Wednesday, January 25, 2017
WEST OVERSEA by LARS WALKER
This is not my typical genre to read but I found the writing to be so descriptive I had to continue on. I love books that allow readers to travel to different eras and explore different cultures. I knew few little about the Vikings and what their beliefs were. The author does a great job of telling a story that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. They are bold, strong and fierce and have a determination to enjoy their adventure on the high seas.
I am not a fan of the ocean and have no desire to ever travel on a ship. I don't even know how to swim. It was easy for me to sympathize with Father Ailiil who is not thrilled with the turbulent waves as the water splashed continually. He just couldn't get a break. It was intriguing to learn that he was willing to get on a ship when he gets news of his sister . He has long though to be dead but rumors have given him hope . It sure would have to be something really important for me to want to step on a ship and travel . Will he find his sister? The story is captivating and really has some great action throughout the story. What object is discovered that will have an impact on characters?
I really found myself intrigued by the mystery in the book and the action that kept a great pace during the story. There are several characters in the book that I found to be interesting and at times a bit funny with a sarcastic tone. It made the story lively and I have now found a new author to read .
I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion.
I am not a fan of the ocean and have no desire to ever travel on a ship. I don't even know how to swim. It was easy for me to sympathize with Father Ailiil who is not thrilled with the turbulent waves as the water splashed continually. He just couldn't get a break. It was intriguing to learn that he was willing to get on a ship when he gets news of his sister . He has long though to be dead but rumors have given him hope . It sure would have to be something really important for me to want to step on a ship and travel . Will he find his sister? The story is captivating and really has some great action throughout the story. What object is discovered that will have an impact on characters?
I really found myself intrigued by the mystery in the book and the action that kept a great pace during the story. There are several characters in the book that I found to be interesting and at times a bit funny with a sarcastic tone. It made the story lively and I have now found a new author to read .
I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion.
JUST A LITTLE GIRL by VICTORIA SARVADI
What an emotional book this was. The author did an amazing job of keeping readers interested as she told her story. There were times in the book that I was able to relate to her and I loved her openness and honesty during her struggles. The book is well written and takes us inside the life of a woman who sees her guardian angel and how her life was changed by the encounter. We hear all the time that people can see an angel or have an out of body experience during a life threatening event. I like how the author described her encounter and how encouraged she became from the words the angel spoke to her.
Throughout the book I knew she was a very strong and determined woman by never giving up. Her hunger to have a deeper relationship with God was very evident. There was one relationship that definitely had an impact on her life. Her father always treated her like she couldn't do anything right . She felt like she could never please him and was continually made to feel "like a little girl." I never had a good relationship with my dad and I could feel her pain as she tried so hard to repair that relationship.
I was very impressed by the success she and her husband have achieved over the years. It took prayer and perseverance to overcome some of the obstacles on their journey. I was very intrigued by her desire to learn about the Hebrew studies and to understand the Bible with a clearer understanding. There were times as I read all the different responsibilities she had, that I began to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes we think we are doing these things to honor God; we get involved in every ministry in the church and before we know it we have forgotten about our family . I loved how she realized that she was doing things for the wrong reasons and needed to get back to having a one on one relationship with God. I loved the book know that I I will reread it because it has so many great nuggets of wisdom throughout the book. The book is a journey of family, business, emotional stress, success and healed relationships. I wrote down a couple of things from the book that really touched me and I will end my review with those.
"Sometimes God puts us in places to intentionally shake things up."
Sometimes life is about filling -in-the-blanks-, and once that's accomplished you can move on.
I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion.
Throughout the book I knew she was a very strong and determined woman by never giving up. Her hunger to have a deeper relationship with God was very evident. There was one relationship that definitely had an impact on her life. Her father always treated her like she couldn't do anything right . She felt like she could never please him and was continually made to feel "like a little girl." I never had a good relationship with my dad and I could feel her pain as she tried so hard to repair that relationship.
I was very impressed by the success she and her husband have achieved over the years. It took prayer and perseverance to overcome some of the obstacles on their journey. I was very intrigued by her desire to learn about the Hebrew studies and to understand the Bible with a clearer understanding. There were times as I read all the different responsibilities she had, that I began to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes we think we are doing these things to honor God; we get involved in every ministry in the church and before we know it we have forgotten about our family . I loved how she realized that she was doing things for the wrong reasons and needed to get back to having a one on one relationship with God. I loved the book know that I I will reread it because it has so many great nuggets of wisdom throughout the book. The book is a journey of family, business, emotional stress, success and healed relationships. I wrote down a couple of things from the book that really touched me and I will end my review with those.
"Sometimes God puts us in places to intentionally shake things up."
