Review: The Shepherd's Prayer

The Shepherd's Prayer by Richard M. Barry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This excellent book has become an annual CHRISTmas story to read. Well, actually, I listen to the audio version each year as I wrap presents. I first listened to it several years ago with my teen girls. It made me think about some Bible scenes differently. I have and will continue to recommend it. It will also continue to be a tradition at CHRISTmastime.

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Review: Thief of Corinth

Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will do a full review a little closer to the release date, but I will say that I loved this story and its characters. Tessa Afshar has written yet another winner! She has become an author that I just pre-order the book when I know she has one coming out because I just know it will be good!

August 7, 2018, Release Day review:

The short review: I loved it! Buy it! :)

The more detailed review:

I have thoroughly loved all the books by Tessa Afshar that I’ve read, and I plan on going back and reading older ones I didn’t find out about until I had read the newer ones. Matter of fact, I’ve already purchased the other ones to read instead of just borrowing them from the library.

Thief of Corinth is a great story. Although it is set in the 1st century, it will feel very relatable to those in the 21st century. Have you ever sought approval from a parent or grandparent, felt you needed to prove yourself, wanted to fit in? Are you a child of divorce? If you can answer yes to any of those questions, then you’ll be to relate to Ariadne, the main character.

This story has it all...adventure, romance, betrayal, redemption, plot twists, and a timeless message of hope. I particularly liked that actions had consequences and that Ariadne’s struggle to come to faith was realistic.

Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction (especially those set in Biblical times), books with redeeming themes, or books with a strong female lead.

I received a complimentary copy of Thief of Corinth from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. This review is my honest opinion of the book.



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Review: The Orphan's Wish

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Orphan’s Wish (Hagenheim Fairy Tale Romance series #8)
by Melanie Dickerson


Release Date: June 26, 2018

My rating: 4.5 stars

SUMMARY: After being orphaned and doing what he can to survive, you Aladdin is rescued and raised in a land far away from his birthplace where he meets Lady Kirstyn and becomes her friend. Through the years, their childhood friendship grows.

MY THOUGHTS: You may think you know the story of Aladdin, but author Melanie Dickerson takes his story and reinvents it. My teenage daughter is a long-time fan of Melanie Dickerson and has read everything Ms. Dickerson has ever written. My daughter told me time and again that I *must* read these reinvented fairy tales and that they are *so* good! Well, I never quite got around to it. When I saw NetGalley offer up the newest of the Hagenheim fairy tales, I jumped at the opportunity. After reading The Orphan’s Wish, I must admit my daughter is right. I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling and want to read more of them.

4.5 stars for the entertainment and enjoyment. I knocked a half star off, as the romantic struggle dragged on a bit too long for me.

Even though this is the eighth book in the Hagenheim Fairy Tale Romance series, I felt the story could easily be read and understood without having read the previous tales.

This book is recommended to anyone—tween to senior citizen—who likes fairy tales with clean romance.


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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.


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Review: The Captured Bride

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Captured Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #3)
by Michelle Griep

Release Date: June 1, 2018


My rating: 5 stars

SUMMARY: This third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series can be read without reading the first two. (But, if you’re into family trees, you’ll want to!) In this book, Mayflower descendant Mercy Lytton is a scout in the wilderness of New York during the French and Indian War. Her father was a Mohawk Native American and her mother was British. During a mission, she encounters traitor Elias DuBois and must work with him to help deliver a shipment of gold to the British.

MY THOUGHTS: This is my first story by this author, but I think I’ll be looking up some of her other books. I really enjoyed it because of its historical adventure, clean romance, and interwoven Christian faith. I especially liked Mercy’s development throughout the story in regard to her mother and in finding where she fits in her world. The twists and turns of Mercy and Elias’s adventures kept me turning the pages.

I ended up buying two copies of the paperback. One copy was for my church’s library, and the other is for a giveaway for our library’s monthly drawing. I decided to purchase the giveaway copy because of the author’s note at the end of the book. The story was partially based on the legend of the lost French gold, a well-known local (Minerva, Ohio) story.

