This week's winner is Alyssa from Reader's Refuge! Sending an email now.. like most contests.. 48 hours to reply with address! Thanks to all who entered...guess I still have some followers! Watch for new giveaway and new weekly meme tomorrow!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Delivered with Love {review}
Title: Delivered with Love
Author: Sherry Kyle
Publisher: United Methodist Publishing House
Available: Now
Source: Netgalley
About the book:
An old love letter found in her recently departed mother's vintage '72 VW bug inspires Claire James on a journey to search out the writer of the letter. It was very easy to leave her current life in Los Angeles because her sister and husband kicked her out, she lost her job and had nowhere else to be. After a series of frustrating events, she finds herself in Capitola, CA and in the middle of even more mystery into her mother's past life. Trying to find one man leads to the discovery of even more than she could have realized.
My take:
This book has it's good and bad. I really had trouble with the naivete of Claire, granted she was only 23, but coming from LA, she should have known better to get into vehicles with strangers in this day and age...let alone going home with a tow truck driver? Just wasn't plausible for me. Their was a lot of God will Provide situations that always seemed to work out...may have been more believable if God answered no a few times instead of really weird coincidences. But...all that aside... the author has a knack for writing...the descriptions, the character developments, the plot..all there... so for a debut author...pretty good...I'll keep a watch to see what she comes up with next. I think this book would be good for a younger reader (12-16)...a coming to age book if you will.
About the author:
While this is her first novel, she has written a tween book called The Christian Girl's guide to Style. She has a few more books to be released in the next couple of years. You can find out more about Sherry Kyle on her website!
Author: Sherry Kyle
Publisher: United Methodist Publishing House
Available: Now
Source: Netgalley
About the book:
An old love letter found in her recently departed mother's vintage '72 VW bug inspires Claire James on a journey to search out the writer of the letter. It was very easy to leave her current life in Los Angeles because her sister and husband kicked her out, she lost her job and had nowhere else to be. After a series of frustrating events, she finds herself in Capitola, CA and in the middle of even more mystery into her mother's past life. Trying to find one man leads to the discovery of even more than she could have realized.
My take:
This book has it's good and bad. I really had trouble with the naivete of Claire, granted she was only 23, but coming from LA, she should have known better to get into vehicles with strangers in this day and age...let alone going home with a tow truck driver? Just wasn't plausible for me. Their was a lot of God will Provide situations that always seemed to work out...may have been more believable if God answered no a few times instead of really weird coincidences. But...all that aside... the author has a knack for writing...the descriptions, the character developments, the plot..all there... so for a debut author...pretty good...I'll keep a watch to see what she comes up with next. I think this book would be good for a younger reader (12-16)...a coming to age book if you will.
About the author:
While this is her first novel, she has written a tween book called The Christian Girl's guide to Style. She has a few more books to be released in the next couple of years. You can find out more about Sherry Kyle on her website!
5 out of 7 thumbs.. (worth a read from the library)
Received a copy for review through netgalley in return for an unbiased review. No other compensation was given.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Divergent
Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins
Available: NOW
Source: Library
About the book:
Beatrice (Trys) is turning 16 and she must choose her faction. Each faction represents a virtue, her original faction was selfless, but Trys never saw herself as selfless and her test results came back Divergent. The trouble being, Divergent is not a faction and her test monitor told her never to reveal that about herself. She chooses the path of courage and finds herself in mortal danger and in love.
My take:
Divergent is a dystopian (sort of like Hunger Games). The difference being, I actually liked Divergent better! I think because there was much more action. There have been a surplus of divergent novels the last few years, but this is one of the better ones. It's a huge book, but really didn't take me long to devour it flew along so darn fast! There are a few plot problems that will probably be answered in the next book (hopefully), and I won't state them here because they would spoil the book for you. This is a YA science fiction...but Roth herself is a Christian and brought God into the book. Not alot..but enough to know he's there. If you don't like gore...I'd step away tho'. If you are a dystopian fan..pick it up..I noticed a trend in reviews...it's either hated or loved.. which are you?
