Book Review: I Can't Begin to Tell You

I Can't Begin to Tell You
Elizabeth Buchan
Penguin Books (UK)Michael Joseph
Pub Date   Aug 28 2014

This book opens up in November of 1942 in a Danish Estate.  Kay Eberstern was British born but finds herself caught up in Hitlers war.  Kay has some affections for Germany because her children have German blood flowing in them but she does not agree with Hitlers evil ways nor does she understand why they are being sold out to the Germans.

I Can't Begin to Tell You is the story of survival through World War Two of a young woman refusing to give into the way of life an evil man Hitler. This is a story about a time and place in history that was not only deadly for the Jewish but for anyone who dared to point out how wrong Hitler was or for anyone who did not fit his idea of a so called perfect Aryan life was deadly for anyone who dared to be difficult. 

I Can't Begin to Tell You is a very well written and researched novel giving us an intense read that made me feel as if I was looking in on the characters and feeling what they felt.  

Five out of five stars...

Book Review: The Secret Place

The Secret Place
Tana French
PENGUIN GROUP
Viking
Viking Adult
Pub Date   Sep 2 2014

This book opens with the police looking into a cold case the murder of a sixteen year old boy.  This is the story of a young boys murder, several girls are questioned about who put a card on Chris Harpers grave claiming to know who killed him.  Digging into the case of Chris Harpers murder they discover that he may have raped a girl.  The young woman named Selena was raped several weeks before Chris was murdered.  Deeper investigation shows that Selena was not raped by Chris, but could have someone thought she was and killed Chris in order to protect her?

If you like novels that leave you guessing until the very end then you will want to read Tana French's The Secret Place, this is a book geared towards adults though and do to the language and subject matter that needs to be kept in mind.

I give this novel four out of five stars.

Happy Reading...

Book Review: Buttermilk Sky

Buttermilk Sky
Jan Watson
Tyndale House Publishers
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Pub Date   Oct 1 2014

Mazy Pelfery moves away from her strict upbringing in the  Kentucky mountains to a more genteel life in Lexington.  Mazy discovers life in Lexington is not as easy as she suspected.  When Mazy gets sick with food poisoning she discovers that there are those that really do care as she is nursed back to health.

Mazy finds herself falling in love with a man named Loyal.  Mazy soon discovers that there are those who are dealing with tougher isssues and when a friend and her Father were evicted Mazy wants to help.  Will Mazy discover who she is and how to help others?

This is the story of a young woman trying to make it on her own in the early part of the twentieth century a young woman who is determined to build a life for herself.  

I give this novel five out of five stars...

Happy Reading...

Book Review: Breathing Room

Breathing Room
Letting Go So You Can Fully Live
Leeana Tankersley
Revell

Pub Date   Oct 7 2014

I believe Breathing Room is a must read book because not only does it show us the importance of letting go but it reminds us that if we try to pretend our pain does not exist then that allows it to control us instead of the other way around.  We are reminded too that if we let the little things build up we are likely to explode.

We are reminded too not to make everything so urgent, even if we feel the need too, because not eveything we want to make urgent is.  This book also reminds us not to  give up on our dreams.  We are also encouraged to find a room of our own to write, to pray or do what stirs our Soul.

I give Breathing room five out of five stars...

Happy Reading...

Book Review: 50 Women Every Christian Should Know

50 Women Every Christian Should Know
Michelle DeRusha Baker
Books Baker Books
Pub Date   Sep 16 2014

This book gives you a glimpse into the lives of fifty great Christian woman, and shows us a bit of how they impacted the Christian faith.  This is the brief stories of women who were willing to stand up for what they believed in some even risking their lives.

If you like reading true life stories of Women who made a difference in the Christian faith everyone from Hildegard to Ruth Bell Graham this is a book you will want to add to your library.

I give this book five out of five stars...

Happy Reading...

Book Review: To Everything There Is A Season

To Everything There is a Season
Lauraine Snelling
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Pub Date   Oct 21 2014

It's 1905 and female doctors are almost unheard of.  Astrid is a woman ahead of her time.  Astrid even finds herself taking care of a seriously injured bank robber.  Soon a friendship begins forming between Astrid and Manny the former bank robber.

To Everything There Is A Season is the story of a woman trying to make a name for herself as a doctor at a time when female doctors were almost unheard of.

