Tag Archives: christian book reviews

Book Review Oct 2014

28 Oct

What with packing-cleaning-eating-sleeping-doctor appointments-meeting with friends, I am not going to be able to do a full book review with you this month! I will list them out for you and you can check them out for yourselves!

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers (not going to finish, didn’t like it enough to)

Libby’s Story by Judy Baer (still haven’t finished)

Castles: Maidens Meet Their Knights by  Tracie Peterson  (loved!)

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne  (loved!!!)

The Whitney Chronicles by Judy Baer  (love love)

Our house is pretty bare right now, and it’s only a few days until we load up the uhaul truck! I am excited, nervous, ready and kind of scared. This is the biggest move I’ve done – ever, so it’s a little hard on the nerves! But it will be so nice to have my OH home every evening, have a synagogue to be a part of, have a nice house and yard and to start a new adventure. I am not sure when I’ll get back on here – it will be a week or so I imagine.

But for today and until then, I leave you with these  deep words courtesy of Dutch Bros (and my mom’s cup) Book Review Oct 2014

Any favorites or new books you’ve found that just have to be shared??? 

don’t forget – you can find me on goodreads!!! 

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Book Review – Sept 2014

30 Sep

book review sept2014

“The Smallest Bookstore Still Contains More Ideas of Worth

Than Have Been Presented in the Entire History of Television.” -Andrew Ross

I disappeared there for a while, didn’t I? So sorry, I thought about you guys a lot if that’s any consolation. Not only has my body decided to behave worse than normal by adding in a few more pains and frustrations, it was Rosh Hashannah last week! My OH and I were able to go to a local community’s service for it. It was the first time I had been a part of a service for this special day so it was cool to be able to attend. This week is Yom Kippur, so I don’t know if I’ll end up missing posting again but for today we have this months’ book review!

I must say that I love the quote for this month. It kind of makes me chuckle for the truth of it.

And now let’s get on to the books! I didn’t get near as much reading done this month but two of them I have absolutely LOVED!

  • The Merchant’s Daughter – by Melanie Dickerson — Once the daughter of a wealthy merchant but now an indentured servant, Annabel faces danger and and choices she’d never dreamed of. Caught between the slimy baliff who presses his attentions on her and the new Lord Ranulf who is rumored to be beastly and absolutely terrifying, she believes that life in a nunnery is the way to solve her problems. But as her encounters with Lord Ranulf result in feelings of safety and happiness, Annabel must struggle to face her feelings and decide which plans she will follow – hers or God’s. ACK! I love this book. Last month I had just started it and mentioned it briefly in the review for August. It is now one of my favorites that I will probably end up buying.
  • The Healer’s Apprentice – by Melanie Dickerson  — As a woodcutter’s daughter, Rose knows that her opportunity to train under the healer of Hagenheim Castle is a rare opportunity. Even though she gets squeamish at the sight of blood she wants to prove herself capable. When Lord Hamlin is injured and Rose is the one to heal his wound, she feels emotions toward him that she knows are forbidden, for he is betrothed to a mysterious lady in hiding. —and yes, she did it again folks!! another favorite! The twists and turns that she incorporates into her stories are wonderful.
  • A Voice in the Wind – by Francine Rivers — Falling in love with a handsome aristocrat is ridiculous but that’s just what Hadassah has done. She clings to her faith that God will deliver them from decadent Rome while struggling with her feelings.  — I don’t know about this one. I’m really trying to like this novel . I feel like there are too many characters that seem to have no connection to each other and no real forward movement with the plot line…. I’m 80 pages into the almost 500 and still not sucked in. Normally at this point I just give up on it but I’ve been told that it is really good so I’ll probably dive back into it in the next few days. I’ll let you all know if my opinion changes.
  • Libby’s Story – by Judy Baer — A chance encounter brings together tenderhearted and loyal Libby Morrison and sensitive and angry Reese Reynolds. While Libby is struggling to take care of her aging parents and Reese is nursing self-pity over being paralyzed, their friendship slowly blossoms. — I really enjoy this book. It is actually the third in a ‘series’ ( i can’t find anything that says it is actually a series…) It is enjoyable on its’ own but much more so after having read the first two. Each covers the story of the three friends, Jenny, Tia and Libby. (Jenny’s Story, Tia’s Story and this one, Libby’s Story)
  • An Unexpected Match – by Gayle Roper — As an upstanding Amish woman, Rachel Beiler can’t believe what she’s doing. She begins a hidden life as a college student. All she wants to do is learn but she doesn’t know yet how it will change her and what it will cost her. On the first night of class she meets two people – Amy Steiner who has secrets of her own and Rob Lanier an army vet. — ummm, YES! As I’m sure you know if you’ve read at least a few of my book reviews, I love stories about the Amish. And this one has a plot that I’m not used to seeing so it was very fun to read and I definitely got drawn in quickly.

