Book Review: Limitless

 

Limitless

The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance

by Mallory Weggemann

Nelson Books 

Thomas Nelson

 Biographies & Memoirs  |  Self-Help 

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021 

I am reviewing a copy of Limitless Through Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:

In Limitless we are reminded that when we remove every boundary that hems us in, whether it’s physical, emotional, or societal we become limitless.

Mallory Weggeman is a Paralympic gold medalist, world champion swimmer, ESPY winner, and NBC Sports commentator uses her extraordinary story to equip others to meet whatever challenges they face in life, she reminds us that we have a choice that is either to focus on the pain or to focus on the love that we are surrounded 

On January 21, 2008, a routine medical procedure left Mallory Weggemann paralyzed from the  waist down.  She had gone in for a final injection to help ease the severe nerve pain she had dealt with, when something went wrong, she had sustained a T10 complete Spinal Cord Injury. Less than two years later Mallory had broken eight world records and by the 2012 Paralympic Games, she held fifteen world records and thirty four American records.  An injury two years later after a devastating fall damaged her left arm, and still Mallory refused to give up, after two reconstructive surgeries and extended rehab, she won two golds and a silver at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.

Limitless is the story of finding confidence, and love even in the midst of trials.     This book showcases Mallory’s resilience in the face of great trials as well as an uncompromising commitment to excellence are rooted in her resolve, perseverance, and sheer grit. In this remarkable new book.

I give Limitless five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: When Twilight Breaks

 

When Twilight Breaks

by Sarah Sundin

Revell 

Christian  |  Historical Fiction  |  Romance 

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021

I am reviewing a copy of When Twilight Breaks the/rough Revell and Netgalley:

The year is 1938 , the location is Munich Germany where Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany.  In order to do so Evelyn she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country or worse.   But if she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed and wake up the folks back home.

American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German in another part of the city.  He is disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society.  But after the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

In this electric stand alone novel,  well loved author Sarah Sundin weaves a story of heart pounding suspense as well as heart-stopping romance.

I give When Twilight Breaks five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!  

Book Review: The Real J.R.R. Tolkien

 

The Real J.R.R. Tolkien

The Man Who Created Middle-Earth

by Jesse Xander

Pen & Sword 

White Owl

 Biographies & Memoirs  |  History  |  Nonfiction (Adult) 

Pub Date 28 Feb 2021

I am reviewing a copy of The Real J.R.R Tolkien through Pen &Sword/White Owl and Netgalley:

The Real J.R.R Tolkien The Man Who Created Middle Earth is a comprehensive biography of the linguist and writer that takes the reader from J.R.R Tolkien’s formative years of Homeschooling through the spires of Oxford, as well as the romance with his wife to be along with life on brink of war, and onwards into his phenomenal academic success and his creation of the seminal high fantasy world of Middle Earth.

This biography delves into the influences of J.R.R Tolkien, from the places he visited as well as lived friendships, triumphs and tragedies, with particular emphasis on how his remarkable life and loves forged the worlds of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. 

The Real J.R.R Tolkien uses  contemporary sources and comprehensive research, to offer a unique insight into the life and times of one of Britain's greatest authors, from cradle to grave to legacy.

I give The Real J.R.R Tolkien five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Walking Through Fire

Walking Through Fire

A Memoir of Loss and Redemption

by Vaneetha Rendall Risner

Nelson Books 

Thomas Nelson

 Biographies & Memoirs  |  Christian  |  Religion & Spirituality 

Pub Date 19 Jan 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Walking Through Fire via Nelson Books and Netgalley:

Vaneetha Risner contacted Polio as an infant, she was misdiagnosed and lived with widespread paralysis.  She was in and out of the hospital for ten years and after each stay she would endure a life filled with bullying.    After she became a Christian she thought things would get easier, and they did: carefree college days, a dream job in Boston, and an MBA from Stanford where she met and married a classmate.

