Book Review: The Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery

 

The Jane Austen Investigates

The Abbey Mystery

by Julia Golding

Lion Hudson Ltd 

Lion Fiction

 Children's Fiction  |  Middle Grade  |  Teens & YA 

Pub Date 23 Apr 2021

I am reviewing a copy of The Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery through Lion Fiction and Netgalley:

In 1789 a young Jane Austen turns detective as she seeks to solve the mysterious happenings at Southmoor Abbey.  After a carriage accident forces a change of plans, 13-year-old Jane is sent to be a companion to Lady Cromwell for a week as the household prepares to celebrate the eldest son’s coming of age party.    While she is there Jane makes a vow that she is going to solve the mystery of the ghostly monk in the Abbey grounds because she does not believe in such stories!

The mystery of the ghostly monk on the Abbey grounds is not the only occurrence for adventurous young Jane to investigate.  There are also spooky night time investigations, an Indian girl with secret talents, a library fire, two prize horses in danger, and friends to save from false accusations.

Will Jane overcome the obstacles to finding the truth, with notebook in hand and faithful dog Grandison by her side.

This book would be a great adventure to read for those nine and over, especially if they love historical mysteries.

I give The Jane Austen Investigates, The Abbey Mystery five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Invisible Ink

 

Invisible Ink

A Family Memoir

by Martha Leigh

Troubador Publishing Ltd. 

Matador

 Biographies & Memoirs  |  History  |  Nonfiction (Adult) 

Pub Date 16 Dec 2020

I am reviewing a copy of Invisible Ink through Troubador Publishing/Matador and Netgalley:

Martha’s parents were extraordinary people who lived during extraordinary times.  Ralph was a brilliant but poor Jew who lived on the East End.  Edith who was also Jewish and came from bourgeois family in Central Europe, was a gifted pianist.  They had met as Students in Paris in 1937 and then became separated by the war.  They wrote letters to one another during their separation letters that were intimate, emotional and sometimes humorous correspondence throughout the war led to marriage in 1945. 

They both bore scars. She, from escaping the Nazis, he from childhood tragedy. Overshadowing them both was a secret that burdened Ralph for most of his life.   After the war Ralph would become the world expert on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, while Edith devoted herself to her piano both performing and teaching.

Invisible Ink is an intimate look at Martha’s Parents relationship, and how it came to be.

The author not only uncovered her parents love story, in going through the pages of correspondence and other writings to create this book, she uncovered too her Uncle’s Heroism as well as his pioneering work in medicine,  as well as her grandmother and cousin’s miraculous escapes from the holocaust.   

Discovering the truth about her family has also allowed Martha too take an inner journey towards discovering who she is.

I give Invisible Ink five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: A Devotional Journey Through Proverbs

 

A Devotional Journey through Proverbs

31 Reflections and Insights from Our Daily Bread

by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Our Daily Bread Publishing 

Christian  |  Religion & Spirituality 

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021

I am reviewing A Devotional Journey Through Proverbs through Our Daily Bread Publishing and Netgalley:

This beautifully illustrated Devotional will invite you to learn the wisdom of Solomon through the pages of this 31 day Devotional.  These beautifully illustrated pages allow you a walkthrough of the Proverbs with complete Biblical text.

We are reminded in this Devotional that the Book of Proverbs is a series of wise sayings, many penned to King Solomon who  is acclaimed to be as the wisest men of his era.  It is pointed out too that the Proverbs contain wise sayings that are meant to help us through the life decisions we face.

The Bible reading, Devotional pages and additional insights as well as the   word studies, and reflection questions, in A Devotional Journey Through Proverbs will give you practical guidance for everyday living.

I give A Devotional Journey Through Proverbs five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Dress Shop on King’s Street

 

The Dress Shop on King Street

by Ashley Clark

Bethany House 

Bethany House Publishers

 Christian  |  Women's Fiction 

Pub Date 01 Dec 2020

I am reviewing a copy of The Dress Shop on King Street through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Harper Dupree had all her hopes and dreams on a future in fashion design.  But after it all comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew.   As soon as Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie's past are brought to light.