If you love historical fiction that shows people making a difference then I highly recommend To Everything There is a Season will transport you back to 1905 and give you a look into the life of Astrid Bjorklund.

I give this novel Five out of Five Stars.

Happy Reading.

Book Review: Trading Secrets

Trading Secrets
Melody Carlson
Revell
Pub Date   Oct 21 2014

Micah is a teenage girl who has become pen pals with an Amish pen pal who happens to be a boy.  She turns to her best friend Lizzie for help and advise.  Zach does not know that Micah is a girl though.  When she goes to meet her pen pal in person she even disguses herself as a teenage boy.  But when Zach discovers she's been lying to him he wants nothing to do with her.

Michah and Zach had been pen pals since the fifth grade and he even helped her her through her Mother's death.  Micah wants to remain friends with Zach because he has helped her through so much.  He eventually does forgive her for her lies.  Zach is well educated for an Amish boy because he loves to read and is not sure if he wants to stay in the Amish faith or go in the way of the Englisch.  When Zach comes to visit her in her Englisch world, and soon he starts to discover who he is and what he wants in life, part of that is coming to the realization that he needs to move on from his old pen pal.

If you like coming of age stories with a positive message then Trading Secrets is a novel you will enjoy.

I give this novel five out of five stars.

Happy Reading...

Book Review: A Matter of Heart

A Matter of Heart
Tracie Peterson
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Pub Date   Oct 7 2014

Jessica Altheron was the most beautiful the most favored but its 1896 and she is still unmarried, perhaps she is selfish like others have said and perhaps they pity her the very people who use to feel a little jealous of her.  Daniel Parker takes her to a Church Social but Daniel Parker is the son of a rancher and though handsome he plans to remain a rancher and Jessica is not sure that is what she wants in fact she is not sure what she wants.

This is a story of a young woman trying to discover who she is and she is also a woman trying to find love, a woman whose not sure what love is or what she wants.  This is also the story of a woman learning to let God take control.  A story of faith, and of love.

I give this novel five out of five Stars...

Happy Reading...

Book Review : A Light In The Wilderness

A Light In the Wilderness
A Novel

Jane Kirkpatrick

Revell

Revell

Pub Date Sep 2 2014


Letitia is a former slave who was freed in 1842.  She soon learns that in Missouri freed blacks are often despised.  She plans on going to Oregon where she can be given a new start.  Before settling in Oregon Letitia marries a white man.  They cannot tell others that they are married though. 

  Letitia and Davey find themselves having to keep watch over their stuff because it seems that someone is after their prized milking cow.  When Davey ends up replacing the nearly empty flour barrell instead of filling the old one he inadvertently looses Letitias freedom papers.

Before they make it to Oregon and get settled in Letitia gives birth to a daughter.  But soon they are settling into Life in Oregon and for the first time Letititia truly starts feeling free.  Soon Letitia makes friends with a Native American woman and her young Son.

This is a stry of a former slave who slowly learns that true freedom is also found when you can find joy within yourselves, it is a story of struggles but also of overcoming sgainst all odds.  

I give this novel five out of five Stars...

Happy Reading...

Book Review:All I Really Want

All I Really Want

Readings for a Modern Christmas

Quinn G. Caldwell

Abingdon Press

Abingdon Press

Pub Date Oct 7 2014


All I Really Want is a book written for modern Christians the book is short yet well done and it serves it purpose.  The book is a bit strong in points and the author has no quarms with stating their opinions.   The book may be short but it is well written.  This book may not be for everyone but if you are looking fora book for Modern Day Christians then this is a book you may enjoy.


This book is infact in a sense is a Christmas book and the author encourages us to do something kind for someone who needs a helping hand 


I give this book four out of five stars.


Happy reading...

Book Review: Slowing Time

Slowing Time
Seeing the Sacred Outside Your Kitchen Door
Barbara Mahany
Abingdon Press
Abingdon Press
Pub Date   Oct 7 2014

Slowing Time reminds us to take the time to enjoy the beauty atound us.  It is a reminder to sit back and count your blessings.  Slowing Time encourages us to take at least a few minutes of quiet time a day.  If you are looking for a book that will encourage you to savor life one that will make you appreciate Gods blessings even more because we are now taking stock of them.


If you are looking for a good books that allows for you to take time out and appreciate the little things in life then 
Slowing Time is a book I would recommend.