This book is recommended to anyone who likes frontier adventures, clean romance, or genealogy. I’m looking forward to book 4!


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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: Fawkes

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fawkes
by Nadine Brandes

Release Date: July 10, 2018

My rating: 5 stars

SUMMARY: Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone. He lives in 17th century London, in the midst of a color war where the Keepers think the Igniters caused the Stone Plague and the Igniters think the Keepers did it. Thomas becomes mixed up in the plot to install a new king because his father says it will end the plague.

MY THOUGHTS: This historical fiction-yet-not-historical-fiction is so unique. It’s set against real events during the Gunpowder Plot of the 17th century, and yet it is also a fantasy story. What a brilliant idea. I want more of this hybrid kind of story! I enjoyed the plots and twists, the Christian undertones, and seeing Thomas grow and change and develop his own opinions. Definitely gets 5 stars for originality and for keeping me turning the pages while giving me something to think about it! I would have like to have seen a bit more explanation of things in the beginning, but as the story unfolded the knowledge came.

This book is recommended to anyone who likes historical fiction and/or fantasy or who is interested in a hybrid of the two.

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: No Less Days

No Less Days by Amanda G. Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a thought-provoking story and I love books that make me think! I may not agree with parts of the story, but neither can I offer a better solution. I actually read this book in 2 sittings in a 24 hour period. I believe it will be one not soon forgotten. I hope there's more of the story coming soon.

I intend to read more of this author. I've got her book Seek and Hide sitting on the shelf beside my reading chair. I will be buying No Less Days for our church library...it should spark some interesting discussion. It would be great for book club.

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review other than getting to keep the e-book.

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Review: The Little Siren

The Little Siren by J.M. Stengl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a review of the entire Faraway Castle series to date. (Cinder Ellie 0.5, Ellie & the Prince #1, The Little Siren 1.5, and The Siren & the Scholar #2). Ellie's stories can be read separately from the Siren's stories, but the stories do take place at the same time and overlap. You can snag the prequel story The Little Siren at the author's website...you'll want to read it before The Siren and the Scholar.

This is a delightful series set in a world of cars and cell phones and resorts, yet has the feel of a fairytale kingdom of yesteryear. In this world, you'll find new takes on old stories, such as Cinderella and The Little Mermaid (and coming later this year, Sleeping Beauty). You'll also find romance and mystery.

As a parent, I appreciated the "lightness" of the romance...hand-holding and a few kisses, no more. :)

I look forward to the next book(s) in the series. Recommended for tweens, teens, and lovers of all things fairytales.

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Review: Cinder Ellie

Cinder Ellie by J.M. Stengl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a review of the entire Faraway Castle series to date. (Cinder Ellie 0.5, Ellie & the Prince #1, The Little Siren 1.5, and The Siren & the Scholar #2)

This is a delightful series set in a world of cars and cell phones and resorts, yet has the feel of a fairytale kingdom of yesteryear. In this world, you'll find new takes on old stories, such as Cinderella and The Little Mermaid (and coming later this year, Sleeping Beauty). You'll also find romance and mystery.

As a parent, I appreciated the "lightness" of the romance...hand-holding and a few kisses, no more. :)

I look forward to the next book(s) in the series. Recommended for tweens, teens, and lovers of all things fairytales.

4.5 stars for fairytale fun



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Review: Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy

Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such an inspiring book! I found this book after the author mentioned on Facebook that their family had been on Extreme Home Makeover and that she had written a book about it. Someone in the comments provided a link to the YouTube video of the episode. After watching the video, I checked to see if my library had the book. I was glad I could read the full story, as the video did not show the spiritual aspect of the family.

I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the frankness of the author in dealing with her struggles to maintain joy through adversity. I usually struggle to read non-fiction, but this author writes in such an engaging way that I truly enjoyed reading. It reads like a novel. I would love an update that tells what has happened in the years since the book was published.

I'd recommend to anyone wanting an inspirational read or who is struggling to find the joy in their circumstances.