Millie Middleton, the daughter of an Italian man, and a black woman boarded train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden.  She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store.  She could have never imagine she would meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever.  And she would once again have to decide a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may hold the answers they seek.  As well as a chance at the dress shop they always dreamed of.  But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

I give The Dress Shop on King’s Street five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: In Search of Wisdom

 

In Search of Wisdom

Life-Changing Truths in the Book of Proverbs

by Joyce Meyer

 FaithWords 

Christian 

Pub Date 19 Jan 2021

I am reviewing a copy of In Search of Wisdom through FaithWords and Netgalley:

In Search of Wisdom reminds us that the Proverbs are considered the Bible’s book of wisdom, and it deals with both the practical and the spiritual issues of life.  We are reminded too that wisdom of our most valuable assets.  We are reminded too that  in order to follow the wisdom Proverbs offers, we need to be willing to obey God’s Word no matter how we feel, what we think, or what we want.

We are reminded too that wisdom is both an Old and New Testament Principle.  It is pointed out too that Understanding refers to the rational rather than the emotional, and it is closely linked to knowledge.

Prudence is also defined as forethought (thinking ahead) and foresight (seeing ahead). It is also the ability to use reason to govern and discipline ourselves.

Discernment is also defined, it is defined as to discern means to distinguish or separate so as to investigate; to examine, scrutinize, or question.

It is also pointed out that Fearing the Lord does not mean we should be afraid of the Lord, as the word fear would indicate in today’s usage, for He is good and would never harm us. However, we should have a reverential fear and worshipful awe of the mighty God we serve.

It is pointed out in this book too that parents can be a source of wisdom.  We are also reminded of the importance of not giving into the enticement of sinful people.

The importance of making listening and following wisdom a priority in our lives is also highlighted.

The importance of having friends who build you up, rather than tear you down is also highlighted.

We are also reminded of the importance of living our lives with an awareness that God is ever present.

We are reminded too of the importance of a balance between work and rest.  We are reminded too that  love is a living thing.  It must be active rather than stagnant.

I give In Search of Wisdom, five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: A Castaway In Cornwall

 

A Castaway in Cornwall

by Julie Klassen

Bethany House 

Bethany House Publishers

 Christian  |  Historical Fiction  |  Romance 

Pub Date 01 Dec 2020

I am reviewing a copy of A Castaway in Cornwall through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Laura Callaway has been set adrift by the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and she is now wanting answers.  She lives with her Uncle and his wife, a disapproving woman who makes it clear how she feels.  Laura has always felt like a Castaway, an outsider who has no place to belong.

Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners, while the wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast known for its many shipwrecks but survivors were very few.  After a man is washed ashore Laura quickly acts to protect him from a local smuggler who has become determined to destroy him.

As Laura as well as a neighbor take care of the survivor they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd.  As other clues wash ashore Laura realizes he is not who he seems to be.   Despite all the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate.  As danger pursues them on every side and as an unexpected attraction grows  between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

I give A Castaway In Cornwall five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: All that Glitters

 

All That Glitters

A Novel

by Danielle Steel

 Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine 

Delacorte Press

 Women's Fiction 

Pub Date 17 Nov 2020

I am reviewing a copy of All That Glitters through Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Delacorte Press:

Nicole Martin, also known as Coco is destined to have it all.  She is the only child of doting, successful parents, she was given every opportunity in life. She had inherited her Mother’s incredible beauty and creativity, along with her father’s work ethic and diligence, she has the world at her feet. Her graduation from Columbia is fast approaching, and with it the summer job of her dreams working at a magazine.   She finds herself busy between work, leisurely weekends at her family’s home in Southampton, and spending as much time as possible with her best friend, Sam, life couldn’t be better—until tragedy strikes. Coco’s beloved parents are killed in a terrorist attack while on vacation in France.

Coco finds herself devastated and alone, Coco must find a way to move forward and make her way in the world without the family she loved.  

Coco is determined to forge her own path, as well as to make her parents proud, so she pursues her dreams excited by the opportunities that come her way.  She has set a goal for herself, that is to think outside the box and to play by her own rules.  As she finds herself drawn to charismatic, fascinating men, each relationship will teach Coco new lessons, some delightful, some painful. She will come to realize what matters, and how strong she truly is—and in the end, she will discover herself.

This book richly explores one woman’s poignant journey through life, All That Glitters is a compelling tale of challenges, heartbreak, discovery, and triumph, a powerful reminder that all that glitters is not the essence of life. 

I give All that Glitters five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Quiet Times With God Devotional

 

Quiet Times with God Devotional

365 Daily Inspirations

by Joyce Meyer

FaithWords

Christian

Pub Date 13 Oct 2020

I am reviewing a copy of Quiet Times with God Devotional through FaithWords and Netgalley:

Quiet Times With God Devotional will help you to start your day with with peaceful meditations.