Five out of five stars.


Happy reading...

Book Review : Not A Silent Night

Not a Silent Night
Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem
Adam Hamilton
Abingdon Press
Abingdon Press

Pub Date   Sep 16 2014

This is the Storyof Jesus’s birth told by Mary. This book will give you a look at how Mary must have felt when Jesus was born the joy and the sorrow knowing that he would eventually die for mankind's Sins.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get an idea of how Mary must have felt when Jesus was born.

I give this book five out of five stars. 

Happy Reading! !!

Tolkien

Tolkien How an Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote The Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century
Devin BrownAbingdon Press
Abingdon Press
Pub Date   Oct 21 2014

This is a brief but well written biography of Tolkien.   It shows how he was able to go from an obscure Oxford Professor to one of the best loved authors of all time.

I love the way this book allows us to get a glimpse into Tolkiens life and his work.  We learn The Hobbit may have been published by accident but it would become a happy accident for Fans of the Hobbit. 

I would recommend that if you are a fan of Tolkien you should read this book to learn more about how he got his start.

Five out of five Stars for a well written biography

Book Review: Storm

Storm

Thomas Nelson--CHILDREN'S

Thomas Nelson

Evan Angler

Copyright 2013

If you like Science fiction stories with a message then Storm is a book you are sure to enjoy.  And if you like end time stories this is a novel you are sure to enjoy.

This novel has a bit of everything from end time prophecies.

This novel shows us a society where people are marked and watched a society where mysterious fevers end in death.  

I give this novel five out of five stars. 

Happy Reading! !!

Book Review: The Jew Named Jesus

 
The Jew Named Jesus
Discover the Man and His Message
Rebekah Simon-Peter

Copyright 2013

This book shows us the importance of having a good relationship between Christians and Jews and it dispels many myths of the relationships.

We are encouraged to move passed the ideas that Christians and Jews hate one another, it will dispel common misconceptions of how Jews and Christians always hate each other.  Granted Christians and Jews have had there problems in the past but we are reminded in this book that Jesus was in fact a Jew.

I give this book five out of five Stars.

Book Review: Solomon's Song

Solomon's Song
Roberta Kells Dorr
Moody Publishers
River North

1989, 2014

Solomon's Song will take you back to the days of Solomon. This book shows us a King who in many ways thought ahead of his time.

Solomon's Song takes us into the life of the King and the poet Solomon.

When Solomon goes to Egypt before becoming King he faces temptation  like he has never faced before.

If you are a fan of Biblically based historical fiction as I am than Solomon's Song is a book I would recommend you add to your library.

This book has a little bit of everything, Kings and Queens, true love, faith and history.  

I give Solomon's Song five out of five stars.

Happy Reading! !!

Book Review: Hacked

Hacked

Amazon

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Members' Titles

Copyright 2013

A reporter finds himself in danger when he is reporting on a series of muggings and lootings.

If you enjoy books that deal with Hacks, Private Eyes and Billionaire s with evil intentions then Hacked is a book you will want to read.

I would recommend this book to 18 and over because of the strong language and subject matter.

Four out of Five Stars...

Book Review: Trial Trauma

Trial Trauma
Healthy Spirituality for Empowered Living
Dr. Sharon Mancha
Wilhelmina Publications
Bookmasters, Inc

2013

This is a book about getting throughthe trials and traumas we face in life with the gift of our Faith.

The author reminds us that there is a difference between trial trauma and trial drama.    We are also reminded that part of getting passed the Trauma Drama involves forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we made as well as forgiving others.

If you are going through a difficult time and need to be reminded that with Faith you can get through then Trial  Trauma is a book you need to read.

I give this book Five out of Five Stars.

Book Review:The Cure for the Perfect Life

The Cure for the "Perfect" Life
12 Ways to Stop Trying Harder and Start Living Braver
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory
Harvest House Publishers
Pub Date   Aug 1 2014

This is a wonderful book that reminds us that the idea of a perfect Christian is nonsense.  In fact a line early in the book puts it this way Perfectionism is not Christian it's crazy.

We are reminded that perfectionism is not the same as striving ty o do better or grow closer to Christ those are things that we should do but perfectionism takes things to a whole new level.

This book reminds us that we do not have to be perfect but it gives us tips to improve ourselves tobe better people and better Christians.  