About the author:
She finds herself in the Dauntless faction because she values courage and she wears a lot of black. To see for yourself a little more about Veronica Roth, visit her blog!
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins
Available: NOW
Source: Library
About the book:
Beatrice (Trys) is turning 16 and she must choose her faction. Each faction represents a virtue, her original faction was selfless, but Trys never saw herself as selfless and her test results came back Divergent. The trouble being, Divergent is not a faction and her test monitor told her never to reveal that about herself. She chooses the path of courage and finds herself in mortal danger and in love.
My take:
Divergent is a dystopian (sort of like Hunger Games). The difference being, I actually liked Divergent better! I think because there was much more action. There have been a surplus of divergent novels the last few years, but this is one of the better ones. It's a huge book, but really didn't take me long to devour it flew along so darn fast! There are a few plot problems that will probably be answered in the next book (hopefully), and I won't state them here because they would spoil the book for you. This is a YA science fiction...but Roth herself is a Christian and brought God into the book. Not alot..but enough to know he's there. If you don't like gore...I'd step away tho'. If you are a dystopian fan..pick it up..I noticed a trend in reviews...it's either hated or loved.. which are you?
About the author:
She finds herself in the Dauntless faction because she values courage and she wears a lot of black. To see for yourself a little more about Veronica Roth, visit her blog!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
American Dream {review}
Title: American Dream
Authors: Colleen Reece, Norma J. Lutz, Susan Martins Miller
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Available: now
Source: Netgalley
About the book:
Take a step back into history, these four books start in 1620 in Holland and end up in America in 1765. The first book takes the reader on a trip on the Mayflower with Sarah, a 10 year old who is leaving Holland for religious reasons to the new world. The second book features Rebekah, an 11 year old who has to learn about the struggles in the new world and unfortunately about devastating loss. The third book, 12 year old Maggie wants to help a slave girl and finally the fourth book finds Lizzie in trouble for trying to help an injured British soldier.
Take a step back into history, these four books start in 1620 in Holland and end up in America in 1765. The first book takes the reader on a trip on the Mayflower with Sarah, a 10 year old who is leaving Holland for religious reasons to the new world. The second book features Rebekah, an 11 year old who has to learn about the struggles in the new world and unfortunately about devastating loss. The third book, 12 year old Maggie wants to help a slave girl and finally the fourth book finds Lizzie in trouble for trying to help an injured British soldier.
My take:
I wish they had these sorts of Christian fiction books when I was a pre-teen. These books are a wonderful way to not only enhance your child's sense of history but also to show them more about Christian faith. The books use actual key figures in the telling of the stories and have biographies of those figures at the end and also a time line and glossaries. What a wonderful addition to a home school library, but even a great addition for a child in secular school when they history class glosses over the reasons behind why things were done because that would involve the use of the word GOD! I'd say these were written for the 9-12 year old range, but if you have any reader that loves history..pick up this collection!!! The stories all feature girls this time around, but there are some boys involved so some boys may find it interesting. The stories are wonderfully written and will definitely keep the readers immersed in the book.
7 thumbs up!
This book was given to me by Netgalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way nor did I have to give a positive review.
Monday, August 8, 2011
GIVEAWAY!
I haven't had a giveaway in awhile... So just to see if anyone is still reading I am giving away my copy of Sweet Sanctuary (adults) or School of Fear (middle grades).
To enter...leave a comment with your email address and if you have a blog I'd love to come read it...leave me a link! Don't forget to tell me which book you want.
Hurry...Contest ends Friday, August 12!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sweet Sanctuary
Title: Sweet Sanctuary
Author: Sheila Walsh and Cindy Coloma
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Author: Sheila Walsh and Cindy Coloma
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Available: now
Source: BookSneeze
About the Book:
Wren and her son, Charlie have been muddling along in Maine without the help of anyone. When her grandmother arrives on her doorstep demanding a party, her son wanting to move to the big city for school and the threat of more family dysfunction and fights on the horizon, Wren isn't sure where to turn. She knows she doesn't want another man in her life, but Paul seems to have the right answers at the right time. Can she face the past and come to terms with answers she may not want or is time to sprout those wings and fly away?