And that’s it! I think this is the least amount of reading I’ve done all year! But, I’m all set to start one of my favorite novels, Mara: Daughter of the Nile and have another favorite coming from the library!

Happy Reading friends and do share what you’ve been reading lately!

~Laura

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Book Review- May!

29 May

“A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ” – Chinese Proverb

How crazy everything has been! I am sorry  that this is the first post this week, but as it was a holiday earlier in the week, I’m sure you’ll forgive me. 

Right now my hands smell like lavendar thanks to the fabric softener that I just threw together… We will see how much I like it once the clothes have dried from waving in the wind.(I have a goal of hanging more laundry out to save money by not using the dryer as much but I abhor stiff clothes and towels.) I’ll let you know – and share with you what all I did to make it if it ends up being worth it! ha. 

Next for today is to clean the kitchen – how does it get dirty so fast? – and then make some strawberry jam. Yum! 

I think this past month I have read more than any other month this year! I love it.  There’s only a few books this time around that I’m not too excited about, but most of them have hearts or exclamation points next to them (that’s how I mark their rank to me. heart = love. ! = great etc…)  Now on to the list :

True Valor (book 2) by Dee Henderson – Part of the the Uncommon Heroes series. Gracie is a pilot in the Navy and Bruce is an Air Force Pararescue man. While they both are deployed, they write love letters until one day Gracie is shot down behind enemy lines. Bruce is part of the team that their only goal is to get her out alive. Henderson once again draws you into the military world with fantastic characters and descriptions.I also love the integral role that faith plays in the characters’ lives.  For the description of the first novel, click here- https://thestartofagoodlife.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/book-review-april/

True Honor (book 3) by Dee Henderson – last book of the Uncommon Heroes series. I think this is my favorite of the three. It is intense as its’ storyline deals with the September 11th attacks. Darcy St. James is a CIA officer gathering intelligence on the men profiting from the attacks. Sam “Cougar” Houston is a Navy Seal whose team gets deployed based on the information Darcy gathers. During this war, their romance flourishes. But then they find out that Darcy’s name is high on the terrorists’ hit list. I adore Darcy. She’s tough, gives her all and yet is overwhelmed and exhausted of keeping it all together. 

The Heartache No One Sees by Sheila Walsh – I must admit, I don’t think I’ve made it even halfway through this bible study book. It is good, but it isn’t turning out to be quite what I wanted. It is interesting learning more about Sheila Walsh – as she has her personal story in each chapter. This book is to help women with broken hearts from their past learn to accept Christ’s healing and acceptance. It is very well written, my disappointment with it has nothing to do with the actual book. Like I said, it’s more that I was searching for something else. 

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Take Hold by Ariel and D’vorah Berkowitz – This is off my OH’s bookshelf. And I have not picked it up as much as I want to. This book teaches about the unity and equality between Jewish believers and non- Jewish believers through Messiah;  the inheritance of non -Jewish believers through the covenants of Israel. As the back cover states “What is your relationship to the Land, the People and the Scriptures of Israel?”  

In Sheep’s Clothing by Susan May Warren – Gracie Benson is on the run – from the man who murdered her best friends. The man trying to keep her alive, an FSB agent, is haunted by mistakes of the past, and intent on catching the man who ruined his father’s life. What Gracie doesn’t know is that she carries a medical secret that in the right hands, could save millions. Outwitting the Russian old guard with a small group of friends is the only way to save Gracie’s life. ACK! I love love love this book. This romantic suspense, has everything you want in a novel! 

The Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman – This is a modern retelling of the Brother’s Grimm fairytale, Snow White and Rose Red. I must admit that I forgot how much I enjoy this book! Bear, a rough and mysterious young man shows up on Blanche and Roses’ doorstep. While the sisters’ opinions on him are opposite, he becomes their closest friend in New York City. But Blanche’s fear that he was putting her family in danger, become horribly real and they must fight for their lives. (!!!) This book is a must read! I got this years ago from a dear friend and it has become a yearly read for me. 

Black As Night by Regina Doman – This is also a modern retelling of a fairy tale. This time it is Snow White.  She handles this one as well as the last book. I am halfway through it right now – and don’t remember too much about it which makes it more fun to read!  A runaway girl named Nora is found in the vestibule by seven friars who work with the homeless. While they offer her a place of safety, Bear searches for his missing girlfriend, Blanche. This suspenseful story brings back the characters from the Shadow of the Bear book with a whole lot more background on them. (plus I just found out there’s another book to this retelling ‘series’! i’m so excited to find it!!!) 

