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.

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.