Sadly her life unraveled once more, she had four miscarriages, her son died due to a doctors mistake.  And Vaneetha herself was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome that would likely become a quadriplegic.  After that her husband betrayed her and moved out, leaving her to raise two adolescent daughters alone. 

Vaneetha was not experiencing the abundant life she thought God had promised her. But Vaneetha discovered, everything she experienced was designed to draw her closer to Christ as she discovered "that intimacy with God in suffering can be breathtakingly beautiful." 

If you are looking for a powerful biography about praising God in the midst of the storm.  I highly recommend Walking Through Fire.

I give Walking Through Fire five out of five stars!

Happy Reading! 

Book Review: Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments

 

Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments

100-Day Devotional Journal for Women

by Anne Cetas

Our Daily Bread Publishing 

Christian  |  Religion & Spirituality 

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Finding Jesus In Everyday Moments: 100-Day Devotional Journal for Women through Our Daily Bread Publishimg and Netgalley:

Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments takes us through a hundred story driven, Bible Focused devotions, you will be reminded that a personal relationship with your Creator changes everything. Popular Our Daily Bread author Anne Cetas invites you to wrestle with the peaks and valleys of life. “Jesus moments" journaling prompts you to draw near to God and reflect on His presence during everyday moments.

Finding Jesus In Everyday Moments reminds us that every loss leaves us with an empty space that only God’s presence can feel.  It is pointed out too that we should never measure God’s unlimited power, by our limited expectations.    We are reminded too that peace reigns when Jesus rules our heart.  It is pointed out too that Jesus wants us to come to him throughout our lives.

The author Anne Cetas goes on to remind us that the more we love Jesus the more we will talk about him.  We are reminded too that Salvation was given to us, it cannot be earned.   It is pointed out too that the next person w meet May be our mission field.  It is pointed out too that discipleship demands disciple.  It is pointed out too that Jesus is the image of the invisible God.  It is pointing out too that those who have their eyes fixed on heavily, will hold loosely to  the things of the earth.

Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments reminds us that faith in Christ is not just a single step, it is a lifelong walk with him.  The importance of looking  up when others let you down is also pointed out.  We are reminded too that Christ’s Words Make Us Safe, while God’s word makes us sure.   We are reminded too of following Jesus as our guide if we are looking for guidance.  It is pointed out too that we can never praise God enough.  We are reminded too that. Heaven is a place prepared for a prepared people.

It is pointed out too that talking to Christ about others gives us a passion to talk to others about Christ.  We are reminded too to love people and not things, as well as to use things and not people.  We are reminded too that we live because he lives.  It is pointed out too that a false front can disguise a true faith.  It is pointed out too that God has never wanted us to best the burden of worrying.  We are remind too that Jesus wants us to walk with him and focus on who he is.  It is pointed out too that the risen Christ will come from heaven to take his own to Heaven.  We are reminded too that Christians stand stronger when we stand together, and that walking in the light off truth will help keep us out of life’s darkest corner.  

Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments that through prayer we have instant access to heaven.  It is pointed out too that that there is a longing in every heart that will be satisfied with Jesus.  We are reminded too that compassion helps to heal the hurt of others.   

Anne Cetas reminds us too that Christ’s death is the measure of God’s love for us.   The book goes on to encourage us that with God behind you and his arms beneath you you can face whatever lies ahead.  We are reminded too the importance of looking at everything through the cross.  It is pointed out too that our desire to please God should be our greatest motive for obeying God.  We are reminded too that the only permanent covering for sin is the blood of Christ.  It is pointed out too that Hope is the anchor for our soul.  We are reminded too that Jesus gives us the rest we need.

Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments points out that in order to escape sin’s curse, we need to run to the cross.  It is pointed out too that the choice you make today will determine your tomorrow.  We are reminded too that Our Hope is Anchored in Jesus.  We are reminded too that we need to go to the Bible for our protection, correction and direction.  It is also pointed out too that the name of Jesus is the heart of our Faith and the foundation of our Hope.  We are reminded too that the love of God frees us from the prison of fear.  It is pointed out too that our greatest freedom is freedom from sin.