In a busy and often uncertain life it is important to remember that you can in the full peace of God with this easy-to-understand devotional designed to encourage you each day of the year.  In each devotion a daily Bible verse followed by a devotional reading and power thought to meditate upon.

It is important  with the constant demands and pressures, it can be hard to regularly take time to unplug and simply be with God.  Quiet Times with God will encourage you to discipline yourself so that you can receive the fullness of God's healing, revitalizing peace.

I give Quiet Times With God Devotional five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Create A Poem

 

Create a Poem

Writing Prompts for Poets

by Editors of Chartwell Books

Quarto Publishing Group – Chartwell Books 

Chartwell Books

 Poetry 

Pub Date 09 Mar 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Create a Poem: Writing Prompts for Poets through Chartwell books and Netgalley:

Poetry has been a record of history long before we had technology or even had cities.  This journal helps you to dive into writing poetry, and taking part in that history, no matter your level of history.  

This journal will allow you to start your writing exercise by selecting a topic that will help spark an idea.

This journal will help you connect through the legacy of poetry, using senses and everyday aspects of life, as well as allowing you to answer the bigger questions about life, including faith, family, love, and who we are.  

There are many prompts divided into subjects that will help you get your creative juices flowing.

If you are looking for a book to help you with ideas for creating powerful poetry, I highly recommend Create A Poem: Writing Prompts for Poets.

I give Create A Poem five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review:Unstoppable in Stilettos

 

Unstoppable in Stilettos

A Girl's Guide to Living Tall in a Small World

by Lauren Ruotolo

BooksGoSocial 

Biographies & Memoirs  |  Entertainment 

Pub Date 05 Dec 2020

I am reviewing a copy of Unstoppable in Stiletto’s through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:

Despite having a rare condition called  McCune-Albright syndrome that doctors said would mean she would spend her life in a wheelchair Lauren had other plans, she was going to be confident and successful.  Lauren refused to live the life the doctors had set out before her and instead she decided to flip the script.   She ditched the wheelchair for her preferred method of transportation: stilettos. She threw out the “disabled” label in favor of authentic self-discovery. And she turned her small stature into a big, beautiful life full of love, joy and success.

In this book Lauren reminds us that as people we are not meant to fit into labels, labels are best reserved for clothing, and products.    

Lauren talks about the lessons she has learned on this journey, and about how she has learned to live large despite life’s obstacles. From her unique, upward-facing vantage point, she shares tips, secrets and hard-earned wisdom.

If you are a woman who is wanting to take on  today’s hectic world, and find success Lauren’s fun, offbeat life philosophies will give you the tools you need to carve your own unique path to self-confidence, happiness, and success—no matter what obstacles you face, and you’ll have a great time along the way!

I give Unstoppable in Stilettos five out of five stars!

Happy Birthday!

Book Review: 200 Nighttime Prayers for Teen Girls

 

200 Nighttime Prayers for Teen Girls

Words of Comfort for a Sweet, Peaceful Sleep

by Hilary Bernstein

Barbour Publishing, Inc. 

Barbour Books

 Christian  |  Teens & YA 

Pub Date 01 Nov 2020

I am reviewing a copy of 200 Nighttime Prayers for Teen Girls through Barbour Publishing and Netgalley:

This book reminds Teenage girls that though  life’s  busyness and distractions don’t just threaten to rob your sleep, they make it harder to get close to Your heavenly Father too. Yet He’s the One who longs to bring you peace. He’s the One who will make your sleep sweet.    The book goes on to talk about the importance of kindness, as well as how God wants us to be safe and protected, forgiveness and God’s love are also highlighted in this book of prayers.

This book is full of 200 prayers to sooth a tired soul and usher in peaceful relaxation at bedtime.   This book reminds its readers of quieting worrisome thoughts so they can have a restful nights sleep,  as well as stopping negativity in its tracks, and encouraging complete focus on the heavenly Creator who promises peaceful sleep.

Every prayer in this book, is meant not only to draw the reader closer to the Lord but it is meant for the reader to give all the worries and troubles over to him as well.  

200 Nighttime Prayers for Teen Girls is a book I’d recommend to teen girls who are looking for a calming book of prayers that will promote a restful night sleep, as well as draw them closer to God!

I give 200 Nighttime Prayers for Teen Girls five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!