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Review: Just Under the Clouds

Just Under the Clouds by Melissa Sarno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just Under the Clouds is a middle-school book about two young girls and a mother living in NYC struggling after the death of the father. Essentially homeless, moving from place to place, the family does what it can to stay together. Cora, a middle-schooler, deals with bullying and taking care of her special needs younger sister. She loves and protects her little sister, yet at the same time, she feels the weight of that responsibility. Cora struggles with math, but is artistic like her mother and enjoys the science of trees like her father. She desires friendship but isn't really sure how to be a friend when her life is constantly being uprooted. She desires a home, but how do you have a home when you don't know if you'll be sleeping in the same place tomorrow night?

I thought this was a well-written, realistic story about the struggles of this family and how Cora deals with the adversity in her life. I think this book could open up some good discussions in the classroom or at home.

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: A Prairie Girl's Faith: The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder

A Prairie Girl's Faith: The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Stephen W. Hines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was an interesting and well-written book about the spiritual legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The author has done thorough research and gives ample evidence of her faith. I enjoyed reading what other people (outside the family) said about Laura, Manly, and others in the family. I also enjoyed reading snippets of Laura's later writings, which I had never read before. I learned of Laura's daughter Rose's influence on Laura's Little House books. Information on Pa's songs and recipes from Laura's life were bonuses. Highly recommended to die-hard fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

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Review: The Blessing

The Blessing by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hated for it to end!

This book kept me turning the pages. I hated when life interrupted my reading. I thoroughly loved this story and the characters. It made me both laugh and cry. I hated for it to end.

I was totally intrigued by the family's Hebrew-Christian faith and wonder how many families throughout history combined these two faiths?

As a genealogist myself, I love stories inspired by family history. I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction or inspirational romance.

5 stars for a great story, for keeping me wanting to read, and for its inspirational and encouraging message. I already bought a copy for our church library.

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Review: The Pirate Bride

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Pirate Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #2)
by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Release Date: April 1, 2018

My rating: 5 stars

SUMMARY: Adventure on the high seas, privateers, a feisty heiress, and lost treasure, oh my! What is not to love!? This second book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series can be read without reading the first. (But, if you’re into family trees, you’ll want to!) It is now one hundred years later, and 11-year-old Mayflower descendant Maribel Cordova loves reading, particularly books about pirates and adventures. Little does she know, she’s about to become a pirate—um, privateer—and have a great adventure! This book covers about ten years. I can’t say a whole lot about the story because I don’t want to give anything away.

MY THOUGHTS: Maribel is a spitfire you’ll fall in love with. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, and I wasn’t expecting that. I laughed and I sighed...I might have even shed a tear or two. It kept me turning the pages to see how it all would end. It’s a story of redemption and second chances. This book is recommended to anyone who likes ocean adventures, pirates, or genealogy. I’m looking forward to book 3!


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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: The Sound of Freedom

The Sound of Freedom by Kathy Kacer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Sound of Freedom
by Kathy Kacer

Release Date: 3/16/2018

My rating: 4.5 stars

SUMMARY: The Sound of Freedom is a middle-grade novel about a Jewish family in Krakow, Poland in 1936. Life has become increasingly more dangerous, as the violence and persecution of Jews ramp up. Anna is afraid if they don’t escape soon, something really bad will happen. Her father is a talented clarinetist in the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. Then they hear that Bronislaw Huberman is auditioning Jewish musicians from all over Europe for a new orchestra in Palestine. If her father auditions and is accepted, she and her grandmother can leave with him. Can father make the cut?

MY THOUGHTS: Stories of Jews in the Holocaust have fascinated me since I was kid and first read A Diary of Anne Frank and The Hiding Place. As an adult, I worked at a Jewish Center and met Holocaust survivors and got to hear their stories. My interest in the Holocaust is why I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The Sound of Freedom is a gentle introduction to the beginning of the Holocaust for middle-grade students. The story is told through the eyes of young Anna, focusing on the growing anti-Semitism she sees going on around her and that eventually happens to her. It is set in 1936, before Germany’s invasion of Poland and as Hitler is rising in power, so the real horrors of the Holocaust have not yet started.