Anne Cetas reminds us too that we are not faced with temptations because we are evil, but because we are humans.  We are reminded too that a healthy heart beats with love for Jesus.  It is pointed out too that Only Christ, the Living Bread, can satisfy our spiritual hunger.

In Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments we are reminded too that God has great concern for little children.  We are reminded too that if we truly love the Lord, you’ll want others to love him too.  It is pointed out too that in order for us to feel the worth of the anchor we need to feel the stress of the storm.  We are reminded too that nothing can compare to the love of God.  

I give Finding Jesus in Everyday Moments five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: God Hears Her Creative Journaling Edition

 

God Hears Her Creative Journaling Edition

365 Devotions for Women by Women

by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Our Daily Bread Publishing 

Christian  |  Religion & Spirituality 

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021

I am reviewing a copy of God Hears Her Creative Journaling Edition through Our Daily Bread Ministries and Netgalley:

God Hears Her Creative Journaling Edition comes with much more than just a devotional, it is also a journal, that includes illustrated Bible Verses to color, allowing for a more hands on devotional experience.

This book helps the reader to realize that God hears you when to call out to him, God hears you, he really hears you.  The author goes to remind us just as we can read silently, we can also pray silently.  We are reminded too that it is important too that we have time alone with God.  It is pointed out too that even when we feel as if we have no one to trust, we can trust in the Lord.   We are reminded too of the importance of having compassion towards other.  We are reminded too of the importance of destroying the divides.   God Hears Her reminds us too of the importance of centering our lives around God.

In this devotional we are reminded too that God will turn our grief into joy.  We are reminded too that in order to please God we must know Jesus.  It is pointed out too that even when we feel alone in the world, Jesus is there to keep us company.  The importance of taking the time to Listen to God is also brought up.  We are reminded too of the importance of having true Godly friendships are.  We are reminded too that it is easy for us to loose hope during the difficult times, but God is always there.  The importance of growing in Christ daily is another important reminder in this devotional.

God Hears Her reminds us that we need to Soak up God’s word.   We are reminded too that God’s timing is perfect.  The importance of taking joy in the small things is also brought up.  We are reminded too of the importance of remembering the Cross.  The importance of praying parents is also highlighted, it then goes on to point out that compassion is bringing bin others towards ourselves.   We are reminded too that if we drink from the water God offers we will never be thirsty again, which of course speaks of spiritual thirst.

God Hears Her points out the importance of taking God at his word, as well as of being thankful in all things.   The importance of giving back I’d also highlighted.  

If you are looking for a devotional that includes 365 pages of encouragement, inspiration, and assurance that God not only has beauty in store for your life but knows your heart deeply.  In each spread an open margin and a lined margin for writing or drawing, along with decorative chapter openers and verses that invite you to be expressive and rest in the truth that God hears you, I would highly recommend God Hears Her, it would make a great edition to your own Bible Study, as well as a great gift for the Mother, Sister, Daughter, Aunt, Cousin or friend in your life.

I give God Hears Her five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Kite to Freedom

 

Kite to Freedom

The Story of a Kite-Flying Contest, the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, and the Underground Railroad

by Kathleen A. Dinan

Independent Publishers Group 

Cross Your Fingers

 Children's Fiction  |  Middle Grade 

Pub Date 25 Mar 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Kite to Freedom through Independent Publishing Group and Netgalley:

Is it possible for a kite to change history?  Katie and Homan's did.

After Engineers found themselves faced with the challenge of bridging the vast Niagara Gorge, the solution was a kite-flying contest.  After Katie and Homan’s kite crosses the gorge and wins the contest, construction begins on the first suspension bridge to connect the United States and Canada.

