Long Way Gone - A Book Review

Long Way Gone is the first book I have read by Charles Martin.  I really don't read a lot of books by male authors.  It's nothing personal, I just usually connect better with books written by female authors.  This book, however, was completely different.  Wow!  That's the word that best describes it for me.  I did not want it to end and if all the books Charles Martin writes are like this I will be reading them all.

This book is heartbreaking.  Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. It was sad, but held hope.  If you have ever felt like you were too far gone for God's love, you can relate to this book.  Such a powerful message of forgiveness. I can count on one hand how many books have made me cry and this book has made the list.  It is moving.  A must read!

At the age of eighteen, musician and songwriter Cooper O’Connor took everything his father held dear and drove 1,200 miles from home to Nashville, his life riding on a six-string guitar and the bold wager that he had talent. But his wager soon proved foolish.

Five years after losing everything, he falls in love with Daley Cross, an angelic voice in need of a song. But just as he realizes his love for Daley, Cooper faces a tragedy that threatens his life as well as his career. With nowhere else to go, he returns home to the remote Colorado mountains, searching for answers about his father and his faith.

When Daley shows up on his street corner twenty years later, he wonders if it’s too late to tell her the truth about his past—and if he is ready to face it himself.

A radical retelling of the prodigal son story, Long Way Gone takes us from tent revivals to the Ryman Auditorium to the tender relationship between a broken man and the father who never stopped calling him home.

“No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home.”

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for poviding me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Inn Keeper at Ivy Hill - A Book Review

The lifeblood of the Wiltshire Village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell.  When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genttel wife, Jane Bell becomes the reluctant owner.  Jane has no notion of how to run a business.  However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help.  Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world.  As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal.  when she encounters two men from her past, she sees them, and her future, in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles of the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place.  Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell.  Will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My Thoughts:

Have you ever read a book, completely bored with it, but keep reading in hopes that something will change. Hoping there will be a twist or turn of events.  That's where I found myself with this book.  I have read previous books by Julie Klassen that I really liked, but this book didn't seem to have the same intrigue that I usually find within her books.  The romance was lacking.  The main character Jane seemed to take a backseat to Thora and the book ended rather abruptly.

I am assuming with the way it ended that the story will pick up where this one left off in the next book.  I think I'll pass on the next one though.  If it is anything like this one I would much rather spend my time reading something with a little more appeal.

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Journal The Word Bible, KJV

Bible Journaling is such an enjoyable pass time of mine.  It is becoming increasingly popular and if you have not tried it yet, I encourage you to do so.  I recently had the chance to review The Journal The Word Bible.  It is the second journal Bible I have and I really like this one.  It is in large print which is really nice, and it also has the word of Jesus in red.  It has a nice sturdy hard cover which I really like and it has an elastic enclosure that wraps around the entire Bible.

When I first opened up I was a little concerned that the pages were going to be too thin and would bleed through with all that I wanted to do, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Even though the pages seem thin you can stamp, color, marker and more on the pages without worry of it bleeding through.  I will not however, that I use non-bleed artist pens and items that specialize in Bible journaling.  I'm not sure how it would be if you were to use regular markers.

If you are someone who is not very artistic and not quite ready to draw or color in your Bible, that's okay.  With a margin with blank lines on each page it makes it great for several things.  You could jot down sermon notes or thoughts on God's word, cross references and much more.

The only thing I would change about this Bible is that it would be a little larger.  The pages are rather small, but the size also makes it great for bringing to church.

I am so happy to have this as a part of my Library and I can't wait to fill the pages!

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me with a copy of this great Bible in exchange for my honest review.

A Primary Decision - A Book Review

 

A Primary Decision by Dr. Kevin Lehman and Jeff Nesbit is the third book in the Worthington Destiny Series.  I had not read the previous book and do not feel it is necessary to read this one.  However, this was such an enjoyable book I would like to go back and read the other two. 

