“The Girl in the Glass” by Susan Meissner

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Becky

This is the story of  three women:  Meg Pomeroy, Sophia Borelli, and Nora Orsini–and the love they all have in common, Florence, Italy.

Meg Pomeroy lives in San Diego and works as an editor for a publishing house that specializes in travel.  The biggest influence in Meg’s life was her much loved Italian grandmother, Nonna.  Meg and Nonna planned to go to Florence together after Meg’s high school graduation–Meg dreamed and longed for this trip.   Then Meg’s parents divorced and to a certain extent, she lost both her Dad and Nonna.  Meg no longer lived close to Nonna, so her frequent visits stopped, and her Dad didn’t spend very much time with Meg anymore.  Then sadly, Nonna passed away.  But before her death, Nonna made Meg’s Dad swear to make the long promised Florence trip with Meg.

As an adult, Meg has traveled to different parts of the world.  But the only place she really wants to go is Florence–that is the desire of her heart.  She has held back going, hoping after all these years that her Dad would finally take her.  Unfortunately, her Dad hasn’t been reliable in many areas, including taking Meg to Florence.  He mentions going from time-to-time, but never actually does it.  As the years have passed, the people in Meg’s life have advised her to quit holding out hope for her Dad, and make the trip herself. 

Suddenly, Meg’s Dad is promising the trip once again. This time, it really looks like the Florence vacation will happen.  But will it really?  Her father abruptly disappears.  Is this promised trip just another disappointment from her Dad?  Should Meg forget about traveling with her Dad, and go after her heart’s desire and make this trip alone?

Sophia Borelli has guided tourists in Florence, Italy, for decades.  After all those years, she knows the art and history of the city like the back of her hand.  Sophia claims she hears the voice of Nora Orsini when she looks at the great art of Florence, and that is how she knows so much about the city.  The Medici family is said to have died out years earlier.  However, Sophia says she, like Nora, is a Medici and that is why Sophia can hear Nora’s voice. 

Sophia has written a charming book about Florence in which Sophia quotes information she claims comes from the long-dead Nora.  Sophia wants Meg to get it published for her.  Although Meg really likes Sophia and her writing, she knows her company won’t publish something that contains information from a “voice”.   Is Sophia really hearing Nora’s voice, or is she delusional?   Can Sophia truly be part of the extinct Medici family?  The Medici family tie is the main reason the publishing company would want to publish the book, if that is not true, the publisher might lose interest.  If these claims are disproved, will it destroy the fragile Sophia who has already endured so many losses?

Nora Orsini is a member of the Medici family living in 1500’s Florence.  This is the Nora that Sophia claims she is related to, and whose voice she hears–and Nora is a real historical figure. Nora’s story weaves in and out of the book with some parallels in the lives of both Sophia and Meg. 

I think this book is very appealing.  The intertwining of the three women’s stories is interesting.  I especially like the parts where the three stories intersect.  The book doesn’t really present the Gospel of Christ, but God is mentioned, and the characters have some discussions about God.  Florence is described so well that you want to go see this city yourself.  This tale has twists and turns, and just when it looks like the ending is apparent, it takes another turn. I applaud the author for writing a wholesome story, and give this book five stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. 

The Author’s Web Site:  http://www.susanmeissner.com/index.html

More Info:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=21350

Read Chapter One:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=213506&isbn=9780307730428

Author Bio:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=83586

 

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“The River” by Michael Neale

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Becky

This is the story of Gabriel, whose life–at the age of five–is dramatically changed by the death of his father.  The little boy’s life is completely altered when he is uprooted from his home by a beautiful river in the mountains of Colorado, to the flat, hot plains of Kansas.  The rest of Gabriel’s childhood, followed by his teen years, are extremely difficult because of the significant losses and changes in his life.

It is especially important that the sections “from an entry in a journal” and “prologue” be read before reading the book.  The author cleverly starts the story here and, besides being very interesting and well-written, these sections add a lot to the coming story. 

Geographically, there are some mistakes concerning the setting of the boy’s Kansas home, and its location to other big cities, especially St. Louis, MO. Whether Gabriel’s hometown was real or fictitious, no place in Kansas would have St. Louis as its closest big city, or KMOX as its strongest radio station.

There are some really odd occurrences that were dropped into the story-line.  These events really don’t make sense, and were never explained as the story went on.  The last event was especially odd, and had a paranormal feel to it.  Hopefully, God was supposed to be at the center of these events, but they were confusing, and it is basically anybody’s guess.