Sometimes life is about filling -in-the-blanks-, and once that's accomplished you can move on.
I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
About the book:
The Mark of the King (Bethany House, January 2017)
Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict. When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on? With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.
About the author:
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, includingWedded to War, a Christy Award finalist in 2013; Widow of Gettysburg; Yankee in Atlanta; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.
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I have read very few historical fiction books set in the colonial days. After reading this book, I think we need more set during that time. I found the book to be extremely fascinating and the details were very well defined . I was swept back to a time where life was very hard and people were treated with little respect. I couldn't believe the conditions that people endured during that time period. The colonists worked hard and had to overcome lack of food, horrible weather conditions, danger from others and diseases that seem to rapidly spread throughout the colonies. Some of the men in the colonies were rough, stole from others and tension was thick among the people.
I absolutely fell in love with Julianne right away. I can't imagine being accused of a crime you didn't commit and know you have no hope to prove your innocence. She is a sweet person with a compassionate heart and is known as a great midwife. The decision she made to gain freedom came at a harsh price. Would you do anything to gain your freedom? I loved how the author wrote her as a strong woman determined to make a better life for herself regardless of her circumstances.
There are some very emotional moments in the story that really captured the essence of the struggles of the colonists . I can't say enough good things about how beautifully written this book was. Julianne wants to be loved and sometimes she felt that would never happen. When Marc-Paul was introduced into the story , I was quite intrigued by him. Being a French military officer is prestigious and I thought his character was wonderful and especially loved his faith that he drew strength from.
The book captures perfectly a time period in Louisiana during the early colonial days. I was mesmerized by the history and culture during that time. I don't know if I could have survived fighting off mosquitoes, going through swamp land, facing enemies and having to find ways to get food . I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this emotionally charged historical book that touches on faith, forgiveness, survival , betrayal and love.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my honest opinion.
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Sunday, January 22, 2017
LOVE, LIES , & TYPEWRITERS by HEATHER BLANTON
Even though this book is a bit different from the authors usual historical westerns, I was very pleased to see a book from her about an era that many people love to read about. There is something very romantic about the hero coming home from war and wanting to find his true love. The story is set in the 1940s during WWII. I loved the description the author gave of the era and with her words the story came to life right before my eyes.
Lucy was raised on a ranch and has had a crush on Dale for so long. He has just returned home from the war and through a chance meeting he saves her life. I have to say that was a funny moment in the story and I'm not sure Lucy was completely in control of her emotions. Can you imagine the man you have liked for so long, suddenly saves you from certain danger? This chain of events starts a whirlwind adventure for both of them. Can you see the headlines that read "Local hometown hero saves damsel in distress?" Well a newspaper sees a way to get recognized with a sensational love story and gets Bryce to cover the story. Of course Bryce had others stories he would much rather be writing. I can't tell you much about the story because I don't want to give any surprises away but I can say that it is well written with characters that each have dilemmas to work through. Will Lucy follow her heart or will fame get in the way? Can Bryce stand up to his father and follow his dream? What will Dale do when temptation offers him fame and fortune?
I loved how the author based this story on her parents life's and showed how difficult it was during that era. The mention of bonds was a big part of the era and she cleverly found a way to show the different ways people used to sale them. The story has a great theme about listening to God and doing the right thing. Sometimes we let pride get in the way which leads us to wrong decisions. I loved how the author took a story and made it captivating, romantic and an ending that will bring smiles to everyone.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not asked to write one.
Lucy was raised on a ranch and has had a crush on Dale for so long. He has just returned home from the war and through a chance meeting he saves her life. I have to say that was a funny moment in the story and I'm not sure Lucy was completely in control of her emotions. Can you imagine the man you have liked for so long, suddenly saves you from certain danger? This chain of events starts a whirlwind adventure for both of them. Can you see the headlines that read "Local hometown hero saves damsel in distress?" Well a newspaper sees a way to get recognized with a sensational love story and gets Bryce to cover the story. Of course Bryce had others stories he would much rather be writing. I can't tell you much about the story because I don't want to give any surprises away but I can say that it is well written with characters that each have dilemmas to work through. Will Lucy follow her heart or will fame get in the way? Can Bryce stand up to his father and follow his dream? What will Dale do when temptation offers him fame and fortune?
I loved how the author based this story on her parents life's and showed how difficult it was during that era. The mention of bonds was a big part of the era and she cleverly found a way to show the different ways people used to sale them. The story has a great theme about listening to God and doing the right thing. Sometimes we let pride get in the way which leads us to wrong decisions. I loved how the author took a story and made it captivating, romantic and an ending that will bring smiles to everyone.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not asked to write one.
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