RETURN TO THE DINOSAUR PLANET by COUSIN SUMMERS

What a delightful book this is. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, since it is geared towards younger children, but it was such an adventure filled book I couldn't put it down. Peter and his sister Pearl lead an exciting life  with parents who are dinosaur hunters. Can you imagine going to school and saying, "Yeah, my parents are dinosaur hunters." The kids would probably laugh and say they didn't believe you. But for Pete and Pear, their life is an adventure everyday.

Their mom has traveled to Africa  and their dad has taken a job at a museum. Pete had grand plans to film a documentary called Dinosaur Planet. He wants to be the youngest scientist to ever produce this type of show and be famous. But his dreams are put on hold when he finds out that he has to keep an eye on his sister everyday. The good news is they get to explore the museum while their dad is there working. Can you imagine spending hours at a museum and letting your mind take in all the wonders that are there?

As they are exploring the museum one day, they push a wrong button on the elevator and it takes them to the basement. This is the place where exhibits are stored and perhaps secrets never before seen. The story really picks up when they meet Casey,  who has an  aunt that is a zoologist. Casey has the distinct responsibility to take care of a monkey from NASA for a few hours a day. I can't imagine any child not excited about that job. Casey tells Pete and Pearl that he has a top secret mission. His mission is to search for a legendary scientist that went missing while working on a classified space project.

The kids are all excited about this adventure and can't wait to start their investigation. The story is well written and is a page turner. I loved the characters and their wide eyed excitement as they explore the unknown. What will they discover? Is there danger ahead for them? Will they discover a secret thst has been hidden for years? This is a great book that reminded me of a young Indiana Jones. Get ready for an adventure you will not forget.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review

UNLIKELY REBEL by KELLI GOTTHARDT

I loved the transparency that the author displays throughout the book. After marrying her husband Richard, it seemed like she was propelled into every ministry possible. She said, "Every Sunday our worth was measured by how many people showed up at our meetings. Every event was a gauge of our leadership and spiritual effectiveness, and other churches were viewed as competition." I can relate to that statement very well . It seems like churches are competing against each other and sometimes the congregations are told not to speak to other churches because it would show disloyalty to the pastor.

Like many of us, the author found it hard to say no to ministries and soon found herself overwhelmed and spiraling out of control.  Her willingness to share about her depression was very helpful. Many people think that a pastor's wife has it all together. You are held  almost on a pedestal and constantly being watched . There are people just waiting for you to stumble.  As she describes the incident on the beach, I laid the book down for a minute. For any of us who have been sexually abused, we are always quick to blame ourselves. We learn to not trust and continue to find approval from others. I felt like I was reading my own story and  all the pain and hurt surfaced to the top. Then I read this ," The scars of my past were quickly loosening their grip on my life."

As soon as I saw this book being offered to review, I knew this book was for me. I grew up as a pastor's kid and later I became extremely involved in church. I wanted people to like me and help everywhere I could. I soon became the Children's pastor and then my downfall came. I was so overwhelmed with everything, I couldn't find my way . This book has been an inspiration to me and has encouraged me to continue to say no and feel ok about it.

Thank you for writing a book that has opened my eyes to lies that I have  been told, and to empower me to seek God, love myself and know that I don't need anyone's approval. The only approval I seek is God. You have given me a new beginning and I feel free to let go of the past and move forward where God wants me to be.

"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story." Psalm 107:2

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

BRAZILBILLY: THE JESSELEE JONES STORY

Every once in awhile, you are fortunate to read a book that is so inspiring that you sit in awe as you read a story that will forever stay with you. I have had the honor of reading such a book which is called , "BrazilBilly :The JesseLee Jones Story."  He had hopes and dreams as he traveled to a new place. His first day in the U.S. was much different than he imagined. He traveled with everything he had and in a blink of an eye, he is robbed and left with nothing.  For many of us, that would be our reason to give up. That was not true for JesseLee. With determination and perseverance , he finds his way to a town in Illinois. I don't believe in fate, but I do believe in divine appointments, and that is exactly what JesseLee experienced when he found himself befriended by a church. They welcomed him with open arms and took him under their wings. This must have felt so different for him as people were willing to help a stranger and accept him with a desire to encourage him.

He certainly didn't have a good childhood. He was often neglected and must have felt unwanted. His ability to overcome such harsh conditions is a testament to his character. JesseLee had dreams and nothing was going to deter him from that. How many of us have let dreams slip away because the struggle was to hard to overcome?

This story really touched me because growing up in a family that never encouraged me or showed me love, I was overcome with emotion as I read about the people who helped JesseLee with his dream. He worked hard, and never seemed to give up. JesseLee was blessed with people who encouraged him and helped him. It is an emotional read at times, but one worth finishing to the last page.

JesseLee loved music. It was his dream to one day sing to a crowd , to be on stage and live his dream out. Does his dream come true? Can JesseLee, from Brazil become famous? This book will draw you in and keep you glued as the pages flow with a story that captures the American Dream. JesseLee is an inspiration to anyone who has struggled or felt  like they can't persevere. As you read the book, be encouraged that you can fulfill your destiny and you are strong enough to overcome obstacles in your path. Thank you for writing a book that gives us courage to not give up.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.