My Take:
This is not a simple book to sink your teeth into. There are a lot of unsaid questions at the beginning of the book to try and hook you into reading it all. I did think there were a few scenes that could have been dealt with better (maybe more thoroughly exploring the issue), but for the most part a well written suspenseful romance. If you are looking for strictly romance, I would shy away from this one, because there is much more to this story. Forgiveness seems to be the key word in this book, and this is one area in which I wish the authors would have shown a bit more like adding more key scriptures and spiritual guidance. I'd recommend this book for anyone who is weathering their own storms in life and needs to find shelter or for anyone looking for something a little more challenging to read.
5 thumbs!
I was given this book by booksneeze for a honest review. No other compensation was given and I was not required to post a positive review.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
52 Ways to Wow Your Husband
Title: 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband
Author: Pam Farrel
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Available: now
Source: Netgalley
About the Book:
If you are looking for a way to spice up your romance to your husband and become closer to him in a spiritual, physical or emotional way, pick up this book. Pam Farrel connects to her audience in a very easy to read, and understand style. There are some great inspirational stories as well as assignments to keep you busy all year long.
My take:
I will definitely be buying this book as soon as my local Christian bookstore gets it in...or they will be ordering it for me. There were 52 reasons to get this book. The things that I have done so far have definitely made him notice! The ideas range from easy to complex, from free to costs a bit. There is no set order, and I can see some of these ideas lasting a little longer than a week, so this book (if I can keep it hidden) will last for awhile. We have been married for 19 years and with five kids, we have started to take each other for granted....this book came along at a great time to help spice up our time together. Even if you have only been married a short time this would be a great addition to your library to help you get to know your husband better. The chapters are set up with wow assignments, wow wisdom and wow dates. Perfect addition to your devotion time as the chapters are quick and to the point.
About the Author:
The author and her husband have written over 26 books, mostly about marriage and Christian growth. They are the parents of 3 active children, ages 20 to 26 and have been working with couples their entire adult life. To relax, Pam and Bill enjoy cheering for their sons at sporting events, reading, and exercising together...especially when it consists of kayaking or a long walk at the beach. They speak frequently at seminars and you can find them and a ton of good advice on their love-wise site.
7 thumbs up!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through Netgalley for my honest review. No other compensation was given and I was not required to give a positive review.
Author: Pam Farrel
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Available: now
Source: Netgalley
About the Book:
If you are looking for a way to spice up your romance to your husband and become closer to him in a spiritual, physical or emotional way, pick up this book. Pam Farrel connects to her audience in a very easy to read, and understand style. There are some great inspirational stories as well as assignments to keep you busy all year long.
My take:
I will definitely be buying this book as soon as my local Christian bookstore gets it in...or they will be ordering it for me. There were 52 reasons to get this book. The things that I have done so far have definitely made him notice! The ideas range from easy to complex, from free to costs a bit. There is no set order, and I can see some of these ideas lasting a little longer than a week, so this book (if I can keep it hidden) will last for awhile. We have been married for 19 years and with five kids, we have started to take each other for granted....this book came along at a great time to help spice up our time together. Even if you have only been married a short time this would be a great addition to your library to help you get to know your husband better. The chapters are set up with wow assignments, wow wisdom and wow dates. Perfect addition to your devotion time as the chapters are quick and to the point.
About the Author:
The author and her husband have written over 26 books, mostly about marriage and Christian growth. They are the parents of 3 active children, ages 20 to 26 and have been working with couples their entire adult life. To relax, Pam and Bill enjoy cheering for their sons at sporting events, reading, and exercising together...especially when it consists of kayaking or a long walk at the beach. They speak frequently at seminars and you can find them and a ton of good advice on their love-wise site.
7 thumbs up!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through Netgalley for my honest review. No other compensation was given and I was not required to give a positive review.
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