While the story of Anna’s family is fiction, Bronislaw Huberman really was a world-renown violinist and really did create the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra and save over a thousand Jews by recruiting them for the newly formed orchestra. Anna’s story is representative of the lives saved by Bronislaw Huberman.

While the story is gentle, it does not make things all nice and tidy and happy. Some of the families leave the orchestra to go back to their homeland, and Anna is concerned for their safety and the reader is left to wonder what happened to them. The story also mentions the tensions between the Arabs and the Jewish peoples in Palestine, so Anna's family may have escaped Poland, but you wonder what will happen to them in Palestine.

I give the story 4.5 stars. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the time-period. I knocked off a half star because there were several times that Anna felt like the adult in the story. She is more concerned about the things she sees and hears about than her father and grandmother are. There are also times when Anna is disobedient to her father.

For home educators and teachers, The Sound of Freedom would make an excellent addition to a Holocaust study.

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.



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Review: Aru Shah and the End of Time

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Aru Shah and the End of Time (Pandava Quartet #1)
by Roshani Chokshi

Release Date: March 27, 2018

My rating: 4 stars

SUMMARY: Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is a middle school fantasy based on Hindu mythology. It is the first book of the proposed Pandava Quartet and the first book for the “Rick Riordan Presents” collection.

I have never read Rick Riordan (gasp!), but my younger daughter loves mythology and has devoured them all. I think she will enjoy Aru Shah as well, although we have never studied Hindu mythology.

Aru is a modern day student who has a tendency to lie (later she decides she has the gift of imagination and not a gift of lying). She is trying to survive middle school, where she often lies in order to try to fit in with the crowd. She is a bit resentful of the fact that it’s just her and her mom, they live in a museum, and her mom never has time for her because she is always flying off to do work for the museum.

One day, three classmates—wanting to catch her in a lie—dare her to light a lamp in the museum that Aru says is cursed. She figured it won’t hurt to just do a quick lighting of it., then she’d blow it out and “never ever ever lie again.” Of course, you know how these things go….something bad always happens. In this case, the “quick light” of the lamp releases a demon whose job is to wake up the Hindu god of destruction who will destroy the world. Nothing major, right?!

Aru, who learns that she is the reincarnation of one of the legendary Pandova brothers of ancient Hindu mythology, must locate the other reincarnated brothers and stop the demon from waking up the god. And, man, she’s still in her Spider-Man jammies….

MY THOUGHTS: As a Christian, I obviously do not believe in mythology or reincarnation, but this story was still a very fun read for me, even though at times it was very middle-schoolish in attitudes and actions. I learned a lot about Hindu mythology. There were several funny places, a talking pigeon, and mythological creatures galore.

I do wish I had seen that there was a glossary in the back of the book before I finished it, but that was my fault for not seeing it in the table of contents.

I would recommend it to middle-grade students who enjoy mythology.

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: Long Way Gone

Long Way Gone by Charles Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Long Way Gone
(c) 2017
by Charles Martin


My rating: >5 stars

SUMMARY: Long Way Gone covers about a twenty-year period of the life of Cooper O’Connor, son of a tent-revival preacher, a gifted musician, and a talented songwriter. It’s about a rebellious young man and the sacrificial, never-ending love of a father. Long Way Gone is a story of the prodigal son like you’ve never read before.

MY THOUGHTS: This is my first book by author Charles Martin, and it was recommended to me by a local librarian. After I brought it home from the library, I renewed it over a period of two months before I decided I better read it because the librarian kept asking me what I thought of it. Sounded interesting, but I just didn’t think I’d really enjoy it. Wow, was I ever wrong!

I love music—all kinds of music, but I’m not a musician and I can’t sing a lick. But music—particularly hymns and Christian worship songs—speaks to me and moves me to a greater worship of my Heavenly Father. This story grabbed me from the beginning with its in-depth knowledge of instruments, particularly guitars, music, and the great love of a father. Charles Martin’s words were sheer poetry in some places!

It’s real, it’s honest, it’s heart-wrenching, it’s funny. There is just so much to this book.

