In the Shadow of Denali - A Book Review

In recent years I have been quite interested in Alaska.  I would love to visit this beautiful state someday, but for now I can enjoy books like In The Shadow of Denali to give me a taste of what it was once like to live in Alaska.

In the Shadow of Denali is the first book in The Heart of Alaska Series by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse.  I am so excited for this series and if the other books are anything like the first, I won't be disappointed.

What's great about this book is that it has true historic facts inter-weaved within a fictional story.  It also shares plenty of biblical truths and a faith in God which is another huge plus for me.
I love how the author's shared their passion for Alaska, not only in the novel itself, but in the Author's Notes.  I always enjoy reading what is true and what prompted the writing of a book.

The book is about Cassidy Ivanoff and her father John.  They work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel near the foot of Mount McKinley - Denali as it's still called by the natives.  John is the wilderness and exploration guide for the wealthy tourists while Cassidy works in the kitchen as Cook's assistant.  The entire staff buzzes with excitement during the buys days preparing for the President's imminent visit.  His historic trip to dedicate the new national park on his way to driving in the golden spike to officially complete the Alaska Railroad will be the beginning of a new era for all of them and place The Curry at the heart of Alaska.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice to the seasoned Alaska mountain guide, with hopes of discovering the truth about his father's death on the mountain years earlier.  His father's business partner blames the guide for Henry Brennan's untimely death, but Allan cannot be at peace until he know for sure.  He finds and unlikely ally in Cassidy, and the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear and much more dangerous that either could ever imagine.

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

A Moonbow Night - A Book Review

When picking a book to read there are several things that I go by to help make my decision.  If it is an author that I love it is a deal sealer, but the cover and the book title are also important details for me.  If it catches my eye I am usually sold on it.  A Moonbow Night had so many things going for it to help me make my decision to read this great book.

I have read several books by Laura Frantz and I have always been pleased, but the beautiful cover and the amazing title is what grabbed my attention first.  If you have read very many of my reviews you know I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially by an author who does her homework before hand.  This book was rich in history and I loved that the author included a note about her research and what led her to write on the subject matter.

Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a blanket and spend the afternoon reading.  A Moonbow Night is a book you won't regret picking up.  You'll be transported back in history where you will experience romance, heartache, dangers and faith in God.  You won't want to put it down until the last page.

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance  Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River.  It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersman traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke-men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew, looking for an experienced guide.

Though he balks when Tempe is appointed to lead his team through the wilderness, it isn't long before Sion must admit that her abilities may outmatch his own.  But can the tenuous tie they are forming survive the dangers waiting just around the bend?

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

Because You're Mine - Book Review

Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors and her newest book Because You're Mine reaffirmed why.  This book has it all.  Mystery, love, suspense, faith, hope...so many emotions, and as always I was kept guessing to the end. You don't have to worry about a saggy middle.  This book will keep you eagerly turning pages until the very end.

If you are a fan of Contemporary Christian suspense novels then this book is for you.  Even if this is not your normal genre I would encourage you to give it a chance.  I used to only read Historical Romance and it's books like this one that has me looking and enjoying other genres.

Alanna has been plagued by tragedy.  So it should come as no surprise that in the beauty that surrounds Charleston, all is not as it seems.

When her husband is killed by a car bomb while their band is on tour in Charleston, Alanna doesn't know where to turn.  Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but the one thing she knows for sure is that she can't lose the last piece of Liam she has left.

Their manager offers her a marriage of convenience to gain her U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law's control.  it seems like the perfect solution, but her doubts begin almost as soon as she arrives at Barry's family home, a decaying mansion surrounded by swamp.

To make matters worse, Liam's best friend survived the car bomb.  She's never really liked Jesse and now she can't seem to get away from him.  When he takes Liam's place in their band, it's almost more than she can bear.

But then things start happening.  Things that could easily cost Alanna her life - or the life of her unborn child.  Are they merely coincidences? Or is there something much more sinister at work?

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

Junie B. Jones First Ever Musical Edition

If you have young children,  especially little girls,  chances are you know who Junie B.  Jones is.   There are several books available featuring the character of Junie.   Now for the first time ever you can get a Junie B.  Jones Musical Edition.

It comes with two cds. The first cd is the audio book -  First Grader (at last).   Being in first grade means having to get used to a whole new classroom and a whole new teacher, and a whole new bunch of children. When Junie B.  Tries to read the words on the chalkboard...she can't.   Could it be possible that she needs glasses?

The second cd has 16 songs on it.   It is Junie B. Jones the Musical.   It is adapted from several of the Junie B.  Jones books. Cute songs with a catchy tune!

This is a very entertaining set and is perfect for bringing along in the car for long trips or even a shorter trip to the grocery story,  etc.

Parents,  please note...if you are not familiar with the Junie B.  Jones books be aware that Junie misbehaves and is somewhat of an onery little girl. You may want to preview the cd and books yourself before giving g them to your child.

***Thanks to bloggingforbooks.com for providing me a copy of the cds in exchange for my honest review.

Where Does Love Hide? A Children's Book Review

I have reviewed several Children's books and I have to say out of all of them Where Does Love Hide has been the best by far.

I just love this little book! It is a board book which makes it perfect for little hands that can grab and rip paper pages.   The book can take some wear and tear of active toddlers.  The illustrations are bright and colorful and are sure to keep the attention of little eyes and active minds.

The unique part of this book is that on each page there is a little flap on each page that you have to open and see where love hides.   It teaches a sweet lesson of how to show love to others with a simple and effective layout.

This is the perfect book for those special moments with your little guy or little girl.

***Thanks so much to Tyndale publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Made For a Purpose - A Book Review

Made for a purpose is an adorable children's book with a great message.

This delightful book appeals to the "why?"  in every child,  inspiring them to discover God's wisdom displayed in the world around,  as well as within them.

God made everything for a purpose and you can teach your young child this important truth by reading them this beautifully Illustrated book.

It is soft cover,  and has a nature theme.  The book ends with telling the reader that "you were created for a purpose too...so you can enjoy His creation.

Your young child will enjoy the cute pictures of beavers,  duck woodpeckers and more.

Reading books to your child is a special bonding time and this is a book that all can enjoy!

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