much talk of blood, drinking blood, sucking blood, pouring blood, etc in this book that it made my stomach turn.

Really. 

I cannot say enough that I don't consider Ted Dekker a Christian author.  Read him for what he is-a tame version of Stephen King.  He's also an author that I would encourage my children to stay away from.  At least with the Twilight books and others like them, you know going in that it isn't a Christian book and can judge it appropriately.  This book and author are somewhat deceiving, in my opinion, and can easily bring someone's focus to land too heavily on the dark side of things. 

These are just my opinions so take them with a grain of salt!

I'm done with my ranting and raving now.  I am going to pick up a nice safe book like Eragon and get lost in another world for a while! lol

The Last Christian Blog Tour

Summary:

After her remote village is annihilated by disease, a cryptic message from her grandfather launches Abby Caldwell into the seemingly impossible task of re-introducing the Christian faith in a late twenty first century, secular, trans-human America.



My opinion:

This is a great book!  I really enjoyed it.  Really!  The first couple of chapters were kind of hard to get into because it was a little confusing; but I kept reading and it completely paid off. 

This is such an interesting story because it mirrors what is going on in our world today.  So much of what the author wrote about scared me silly.  The blatant disregard for God and the outright denial of anything other than our desires is shockingly true to life.  I can see how we are just a short step away from the world in this book.

The sci-fi aspect of this book was so much fun to read about.  I loved all of the gadgets and little changes to the things we already have; I can totally see some of these things coming about!  But, it wasn't so much that it was unbelievable or hard to wade through.  You don't have to be a fan of sci-fi to enjoy this book.

I also found myself re-reading some of the theology that the characters believed in and talked about.  It challenged me and made me really analyze what I believed.  I will be reading this one again; I will also recommend it to everyone.



This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

A WINNER!!

I week behind in posting this.  lol  The winner for the copy of Radical by David Platt is...Jodien!!


Woohoo!!  I will facebook you for an addy!  :)

Indivisible Blog Tour

From the publisher:

An inseparable bond.


An insatiable force.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone.



My Opinion:

This was a great book!  It was a little frustrating at first because I wanted to know all of the back stories for all the people and the author did not give anything away until she was good and ready to! lol  I was intrigued from the first and just had to know what was going to happen.  The characters were crafted in such a way that kept you guessing as to why they did things.  You had to keep reading so that you could get their full life stories; you just had to! 

Now, I will warn you that there was a little bit of gruesome in the book.  I'm not going to give it away, I'm just going to say-be prepared!  It's not too bad, but it did make me a little squemish.  It wasn't a major focus of the book, but it was definitely a key point that couldn't be ignored. 

I did figure out the mystery of 'who-dunnit' about half-way through.  Kind of!  There was a twist in there that I hadn't seen coming and was pleasantly surprised.  Even though I was pretty sure of the outcome, I still had to read it.  The characters were addicting. 

I was disappointed about one thing.  One of the characters...well, I can't give anything away; but I wanted more about him.  I wanted history, stories; more just more about him!  Maybe there will be another book just about him? 

If you want to buy this book go here.

You can download the first chapter here

You can listen to an interview with the author here.

Include the FTC disclaimer: This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Radical Blog Tour and GIVE AWAY!

IS JESUS WORTH THIS TO YOU?


It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...

BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?

In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.

Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment --a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

My opinion:

This is a great book!  I found myself nodding and and wanting to underline so many things.  The first chapter is entitled "Someone Worth Losing Everything For".  That says quite a bit, doesn't it?  Do we really understand what the Bible means when it says to take up our cross and follow him or do we have an Americanized version that better fits our lifestyle? 

Author David Platt poses some very good questions that should step on all our toes.  If we read this book with the intent of being honest with ourselves, we will have to examine our lives and our walks with Christ in a different light. 

I highly recommend this book.  I think it could open a wonderful dialogue in the Christian community. 

I challenge you to read this book.  Read it and then radically follow Christ.