If you are a prodigal child, you need to read this book. Even if you don’t have an earthly father that would do all he could to bring you back home, you do have a Heavenly Father Who does. “No gone is too far gone.”

Don’t miss this one!

Long Way Gone is one of the most powerful retellings of the prodigal son that I have ever read, and I am sure the story will stick with me for a long time. Long Way Gone makes me want to read more by the author! I will be recommending this one to friends, and I’ve already purchased a copy for our church library. Matter of fact, I think I’m going to buy another copy as our June (Father’s Day) giveaway!


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This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: Navigating Early

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Navigating Early
(c) 2013
by Clare Vanderpool

My rating: 4.5 stars

SUMMARY: Jack and Early, two middle-school boys at a boarding school in Maine, struggle with the realities of life during World War II. Jack recently lost his mother and his father is in the military. Early is autistic savant who sees stories in numbers—particularly a never-ending story in the never-ending number, pi. During a school holiday, they leave school and set out on a quest on the Appalachian Trail. But this quest will become personal in more ways than they could imagine. They’ll meet a lot of people—some friendly, some not—and learn that all are lost in some way, that each struggle with their own personal issues, and that all are part of the story of pi. And, along the way, they just might find themselves and their place in this world.

MY THOUGHTS: Navigating Early is a story (Jack & Early) within a story (pi). Or is it the other way ‘round? I enjoyed the mysteries within mysteries and the almost fantasy-feeling of some parts of the story. Was it coincidence or was more going on here than meets the eye? We may never know. And, along the way, I learned about gifted autistic children and some history on the number pi. Definitely not your average middle-grade novel!

I enjoyed Navigating Early more than I expected. It’s one of those novels that can speak to older as well as young adults. I do think it would be better understood by high school students than middle grade students. The novel contains some deep thoughts.

Navigating contains some great quotes that will give older students and adults food for thought. Here’s an example of one. Jack recalls an incident earlier in his childhood. Before the day of a big soapbox derby, Jack left his car out in the rain and it is ruined. His father told him, “...you made your bed, now you’ll have to lie in it.” His mother, however, tells him, “Yes, you made your bed, but for heaven's sake, don't just lie in it! Jackie, if you don't like the bed you're in, take it apart and make it right.” Younger students might just fly by that statement, but adults and older students might sit and think what great advice his mother gave.

I definitely recommend this award-winning novel! Homeschooling families and teachers desiring to use it in an educational setting should note that the author has a free guide for educators on her website, http://clarevanderpool.com/navigating...

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This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: Wishtree

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wishtree
by Katherine Applegate


SUMMARY: Red is an oak tree more than 200 years old. But he is more than just an oak tree, he is also a wishtree. For many years, it has become a tradition to tie wishes onto his branches each May. However, this year someone carves a word into his trunk, and Red decides to do something about it.

MY REVIEW: Have you ever heard of a “raggy tree” or a “wish tree?” It’s an old tradition from Ireland. I had never heard of it before.

This is a beautiful story, relevant in today’s world. It is a middle-school story but without the usual attitudes and actions of middle-schoolers. Except for one incident of intolerance, which is what drives the story. There are funny moments, and there are poignant moments. There are many “make you think” moments.

The story is told from Red’s view from where he has grown for the past 200+ years. He has many friends who nest in his branches or nearby. He is ever the optimist, ever hopeful, and “everyone needs to hope.” One day he decides that two people *need* to be friends and wonders how to make it happen, and so he hatches a plan, saying “Trees are the strong silent type. Unless we’re not.”

I absolutely adored the illustrations, as I love pencil drawings.

This is definitely a book for all classrooms, about 4th grade to 8th. Younger if you’re reading aloud. And even older students can appreciate it’s message. For homeschooling families, it would make a great unit study.

MY RATING: 5 stars for its message of hope. Highly recommend this one! We need more books like it.


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Review: The Room on Rue Amélie

The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Room on Rue Amélie
by Kristin Harmel

SUMMARY: This is the story of an American woman, a young Jewish girl, and a British RAF pilot during the occupation of Paris in WWII.