This was a very timely read considering all that is going on in our country right now with our recent election.  I wasn't sure what to expect from this book.  I am usually not a fan of male writers.  Nothing against men, I just tend to like women authors better in the genres I like, but this novel was a pleasant surprise.  I loved the mystery in it and I was not expecting that aspect at all.  I would definitely recommend this book.  I was a nice change of pace for me.

Sara Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general.  At least not this early in her career.  Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward.  Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible, even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States.  Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation.  Will she comply or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream....the US presidency?

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

God's Gift - A Children's Book Review

What better gift to give a child this Christmas than a book.  Even better a book that shares the message of God.  God's Gift is a children's book in the Adventures of the Sea Kids series.  It is an award winning series that seeks to help children build a strong foundational relationship with Jesus.

God's Gift shares the message of Christmas.  Christian and his sister Mary believe they get more presents at Christmas.  However, Jacob and Jeremiah believe they get more presents on Hanukkah.  The children learn that Christmas and Hanukkah are about celebration the gift God has given to His children.  It's not about how many presents are under the tree at Christmas or the eight days of presents for Hanukkah.  It's about God's provision for those He loves.  God gives the gift of the Messiah to the Christians and the Gift of Light to the Jews.  The true gift from God is learned in this colorful holiday story!

This is a very cute book.  I love the colorful images that remind me of both Finding Nemo and the Little Mermaid characters.  The story itself is great because it teaches children of both Christmas and Hanukkah.  As with the other books in this series, there are two new hidden objects in this book that children can find hidden within the pages.  I like this addition as it gives an extra entertainment level for kids as they are learning about God's love.

***Thanks to Book Crash  for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Child of the River - A Book Review

I love to read a good fiction novel that is rich in history.  I was instantly drawn to Child of the River by it's beautiful cover and the back of the book drew my interest deeper.  I am so glad I picked this book up.  It led me into a piece of history that I knew little about and it was a book that I didn't want to put down.

The Author Irma Joubert was a history teacher for 35 years before she began writing fiction.  Her stories are known for their deep insight into personal relationships and rich historical detail.  This is exactly what I love in a book.  Child of the River was the first book I have ever read by this author, but it won't be my last.  She made me an instant fan.

Persomi is young, white, and poor, born the middle child of illiterate sharecroppers on the prosperous Fourie farm in the South African Bushveld.  Persomi's  world is extraordinarily small.  She has never been to the local village and spends her days absorbed in the rhythms of the natural world around her, escaping the brutality and squalor of her family home through the newspapers and books passed down to her from the main house and through her walks in the nearby mountains.

Persomi's close relationship with her older brother Gerbrand and her fragile friendship with Boelie Fourie - heir to the Fourie farm and fortune - are her lifeline and her only connection to the outside world.  When Gerbrand leaves the farm to fight on the side of the Anglos in WWII and Boelie joins an underground network of Boer nationalists, Persomi's isolated world is blown wide open.  But as her very small world falls apart, bigger dreams become open to her - dreams of education, a profession, a native country that values justice and equality, and of love.  As Persomi navigates the changing world around her the tragedies of war and the devastating racial strife of her homeland, she finally discovers who she truly is, where she belongs and why her life, and every life, matters.

I would highly recommend this book.  Especially if you are a history buff like myself.  On top of the great historic accuracy there is a strong message of faith and staying true to yourself.

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Storm: Stone Braide Chronicles

As Selah and her companions mourn the loss of those who died in the Mountain, they are faced with a new threat, Selah must complete the Third Protocol before she fractures and loses herself completely.  All clues lead to the West, but what will they find when they get there?  The other side of the mountains holds unknown perils - volcanic ash, dangerous storms, and strange new settlements that could hold the keys to Selah's quest...or lead to her destruction.

The clock is ticking and Selah's abilities are growing - along with the list of those out for her blood.  Selah must find the strength within herself to keep going and complete the mission for which so many have sacrificed so much.

But have she and her companions pinned their hopes on nothing more than a legend?