I also received the booklet The Radical Question by the same author.  On the cover is the question, "What is Jesus Worth To You?"  This booklet is filled with sotries from around the world of people who sacrifice everything for Christ.  It is a great schnipet of the book, but I would recommend getting the main book and reading it several times.


This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group


Now, I have a copy of Radical to give away.  If you would like a copy of this challenging book, leave a comment and I will draw a name Wednesday the 12th.

Bridegrooms Glog Tour and GIVE AWAY!!

Bridegrooms
by Allison Pittman

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.



Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.


Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.


Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.


My opinion:

I so enjoyed this book!  I didn't really think that I would.  But, I soon found myself involved with the characters and caring about them.  I could relate to the four daughters and could see each of my girls in some of the characters.  It got me to thinking about what they would be like when they are older. 

This is another historical fiction book...and I enjoyed it! lol  I think I am getting into historical fiction.  :)  The characters in this book are believable and enjoyable.  I couldn't put the book down, I just had to know what happened to them.  Some of it I could see coming but a few things came out of the blue and surprised  me. 

The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it didn't give me the closure that I wanted.  I wanted more of the story, I wanted it to continue a little more and tell answer all the questions for their futures!

I recommend this book and will look for more from this author. 

PLUS...I have one to give away!  If you want a chance to win this book, leave a comment.

If you want to buy this book, go here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Forget Me Not Blog Tour Review and GIVEAWAY

A mother who cannot face her future.
THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING. NOW THEY WANT MORE.

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?


My Opinion:

This was a really interesting book!  It was suspenseful from the first page.  The story was full of twists and turns and interesting plotlines.  It was just a little too short though.  I wanted more time to delve into the different aspects of the storyline.  It did make for fast reading, though. 

I would recommend this book.  AND I have one to give away!  lol  Since I am behind on posting this, I will draw a name on next Wednesday, the 21st.  Just leave a comment and you will be entered to win this great book!


This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.
http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/bloggingforbooks/.

This Little Prayer of MIne Blog Tour

This Little Prayer of Mine
by Anthony DeStefano
illustrated by Mark Elliott

Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.


Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.


Could this book be any sweeter?  The artwork is just adorable and poignant.  The faces on these little kids are absolutely adorable.  The situations in some of the pictures are funny and so relatable. This is a hardback book and the pages are thicker and would seem to be more durable for multiple readings.

The prayer is simple.  It is beautiful and just what a kid might think.  No need for flowery words and deep theological stuff, you can get to the heart of God with the simplicity of children.  This book has done that.  My children read it and they all commented at different times throughout the book, "I have felt like that" or "Oh, I know what they mean".  The prayer deals with the stuff that kids are going through and turns them into a prayer of comfort, praise, and a cry for help. 

The last lines of the prayer made me cry.  They are: 

"There's really just one other thing I'd like to ask again. 
Please love me God, forevermore. 
That's all I want. 
Amen."

And really, that's all I want too.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
If you would like to purchase this book,here is a link:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307458049&ref=externallink_wbp_thislittleprayerofmine_sec_0223_01


Now, I have a copy of this precious book to give away.  If you want to be entered into the drawing just leave a comment.  I will be gone all of this week and don't know if I will get to check the blog.  So just leave a comment and I will moderate when I get back. 

The drawing will be on Monday(12th) this time.

An Absence So Great Blog Tour and GIVE AWAY!!!

An Absence So Great
by Jane Kirkpatrick

Inspired by the engaging stories told through her grandmother’s photographs taken at the turn of the century, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick provides a portrait of the tension between darkness and light in the soul of a young woman pursuing her professional dreams


While growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those owners who have fallen ill with mercury poisoning.


Jessie gains footing in her dream to one day operate her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep painful memories from seeping into her heart when the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.


With the sickness in my house lately, I haven't been able to really sit down and read this book.  I am in the fourth chapter and enjoying it.  I find myself being drawn in to the story and am curious about the characters.  I like the style of writing and love the old pictures scattered throughout with the background stories told with them. 