I give this book five out of five stars...

Book Review: Walking In the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit
A Study Through Galatians 5
Steve Pettit BJU Press
Pub Date   Sep 3 2014

If you are looking for a good study guide for Galatians 5 look forward to Walking in the Spirit A Study through Galatians 5.

I would recommend this study book on Galatians 5 for a small group study.  

I give this book five out of five stars...

Book Review: The Photographer

The Photographer
Barbara Steiner
Open Road Integrated Media
Open Road Media Teen & Tween
Pub Date   Aug 5 2014

Cynthia and her best friend Megan are Seniors in High School.  Derrick is the new boy who creeps Megan out yet he insists on taking her to a school dance.

Megan has been doing strange things like answering the phone before it rings.

Soon a reoccurring dream is shaking Megans sleep and making her feel that her best friend is in danger.

Megan starts to realize that Derrick may be the cause of a mysterious sickness going around, and she discovers that Derrick seems to take a sick pleasure intaking pictures of his sick and weakened Mother.

I think this novel will have an appear to high school aged girls the subject matter is intriguing and the plot is well thought out. 

Five out of five stars.

Happy Reading. ..

Book Review: Louisiana Sunset

Louisiana Sunset (Love Grows in Mysterious ways on the Bayou Series, Book I) 
BJ Robinson
August.2014

Once again B. J Robinson pulls  us into a story and does not let go.

This is a story of love that spans two continents and a war, Dessert Storm.

Lily Mae learns that America has gone to war when she is at the grocery store on January 16.1991.  She worries when she realizes Levi is going to have to go to serve during Dessert Storm. 

Louisiana Sunset takes you from Louisiana to the dessert in Iraq. This book takes us into the lives of Lily Mae and Levi who must face the very real possibility of Levi getting killed at war, but at the same time they are able to make there relationship work despite the continents and the war.

I give this novel five out of five Stars.

Happy Reading!!!!

Book Review: Miracles At the Higher Ground Cafe

 Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café
Max LucadoThomas Nelson--FICTION
Pub Date   Aug 27 2014

This novel opens with Chelsea reopening her Moms cafe, Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe.  She is trying to build a good life for herself and her son and daughter.  

Max Lucado pens a novel that delves into the lives and the struggles of one family who is trying to make it emotionally,  Spiritually and financially. 

This book takes us on a journey of new beginnings and the struggles that can so easily be dealt when someone starts over, butit is also a story of determination,  forgiveness and redemption.   I give Miracle At Higher Grounds Café five out of five stars.

Happy Reading. ..

Book Review: Mom Made Us Write This In The Summer

Mom Made Us Write This In The Summer
Ali Maier
Erie Island Media
Copyright 2013

This is a wonderful book for upper Elementary School aged Children.  Its written in theform of a journal told by Sister and brother Maggie and Max.  The journals are assigned by their Mom over the summer.  Neither one of them are  to thrilled about this assignment at first.

Children will enjoy getting a glimpse into Maggie and Max'es Summer it is written in both a fun and humorous way that both boys and girls will love.

I give this book Five out off five stars.

Happy Reading Kids.

Book Review: Princess More Tears to Cry

Princess: More Tears to Cry
Jean Sasson
August.28.2014

Once again I find myself drawn to Princess Sultana Al'Sauds story just as I was in Princess: A Life Behind the Veil In Saudi Arabia.   We learn that  even in 2014 every Saudi female is born into a rigidly male society where a male  will be her guardian. No woman in Saudi can escape their guardians mantle.

This is a powerful book dealing with oppression but this book and its author are not without hope because it shows us that there are woman that are trying to make a difference that are fighting for the rights that many woman take for granted.

If you want to get a new appreciation for the things as we as woman born in freedom take for granted. 

I give this powerful book five out of five stars.

Book Review: Wildlife Young Adult

Wildlife
Fiona Wood
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Poppy
Pub Date   Sep 16 2014

Wildlife is a powerful coming of age story due to the subject matter and the intensity of some of the book I would recommend it for high school aged teens.

This powerful young adult novel deals with death in a very realistic way.  This novel takes its readers on a journey of one young girls grief, and the fact that it does so without flowering it up makes it a very powerful book.

Due to the serious subject matters and sometimes graphic imagery in this book though I recommend it for high school aged teens.

I give this book four out of five Stars.

Happy reading. ..