MY REVIEW: I enjoy historical fiction, though I normally read Christian fiction. While there is some language, including taking the Lord’s name in vain, and some sex, it was not overwhelming. I did not agree with character’s visions of heaven. However, it was a great story and one not soon forgotten.

I got hooked by the story immediately, and the story kept me turning pages long after I said: “I really should stop here and finish tomorrow…..well, just one more chapter.” :) I ended up staying up until 2:30 a.m. to finish it. I pretty much read it in one sitting.

A few things in the story felt just a little unrealistic and it was a bit predictable.

This was the first book I’ve read by the author, but I’d definitely be willing to read more.

MY RATING: 4.5 stars for keeping me turning the pages until the wee hours.
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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: The Ten Plagues

The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Imagine...The Ten Plagues
by Matt Koceich

Imagine...The Ten Plagues is the second release in a series for kids ages 8 to 12. I have not read the first book in the series, but I felt this story could totally stand on its own.

As a homeschooling family, we’ve always enjoyed books with a bit more meat to them and a lot less modern language/slang in them. It had nothing to do with the school scenes and bullying. My issues were more in the way the ancient people talked, the way the main character was portrayed sometimes, and some unrealistic scenes. Overall, it just didn’t have a historical fiction feel to it, and it certainly didn’t bring the Bible story to life. There was nothing to really help the reader understand the magnitude and effects of the plagues. Also, parts of it felt rushed.

The story concept certainly is not new (modern kid goes back to Biblical times), but it wasn’t done particularly well or in a way that makes me want to read any more of the series. I love historical fiction, particularly Biblical, but this is one I just really can’t recommend.

I am the librarian for our church library, and I have spent the last few years trying to find good, quality books to expand our tween and teen section. I really debated whether or not to even purchase the series to add to our tween section. In the end, I did buy the first two books, as I do believe some children might enjoy the series, but I don’t see it being a favorite series loved by many.

MY RATING: 2 stars for the attempt. It wasn’t awful; it was just “meh.”

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: The Mayflower Bride

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Mayflower Bride
by Kimberley Woodhouse

Most Americans are pretty familiar with the trials of those who came over on the Mayflower, but this story draws us in, and we live through the voyage with these brave men and women in a way that makes the story and struggles become more real. The majority of the story takes place through the eyes of two fictional characters, William and Mary Elizabeth. They each work through personal difficulties and doubts, as well as the hardships of the voyage. I felt the characters’ struggles were very realistic.

I really enjoyed this story and the extra information that the author provided before and after the story. What originally drew me to the story was the fact it was a series that would focus one family’s descendants from the Mayflower through various times in history. As a genealogy buff, this really appealed to me and reminded me of Gilbert Morris’ The House of Winslow series which I enjoyed many years ago. I look forward to reading more of the series and would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

MY RATING: A solid 4 stars for entertaining me, holding my interest, and providing strong examples of relying on God in adversity.

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review.  This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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Review: The View from Rainshadow Bay

The View from Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The View from Rainshadow Bay (Lavender Tides #1)
by Colleen Coble

SUMMARY: It’s been a year since her husband’s death in a tragic rock-climbing accident, and Shauna struggles to raise their young song and make ends meet. A friend’s final words to her before he is murdered convinces Shauna she is in danger. She teams up with her husband’s best friend to unravel secrets that have been around since her childhood.

MY REVIEW: Well, I wonder if I’m the only one who has never read Colleen Coble before? I admit I picked this one up because I love the smell of lavender and it’s got a gorgeous cover. LOL. Although murder mysteries are not my usual cup of tea (because I never know “whodunnit” until the author reveals it!), I have seen this author’s books everywhere and thought “Why not?” And I was pleasantly surprised. I actually enjoyed it!

I really liked the characters. They felt realistic in their struggles with their faith and with their grief. There was enough doubt cast on various characters in the story to make you suspect several, and yet a few surprises were also thrown in. I would recommend it to my friends, and I will be purchasing this one for our church library. I also plan to read rest of the series when they are published. Hmm, perhaps Colleen Coble will get me hooked on murder mysteries!