This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

RandomHouse.com:



http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781578569816


Now, I am seriously enjoying giving away books on my blog!  lol  It is so much fun.  So...I have a copy of this book to give away.  Just leave a comment and I will draw a name on Sunday the 5th. 

Here Burns My Candle Blog Tour and GIVE AWAY!

Yes, I have another book to giveaway!  I am soo excited about this one, too.  But first...

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

A mother who cannot face her future.

A daughter who cannot escape her past.


Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.

A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland , Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.




My Opinion:

I loved this book!  Oh my goodness.  I couldna' put it doon!  The characters were enthralling and the storyline beautiful and heartwrenching.  I was hooked from the first page and was crying on the last.  I have long been a fan of Liz Curtis Higgs' work and was not disappointed by this one. 

I had so much fun reading the Scottish words sprinkled throughout and would try to guess them based on their context.  Sometimes I was right and sometimes not!  When I wasn't sure, there was a Scottish Glossary in the back for help.  I have been using Scottish words for the last week and giggling each and every time.  :)  These characters have become dear and my only complaint is that I have to wait until 2011 to find out what happens to them.  Let me tell you, that will be a long wait!

If you like Historical Fiction, I highly recommend this book.  AND  I am gladly giving a copy away to one lucky person.  If you want this book, just leave a comment and you will be entered.  I will draw a name on Sunday.  Good luck!

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400070015

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

AND THE WINNER IS...

THE WINNER OF START HERE IS....

LEAT/KERRI!!

Send me your address and I will get the book in the mail. 

Start Here Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!!

At the age of eighteen, Alex and Brett Harris wrote Do Hard Things—and launched a movement that would change a generation. Young people around the world were ready to be inspired, ready to move beyond complacency, ready to rebel against society’s low expectations.


Now the highly anticipated companion book, Start Here, answers the questions Alex and Brett have received from thousands of teens on their worldwide conference tour and popular online community: How do I get started? What hard things does God want me to do? How do I keep from getting discouraged or burned out? What is the best way to inspire others?

Filled with stories and insights from Alex, Brett, and other real-life rebelutionaries, Start Here is a powerful and practical guide for young people who are ready to take the next step and blast past apathy. Let the rebelution continue.

Author Bio:
Alex and Brett Harris are the coauthors of the best-selling book Do Hard Things, which they wrote at age eighteen. Today the twins speak regularly to audiences of thousands on The Rebelution Tour, maintain a hugely popular online presence through their blog, TheRebelution.com, and have been featured on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and in the New York Times. Raised in Portland , Oregon , the brothers currently attend Patrick Henry College in Virginia



My Opinion:

I haven't read Do Hard Things.  It has been suggested to me and I intend to, someday!  If this book is any indication, I will enjoy it. 

I enjoyed this book.  It is simplisticly written with tons of ideas and real life experiences for young people to relate to.  They take the idea of doing something for God and make it doable.  The chapters march through a progression of topics that take the reader on the journey of discovering for themselves the passion of following God. 

In the back of the book they have a chapter entitled '100 Hard Things'  which are examples of things that other teens have done and could help spur you on to find your own Hard Things to do.  There are also Discussion Questions that would make this book a great Bible Study/Discussion Group. 

I would recommend this book and will have my daughters read it in a few years. 

I have one copy to give away.  If you would like to win it, just leave a comment.  :)  I will draw the winner on Sunday the 21st.


http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601422705&ref=externallink_mlt_starthere_sec_0127_01

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Lady Carliss Book Tour

Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue:
Chuck Black

From the back of the book:


Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue .


While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out. She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton, or let him die so that others may live.


My Opinion:

I love this book! Of course, I love all the books by Chuck Black that I’ve read. I enjoy his writing style and the way he crafts his stories. We devoured the Kingdom Series and this one will be no different.

This is the fourth book in The Knights of Arrethtrae Series, but I had no trouble getting into it and understanding it. It is somewhat of a stand-alone book, but still continuing an intricate story. It is exciting from the Introduction all the way through to the end. The characters were interesting and I cared about them and what happened to them.