The two friends are there and learn that this is an important link on the Underground Railroad helping slaves escape to freedom.  Even as her parents try to shield her from the ugly existence of slavery and the dangers of the Underground Railroad, Katie discovers that the scary truth is closer to home than she could have imagined.

Kite to Freedom is an action packed, fictionalized account of actual events that occurred during the construction of the Niagara Falls International Suspension Bridge, which still connects the United States and Canada at Niagara Falls.   

I would recommend this book as a teaching tool, as well as just a generally great read to teach children about the Underground Railroad, and slavery.

I give Kite to Freedom five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Murder By Page One

 

Murder By Page One

A Peach Coast Library Mystery

by Olivia Matthews

Hallmark Publishing 

 Mystery & Thrillers 

Pub Date 23 Mar 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Murder By Page One through Hallmark Publishing and Netgalley:

Marvel is a librarian who is from Brooklyn but is adjusting to life in small town Georgia,  she enjoys making jewelry that is book themed, she also looks after her cranky cat as well as supporting events for both readers and authors.   Before long Marvel discovers a dead body in her bookstore.

After Marvey’s best friend becomes a suspect in the murder, she develops a new hobby , solving a murder mystery.   She uses her talents for research, the knowledge she gleaned from crime novels, and a whole lot of determination, she pursues the truth.  But as she gets closer to the answers could she be facing a deadly plot twist?

I give Murder by Page One five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review : Obsession

 

Obsession

by Patricia Bradley

Revell 

Christian  |  Mystery & Thrillers  |  Romance 

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021 

I am reviewing a copy of Obsession through Revell and Netgalley:

Emma Winters is a Natchez Trace Ranger as well as a historian.  She hoped to never see Sam Ryder again, but when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation.  Complicating matters even more is the fact that Emma has gained a delusional secret admirer who is determined to take her life as his own, and his eyes Sam is only an obstruction that needs to be removed.

Sam knows he has failed Emma before and he has no intentions on letting her down again, especially with her life being on the line.  As the threads of the investigation cross and tangle with their own personal history, Sam and Emma have a chance to discover the truth, not only about the victim but about what went wrong in their relationship.

If you are looking for a novel that has mystery, intrigue, romance as well as action, I would highly recommend Obsession.

Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Shadows of the White City

 

Shadows of the White City

by Jocelyn Green

Bethany House 

Bethany House Publishers

 Christian  |  Historical Fiction 

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021

I am reviewing a copy of Shadows of the White City through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Sylvie Townsend wants a family more than anything but she fears she is destined never to have a family of her own.  But when Sylvia takes in Polish Immigrant Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears, that is until seventeen year old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.

After being brushed off by authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder Kristof Bartok, for help.  He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads. 

This book will take you from the glittering architecture of the World’s Fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods,  they are lead on a journey that points to Rose’s long lost family.  But I’d Sylvie willing to let the girl go?  And as she and Kristoff grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

If you are looking for a Historical Christian Ring, that will take you back to late Nineteenth Century Chicago, I would highly recommend Shadows of the White Century.

I give Shadows of the White City five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Conspiracy II

 

The Conspiracy II

(The Vaccine Wars Book 2)

by Laurence O'Bryan

BooksGoSocial

Mystery & Thrillers

Pub Date 26 Dec 2020 

I am reviewing a copy of The Conspiracy II through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:

As the virus is spreading quickly across America, Rob heads to Washington DC.  Rob has been asked to his vaccine formula with a giant pharmaceutical company.

A Russian agent named Vladimir is also headed to Washington with news for Rob, Jackie is alive.

June of 2020, The Black Lives Matter movement is filling the streets, unfortunately some people want to take advantage of the mayhem. Rob, in search of proof that Jackie is alive, heads for New York.  Protests and violence ensue as Rob searches for the truth about what happened to his wife.

Will Rob be able to stop the conspiracy and protect his vaccine from those who want to exploit it?

I give The Conspiracy II four out of five stars!

Happy Reading!