The Smoke: New York (Tales of a Revolution) by Lars H.D. Hedbor – When war breaks out between the British and Colonial forces, the peaceful life of the Skarure is destroyed. Joseph Killeen is a young Colonial soldier that has to rely on an unexpected source to survive the dangerous chaos that pits brother against brother. The community he finds himself among teaches him right from wrong and most importantly, who he is.
~This ranks as my favorite so far of Hedbor’s books. I thoroughly enjoyed the story being set so much in the forest. The twists and turns throughout as well as the ending were well executed. Highly recommend.
The Oath: Georgia (Tales from a Revolution) by Lars H.D. Hedbor – In a siege around Savannah, James finds unexpected friends among the French soldiers sent to help the American cause. Friendship becomes brotherhood through oaths, but will that be sufficient?
~ I appreciated how Georgia was portrayed – as someone that’s only spent one night there because of a layover, I liked the picture that Hedbor created of a state trying to win freedom from the British. I did struggle getting through this story, as there seemed to be a lot of extra explaining. However, with the fact in mind that these are used to help teach readers about the American Revolution, as well as the target audience being young adult, I overlooked it as best I could. I did like the main character, James, and the structure of how the story was told.
The Hammer of Fate: Alone Among Stars by Tim Maddox – Ward Martel finally knows where Lady Hannah is being held captive. He flies to her rescue, but there are mountains between them, not to mention a lot of enemies keen to kill him at a moment’s notice.
~As usual with Maddox’s books, this was a fun adventure story with some fabulous sword fights, sweet romance, cunning on hero and villain’s sides and some interesting creatures. I loved how Ward helped those he came in contact with along the way. This story didn’t grab me the same way that Snow White and Rose Red or Wraith did, but it was still a fun quick read.
This House Was Mine by Francis McMannus – In the 1930’s a family is split apart by an early death and the severe life that led to it.
~This is known as an Ireland classic, originally published in 1937. I knew nothing about it when I picked it up and must confess that I had a hard time getting into it as it does have some conceited characters that just irritated me, ha! But as I passed probably the half-way mark, I started enjoying it more. I feel that this is one of those books that I can cautiously recommend, almost as a character study of how not to treat those around you… Well written and I can see why it’s considered a classic.
Upon Waking: 60 Daily Reflections to Discover Ourselves and the God We Were Made For by Jackie Hill Perry – From Goodreads: In her lyrical, compelling, and poignant voice, bestselling author and Bible teacher Jackie Hill Perry offers sixty short, daily reflections on specific passages from Scripture to help you awaken to the God you were made for, the life you were made for, and the person you were made to be.
~Since this is a sixty day sort-of devotional, it took me about a year to finish it… I found that I got more out of the short chapters when I did it at the beginning of my personal bible study time, rather than at the end, like I started out doing. It isn’t meant to be a one-and-done book study, it’s to compliment your bible study time, and I can readily agree with that. The insights were ones that I’d often find myself sharing with friends. Definitely recommend.
Currently Reading:
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep
No Sky But Red by J.T. Martinson (ebook)
Psalms : The Prayers of God’s People by Jen Wilkin et al
Upcoming Hopefuls:
A Vacation to Remember by yours truly and others
The Librocubicularist by Jenny Marsden
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