As in the Kingdom Series, there is a point to the story. Whether it is an allegorical telling of the Bible or an object lesson, these are stories that I would be glad to let my children read. In fact, when this book came in the mail my twelve year old daughter snatched it up and read it three times through before bed! She raved about the story and begged us to order the first three in the series.

At the end of the book, the author has included discussion questions to help the reader understand the symbolism and meaning in the book and get the full benefit of the story. The questions are designed to help you dig deeper and uncover the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

We bought the entire Kingdom Series in book form and audio CD and have listened to them as a family. I am sure that we will do the same with these. I highly recommend this book, this series and this author.





This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421272

Mother-Daugher Duet Blog Tour

Mother –Daughter Duet

Cheri Fuller and Ali Plum

From the back of the book?

When your daughter was born, you had a thousand hopes and dreams for her…including that one day you’d be best friends.
    But as life unfolds, even the best intentions go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. Thankfully, a harmonious relationship with your daughter is possible.
   Written by a mother and daughter who have successfully navigated the minefield from distance and tension to acceptance and friendship, Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms open wide the door of communication so that daughters want to walk through it. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on proven principles, each chapter offers timeless wisdom as well as a daughter’s perspective. Often these principles apply to daughters-in-law as well.
   The relationship between mothers and daughters is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But you can have the loving, authentic bond you always dreamed of-when you learn the mother-daughter duet.


My opinion:

With four daughters, I am all about this book! From the time they were born, I have told them that I was not their friend and couldn’t be until they were adults. I didn’t think about how to make that happen, I just thought that it would. That it would be the inevitable result of being a family.
   Don’t laugh too hard at me; I am still a young mother! I love my daughters and can’t wait to be friends with them and now I am glad to have this book to help navigate those waters. I know that a book won’t fix something or make the transition completely without troubles, but at least it’s something. Right? Of course right!
  I like that this book has both perspectives in it; the mother’s and the daughter’s. It’s helpful and I can so relate to both of them. Personal stories and practical advice are offered throughout this book and are relatable and timely. This is a book that I will pull out many times in the years to come. I would recommend this book to anyone with daughters or daughters-in-law. :)



This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421623

Dancing with My Father Blog Tour

Dancing with My Father
Sally Clarkson

From the back of the book:


Do you sometimes feel victimized by circumstances? Are you overwhelmed by weariness, fear, or discouragement? Do you wonder, Where can I go to claim the promise of Jesus that my joy could be made full?
   When trusted author and mentor Sally Clarkson noticed a lack of joy in her own life, she realized how easy it can be, especially for women with overloaded to-do lists, to feel weighed down by drudgery and disappointment. But rather than slogging through her days, Sally wanted to know the delight of God’s presence. She began prayerfully exploring how to cultivate deep-rooted joy even into the midst of difficult seasons.
   In this warm and wise book, she invites you to experience for yourself what happens when you trust God to lead you into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose.
    Weaving biblical insights with real-life stories that reflect every Crhsitian woman’s deepest longings, Dancing with My Father reveals how any woman, in any circumstance, can daily live in beauty and grace, joy and peace.


My opinion:

It just didn’t speak to me, is that okay to admit? I appreciated the author’s style of writing and I enjoyed the stories and examples throughout the book, it’s just not where I am right now. Maybe it’s because I am in my own rebellion at the moment, I don’t know. I did like that she has questions at the end of each chapter for the reader to go deeper and discover more of what the Bible has to say.

With chapters that are titled, “The Search for Joy in a Less-Than-Perfect World”, “Dancing Through the Twists and Turns of Life”, and “Listening for the Music of God’s Voice”; I know that I will revisit this book and it will speak to me. The author gives sound Biblical advice in a practical and applicable way. I would recommend this book and will read it again, soon.



This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457066

And the winner is...

LISA K!!!   

I don't have your info, so email me and I will get this mailed out to you!