The only thing I felt was off in the story was that the killer seemed so much more cold-hearted in the beginning than the end. At the end, he didn’t really want to kill again. I don’t know it just seemed inconsistent with the development of his character at the beginning.

MY RATING: 4 stars. I decided to go ahead and give it 4 stars despite the off feeling with the killer at the end. I did really enjoy the story. It kept me wanting to read to find out what happened.

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review.  This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review other than getting to keep the e-book.

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Review: The Girl Who Drank the Moon

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill

SUMMARY: On a particular day each year, the leaders of a village place a baby in the forest to keep the forest witch at bay. However, the witch does not understand why on earth the people would leave a child out each year and takes the child and places him or her into a loving home in another town. But one year, she keeps the child. And that’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

MY REVIEW: This enjoyable, fairytale-like book had many humorous scenes and had good messages of love and forgiveness. Good discussions can be had on abuse of power, control, prejudices, and following without questioning.

The witch—with the help of a poetic bog monster and a Perfectly Tiny dragon—is kept on her toes raising Luna, a child full of magic. Parents reading the story will laugh at some of “joys” of child-rearing. This story covers Luna’s first 13 years of life.

While there is much fun, adventure, magic, and love in the story, there is also much sorrow, depression, grief, and madness. There are also a few creepy parts. Like paper birds that attack “without mercy” and disfigure and sit in trees, watching you. This story might be labeled for grades 5-8, but perhaps it might be better suited for a bit older of an audience.

I did find the middle of the book slower than the beginning or the end, but overall I enjoyed the story immensely. I’m going to give it to my fairy tale-loving 17yo daughter to read next.

In many places, the writing is lyrical and beautiful. In others, it’s repetitive. Here are a couple of quotes I enjoyed.

“My love is not divided. It’s multiplied.”
and
“She dreamed of oceans of ink and forests of quills and an endless bog of words. She dreamed of all of it in abundance.”

3.5 stars. I deliberated over how many stars to give this book. In the end, I came up with four stars because it is very enjoyable even though it has some slowness and repetitiveness, but I felt I needed to deduct half of a star for being marketed to as low as 5th graders when it will be best understood by older students.

This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.


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Review: A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home

A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home by Henry Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great children's book with delightful drawings

This story has such delightful drawings! As an adult, I enjoyed the story. I learned about Audubon's techniques and that he employed a young boy to draw the backgrounds. I did not realize that Audubon killed and then positioned most of his subjects for drawing. I think children who are not sensitive to death of animals will enjoy this story.

Celeste, the main character, spends much time avoiding death by the household cat. She is also bullied by fellow rodents. And she is seeking a home. Along the way, she finds friendship, love, and many adventures.

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Review: Marabel and the Book of Fate

Marabel and the Book of Fate by Tracy Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun fantasy story for middle schoolers, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys girl heroes or fairy tales and myths.

Marabel is a princess and twin to her "Chosen One" brother. She lives in his shadow but loves him, her family, and her kingdom. When he is kidnapped, she sets off to bring him back. There is so much fun in this adventure: many references to familiar tales and even to some modern things (like "elfies," pictures of you drawn by elves). While there is a lot of fun and puns and hilarious times, along the way Marabel learns about biases and prejudices and teamwork. She also learns she's stonger than she thinks.

I enjoy a good story that makes me chuckle and gives me something to think about. This story did that. Many middle-grade stories that I read these days seem to "dumb down" the wording or sentence structure within the story; this one did not. While it may not be rich in its vocabulary, at least I did not feel talked down to. I definitely would recommend Marabel and the Book of Fate for school libraries and language arts classrooms.  

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.  I was not required to give a positive review.  This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review other than getting to keep the e-book. 

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Review: Bread of Angels

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great story! I love how the author takes a few verses from the Bible and then creates a great backstory. I did not realize until after I had finished this book that her novel The Land of Silence tied into this novel and actually comes first in sequence of time. However, it is not necessary to read it first. The books can each fully stand alone.

