Monday, June 29, 2015

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

 I knew the first time I read a book by Karen Witemeyer that this was an author that I was going to love. And I've devoured every book since her first one. Some authors get boring after a while, always writing the same story with different characters. This author brings a fresh approach to each book and I enjoy each one.
A Worthy Pursuit (Bethany House) is her latest and I enjoyed it more than I'd anticipated. Charlotte is a spunky woman who takes her role very seriously, Stone is a man of the west who any 1800s woman would swoon over. These two created fireworks from their first meeting.
As always, Karen Witemeyer provides a clean read that is suitable for girls of all ages.
Highly recommend.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney

 Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney  is the second in the Chickory Inn series. These are some of the easiest books to read. The story is interesting and the characters are relatable, the circumstances that they find themselves in are real-life situations and it is good to read about believers who  have to deal with things that are sometimes beyond their control.
So far this has been one of my favorite series that I've read. I would compare this author to Karen Kingsbury because she is so easy to read, but that's the only comparison. I find Deborah Raney's books to be much better and more interesting.
I can't wait for the third in the series to be released. I've enjoyed getting to know this family.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Laugh Out Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys & Girls by Rob Elliott

 The back cover asks what the worst thing to leave home without is, and the answer given is: This book! If I were a little kid I would agree. So much fun is packed into these two volumes. They are similar, one is for boys and the other for girls, in that they have page after page of jokes with half-finished pictures. The object is for the child to use their imagination to finish the pictures and also enjoy a giggle in the process.
One of the most clever and creative books I've come across in a long time. Perfect for long road trips or quiet evenings at grandma's house. 
I recommend these for kids of all ages.





 These were provided for review by Revell




Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

 Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund reinforces why I adore this author. Her historical fiction comes to life. I've yet to be disappointed by her writings, this is the second in her Beacons of Hope series and it will keep your attention throughout. 
In this book we find Caroline Taylor left to take control of the lighthouse that was her father's employ, and also to watch over her four siblings. A new caretaker arrives without her knowing of it and he has battles of his own to face.

There is love, loss, mystery, threats, danger, and more in this book, yet the characters always remember to lean on the Lord for strength and help. I appreciate when an author weaves the truth of the Word into her works.

This book was provided for review by LitFuse

Monday, June 15, 2015

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard

 Desperate Measures is the third and final book in the Port Aster series by Sandra Orchard. I have read all three and wasn't impressed by this final book. It felt like it was going all over the place. There were mistakes in the writing, there were times that I couldn't tell who was talking or thinking. It was hard to follow and even the love story wasn't interesting. It just sorta happened, oddly. I think there was just too much going on and too many characters to keep up with. I had a hard time remembering who was who.
This book was provided for review by Revell

Fatal Trauma by Richard L Mabry, MD

 I've been reading this author since his early works and he keeps improving with each book. This is probably my favorite of his. It opens with the action beginning on the very first page and doesn't let up until the end. I started this in the morning and finished before bed time. Very good writing with twists and turns that I never saw coming. I really liked the way the author wove the gospel into the story as well. Characters who struggle with their faith are relatable and he brought them to life.
Fatal Trauma brings the drug wars to life. Revenge is a major theme of the book and there is also some romance and a lot of action. Suspense that will keep  you looking over your shoulder.
Excellent book, highly recommended.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Bedtime Devotions with Jesus

 New from Tommy Nelson is the Bedtime Devotions with Jesus book. There are a year's worth of devotions in this book, written by pastors and church leaders from all over America. If you are wanting to get your little one used to spending time in God's word, this is a great place to start. 
Each page is a different topic and they are written at a level in which even the youngest of children will understand. 
What I love about this is that the truth of God's word is so simple but even the parents need reminded of certain things. I think I may benefit as much as the child when reading this.


This book was provided for review by BookLook

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson


Melody Carlson has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. She continues to put out books that are interesting and easy to read, yet are not all the same. Once Upon a Summertime is the first in a new series from her. 
In this story we follow Anna to New York City as she leaves home behind in order to further her career. The author brings the city to life and makes the reader truly feel as though she is there. I liked that a lot about this book. 
Learning about the hotel industry was also interesting to me. 
What I didn't really find believable about this book is how quickly the love story happened. It seemed like there were just a few pages left in the book and then BAM it happened. It just didn't feel real.
This won't dissuade me from following this author, I believe that this book is better suited for younger adult women (think 20s) than for someone my age.
This book was provided for review by Revell

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Taken by Dee Henderson

 A really good book for me is one that I can whip through in a matter of hours, taking 2-3 days tops. I generally spend about an hour a day reading. This book is one that I'm about two weeks into and I'm only halfway through. I'm not sure I'll finish it. I just don't care what happens anymore. It's a really long book, slow moving, with a lot of dialogue that seems senseless. I'm not usually this critical about a book but I really just don't care anymore. I want to move on to another book and forget about this one. It seems I've already forgotten about it though as I've let it sit on my dresser for several days without any thought.
The story idea is a good one and if you like a book that will take you a while to get through then you'll probably enjoy this one. It's just not my cup of tea.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House