The Belly Off Diet by Jeff Csatari – I got this book from the library to try out some new recipes. It’s actually from Men’s Health, and is interesting reading. It’s got a quick-start 7 day program – recipes, workouts, etc – that is proven and says that you will see results within days. The exercises don’t require a gym (always a plus!) and the meal plan isn’t one that leaves you full at the end of each day. It’s full of REAL food – spaghetti, chicken wings, pizza, taco salad, etc. I’ve tried several already and plan on keeping them in my ‘repetoire’! For anyone looking to lose that stubborn stomach weight but hate the gnawing on your insides because the portion sizes are too small – check this book out! 

 

I already have a list of books to read this coming month – some from the library, some from my own shelf! Including – but not limited to – Finding Betty Crocker, A Tiger in the Kitchen, Fast, Fresh and Green, A Beauty so Rare and finishing Take Hold. I do want to read the Anne of Green Gables series, but not sure when I’ll start that! 

Happy reading friend and I’ll talk with you next week! 

~Laura

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Book Review – February 2014

28 Feb

Hello hello! I am grabbing a few minutes in between everything to get this typed out (although I just realized I left the hummus and chips over on the kitchen counter… sigh). It is time for our monthly Book Review! I cannot believe how fast this month (mostly) went. I did not read as much of a variety of books this month as I had planned. I had wanted to start a book on Jewish culture and beliefs but will scootch that over to next month! I did have everything from a huge disappointment, to a try-and-read-as-much-as-you-can to ‘i’m in love with this book and all I want to do is read’ this month.

Well, let’s get started and hopefully you find something new to try!

  • Hans Brinker – by Mary Mapes Dodge  – — yes this was on last month’s list too! I FINALLY finished it. I must say I really enjoyed this classic ‘childrens’ tale although my interest did wane a bit in the middle. She does a fantastic job of describing Holland and telling the reader about the history of the place. The characters were delightful. My only problem was that it took me so long to read that I forgot who some of them were! sad. All in all, a delightful book.
  • A Northern Light – by Jennifer Donnelly  — another one that I started last month. this one, on the other hand, was a huge disappointment. I got to disc 3 (yes, it was an audiobook) Turned it off right away in shock at what I’d just heard and sent it back to the library the next day. sad.
  • Lights of the Veil – by Patty Metzer – – this is one of my ABSOLUTELY FAVORITES. I probably read this book three or more times a year. It is set in modern times, mostly in India – which makes it intriguing and fabulous right there. Christian faith and Hindu faith collide in this love story. Erica Tanner unexpectedly meets her late sister’s only son only to be kidnapped hours later and taken to India. Through bravery and lots of prayer, Erica unexpectedly makes a friend of  Prince Sajah Araji and through it all tries to fulfill her promise to her sister to not let her son be raised Hindu. It is a fantastic love story with suspense mixed in. All in all, a book that pulls you in from the first sentence ( I even had to read the first paragraph to my OH because her imagery is so wonderful)
  • Kisses From Katie – Katie Davis  — This one I heard of  from a blog I follow – Beyond the Cover  ( http://www.beyondthecoverblog.com/)  – and was able to get it from the library. It is a story of a young girl – fresh from high school- who put off college, said goodbye to her friends and boyfriend and headed to Uganda to do missionary work and how God changed her life, and those around her. Her entries are honest and touching – there isn’t any ‘prettying it up’ in this book.  It is a great, moving book. I absolutely recommend it. (I will say that the due date came and passed before I finished this! I read as much as I could before I absolutely had to take it back, which means I made it through all but the last two chapters)
  • The Shepherd’s Voice – Robin Lee Hatcher — This is another one of my favorites.  Finally free from prison, Gabe Talmadge can’t find work during the Great Depression. So he heads home to Ransom, Idaho to seek help from his harsh father. But he is rescued by a young woman that owns a sheep ranch. He is turned away by his father, but finds forgiveness and acceptance in Akira Macauley and in God. But tragedy strikes again and he must decide between his new faith and new life or if he will once again slide into the pit of despair and hopelessness. I absolutely adore Akira. If you must know, it’s more how I thought I would turn out to be! I love her depth of faith. This story is very sweet and a must read!
  • Duty and Desire – by Pamela Aidan — This is book two of her series on Mr. Darcy. Thank goodness for the library! This one is set more in his world – London and Pemberly. You get to know his sister, Georgianna, and some of his other relatives and friends more in this book. One of my favorite of his friends is Lord Dyfed Brougham. A great character. I am not sure that I have ever read this before… which is so fun! I just started this the other day so you will hear more of it next month!

I hope you found something you want to try  – let me know if you want more descriptions for the books…I have been hmming and hahing (how DO you spell those?) over it while I’ve been writing.

Well, it’s my OH’s birthday tomorrow – so if you know him – overwhelm him with your version of happy birthday on his voicemail or facebook. hehe. but don’t tell him that I encouraged you in it…

Happy Reading!

~Laura

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