For this novel, Tessa Afshar creates a backstory for Lydia, the seller of purple who has a brief mention in the New Testament. The story is plausible and enjoyable. I learned so much about business and dyeing in the early church time. Lydia definitely had to be courageous and determined to make it as a businesswoman of that time period. I enjoyed the humorous spots and fell in love with some great quotes. My favorite was “I follow a scarred Redeemer. Somehow I think our scars become holy in the shadow of His. And His plans are made perfect in the demolition of our own devices.” (page 290). We can learn a lot from Tessa Afshar's Lydia!

I highly recommend this author. I have enjoyed three of her novels so far and have purchased all three for my church library. I look forward to reading more of her books.

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Review: Land of Silence

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Tessa Afshar has done an outstanding job of taking familiar scenes from the Bible and turning them into an amazing story. This is my third novel from this author. I ended up staying up until 1:00 a.m. to finish it because I just couldn't put it down!

The author is very talented at creating a plausible backstory for the various Biblical characters within her stories. By the time we get to the scenes of the Bible that we already know, the backstory has made us feel so deeply for the characters that we forget this is just a fictional scenario of how the Biblical characters came to be part of that passage. The Bible gives us glimpses into various people's lives. Some more than others. Tessa Afshar gives us one possibility of their life fleshed out. And, oh what glorious tales they have been! Can't wait to read more of this author. I also hope some of the characters from Land of Silence make it into a book of their own! I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes historical or Biblical fiction.

5 stars and I also purchased a copy for my church library. :)

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Review: The Man He Never Was: A Modern Reimagining of Jekyll and Hyde

The Man He Never Was: A Modern Reimagining of Jekyll and Hyde by James L. Rubart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the first book by James L. Rubart that I have read, and I'm sure it won't be the last. As with the author's other books, this intriguing novel gives you much to think about. If you've ever read and studied [i]The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde[/i], then you know where this story is going. And if you're a Christian, then you really understand this story. Inside each of us is both good and bad; the one we feed the most is the one we show the most.

As with other books by this author, there are supernatural elements, but it's not a Sci-Fi or fantasy novel. It's the story of a modern-day man who wakes up one day and discovers he disappeared eight months before after leaving a note that could be construed as a suicide note. He's not the man he used to be, and he never wants to be that man again....and that's the struggle.

Well worth a read, even if books with a few supernatural elements are not your normal cup of tea.
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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review other than getting to keep the e-book.

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Review: The War on Christmas: Battles in Faith, Tradition, and Religious Expression

The War on Christmas: Battles in Faith, Tradition, and Religious Expression by Bodie Hodge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book that demonstrates how CHRISTmas has become so secular. It offers many reasons why this has happened and how it has happened through history. The book also gives some good information on original meanings of various words in scripture, as well as dispelling myths that have become integrated in the nativity narrative. Knowing how it's become so secular can lead to being intentional about making the season more meaningful for yourself and your family. It's an excellent start to your research of the Bible passages that tell about the birth of Jesus Christ.

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Books: My Year in Reivew

 I surpassed my goal of 50 books to be read in 2017.  Below is the link to the books I read:

Books Read: 2017 Year in Review

Review: Weighing Shadows

Weighing Shadows by Lisa Goldstein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although I normally read Christian fiction, I also enjoy some sci-fi and time-travel. This book, however, had too much of a feminist agenda for me. In addition, there were parts of the story that were just too unbelievable. (I mean who jumps into a car with a stranger to be taken to a job interview?! And then accepts the job before being told what the job really is? Who doesn't ask a lot of questions when told the company uses time-travel to make "little changes" in history?) The story is an interesting concept and a fairly enjoyable read, but not for me.

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Review: The Witch With The Glitch

The Witch With The Glitch by Adam Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun middle-school read. Definitely not my normal choice of books to read, but what's not inviting about an old bookstore with a secret room that leads to adventures? I'm not into witches, werewolves, ghosts, and vampires, but it was a fun read and better than many middle school books of today that I've read. I did think it odd that it was midway through the book before the authorial intrusion began. It was a bit jarring when it first occurred. The story alluded to other adventures, even though this is the first book, so be on the lookout for more.

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