Storm is the 3'rd and final book in the Stone Braid Chronicles.  I should have paid more attention when I picked this book to read.  Had I known that it was part of a series I would of passed.  It is definitely a series that needs to be read in order.  I was missing so much story line and struggled to connect with the characters.  I was never able to even get partially involved in the book.  It did not spark my interest to go back and read the first book.  So for me I will be saying goodbye to this author and this series.  If you would like to check it out I would definitely recommend starting from the beginning and maybe you will connect better than I did.


***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Servant Like Jesus - A Children's Book Review

On the first day of school, Charlie is too shy to come out from his hiding spot behind the cleanup sink.  But when Miss Stella Starfish asks him to become her teacher's helper, Charlie acquires a new confidence in the special abilities God has given him.  by helping his teacher and classmates though, Charlie learns something even more important - the value of serving others just like Jesus did.

Adventures of the Sea Kids is a multiple, award-winning series seeking to help children build a strong, foundational relationship with Jesus.  Each book focuses on a character that struggles with issues such as bullying, shyness, bragging, being different and more.  parents, grandparents, teachers and especially children will enjoy reading these delightful and beautifully illustrated books.

A Servant Like Jesus is a softback children's book that is geared for children 2-8.  The book is great for reading aloud to your little one. Some of the words would be hard for a new reader.  The story has a great message.  The illustrations are so vibrant.  The sea life creatures reminded me of a cross between Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.  Such cute characters.  An extra little fun activity is that on each page there is "the hidden word" for you to find.  It is just a small illustration of the Bible hidden within the pictures. This adds a unique touch and a fun activity for little kids to participate in.  Kind of like I spy.  A very clever thing to include.

I would definitely recommend this book for parents, grandparents or anyone who has little kids they like to read to.  Reading is such a rewarding activity and what better than a book that teaches good morals and the love of God.

***Thanks to Book Crash for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace

Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors.  Her books are masterpieces, true pieces of art.  Her words paint a picture in my mind and I am always drawn deeply into her novels. Newton & Polly went above and beyond all my expectations. The book was inspired by the true love story of John Newton and Polly Catlett. 

For those who are not familiar with who John Newton is, he is the man who penned the beloved song Amazing Grace.  I love books that are based on true historic events and this one was one of my favorite to date.  It was so beautifully written, inspiring and full of faith and hope.  It allows you to see God's Grace is a whole new light.  The love that Polly has for Newton is so strong and to see how Newton comes to Christ after thinking he has done to much and sinned to greatly will move the reader to tears.  

Before reading this book I was some what familiar with the story of John Newton, but this novel breathed new life and took me to deeper levels.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 
that saved a wretch like me. 
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

***Thank you to bloggingforbooks.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and thank you to the author for a wonderful novel that touched my heart!

Unblemished - A Book Review

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I began reading Unblemished.  It is the first book by Sara Ella and I am sometimes a little leary of new authors.  But on the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised with this book.  I was instantly drawn into a beautifully written story. 

Eliyana can’t bear to look at her own reflection. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world exists where her blemish could become her strength?

Eliyana is used to the shadows. With a birthmark covering half her face, she just hopes to graduate high school unscathed. That is, until Joshua hops a fence and changes her perspective. No one, aside from her mother, has ever treated her like he does: normal. Maybe even beautiful. Because of Joshua, Eliyana finally begins to believe she could be loved.

But one night her mother doesn’t come home, and that’s when everything gets weird. Now Joshua is her new, and rather reluctant, legal Guardian. Add a hooded stalker and a Central Park battle to the mix and you’ve gone from weird to otherworldly.

Eliyana soon finds herself in a world much larger and more complicated than she’s ever known. A world enslaved by a powerful and vile man. And Eliyana holds the answer to defeating him. How can an ordinary girl, a blemished girl, become a savior when she can’t even save herself?

This is definitely an author I will be looking out for in the future.  This book was definitely left open for the possibility of another installment and I hope the author writes a sequel!

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.