A big part of the Gabriel’s life is spent trying to recover from the sudden shock of his father’s absence in his life.  The book goes into great detail about how difficult this was for Gabriel to try to live through, and how painful it was for his loved ones to watch Gabriel carry this burden.  As the boy grew, it was a mystery to Gabriel why he couldn’t get rid of the burden–especially since he didn’t like that about himself.  Sadly, Gabriel didn’t know how to change the situation.  

As a Christian, I would hope God would be seen as the answer to all this unhappiness.  But despite the story being set in a small Kansas town in the 1950’s, God is never acknowledged as a solution.  In fact, God is really not mentioned in the book other than table grace said at mealtime, and once when a character sort of looks up and says, “thank you”.  Since the book has a Christian publisher, God’s absence in this story is even more disappointing. 

This is a clean story, although it is marred with at least one mild profanity.  I would not call it Christian fiction.  The author’s descriptions are well done.  I could almost feel the hot, dusty Kansas plains, as well as, the cool beauty of the mountains, forests and river in Colorado.  I love the forests and mountains, so a book that includes part of its story in that area appeals to me.  

I give this book a 3 star rating.  The story needs to be smoothed out.  If a reader has hung in there with Gabriel’s story, suffering through all the drama and angst, the reader deserves a few more crumbs of Gabriel’s life at the end.  For instance, did he get married, if so, to whom?  The strange occurrences need more explanation, and the mistakes in geography need to be fixed.  Getting past that, the story has interesting characters, an appealing chronicle of Gabriel’s family and life, along with good descriptions of the outdoors.  

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion. 

The Author’s Web Site:  http://www.michaelneale.com/

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“Little Kicker’s First Rain Storm” Written and Illustrated by Sandy Sprout

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rain Rain Go Away!

Have you ever been afraid of something?  Can you remember being frightened by rain or thunder storms as a child? If you have, then you will be able to relate to the story of “Little Kicker’s First Rain Storm.”  And you can also identify with any child in your life who has fears, as well.

Little Kicker is a young donkey that lives with his parents in the Ozark Mountains. In this book, he experiences fear, and learns what to do about it.  This is the second book about Little Kicker, a series of attractively illustrated read aloud children’s books. 

Little Kicker is enjoying a normal day when suddenly everything changes, and he experiences rain along with a thunder storm for the first time.  It frightens him so much that, at first, he tries to run away from it.  Then he turns to his parents for help.  His parents aren’t able to make the storm go away, but they give Little Kicker good advice, they tell him to pray to God when he is afraid.  His parents also tell their little colt that rain has a purpose–it gives them water to drink, makes the grass grow that they eat, and helps all the other animals around him.

After his parent’s words, the little donkey wants to be brave.  It is still scary, but he remembers to trust God and pray for help.  Little Kicker also observes how his animal friends are acting in the storm.  In the end, Little Kicker learns with God’s help, he can face his fears.

This book can be used as a tool to help young children talk about their fears.  Sometimes it is easier for children, as well as adults, to learn about someone else having a fear–and how they coped with the scary situation.  Children can easily identify with Little Kicker, and understand the colt’s fear and the need for help from God.  The book also shows some scary things can have something positive about them, too.  In this case, the little donkey learns about the many good things rain brings.

Once again, the author has created lovely illustrations that children will really enjoy.  The inside of the front and back of the hardback book have a brightly illustrated map of Little Kicker’s home.  There are fun activities at the end of the story, and the answers can be found by searching the story.  The back of the book also has interesting information about the real life traits of some of the animals that live in the Ozark Mountains.  

Every child experiences fears of some kind, and this book is a great way to learn, talk and pray about scary situations.  I recommend this book, as well as the first book, “A Prayer for Little Kicker.”  However, both books can stand on their own, so no worries if you only have one book.  Read this story to the child in your life, and make wonderful memories.  Because of durability issues I had in my own household, I like the hardback version of children’s books, but this also comes in a soft cover.  This is a five plus star book!

The author has provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion. 

Author’s web site:  www.LittleKicker.com

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“A Prayer for Little Kicker” Written and Illustrated by Sandy Sprott

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Count Your Blessings

Little Kicker is a beautifully illustrated book designed to be read aloud to children.  Little Kicker is the story of a newborn donkey, and the parent’s desire for their little one’s life to be blessed.  The parents of the newborn invite all the animals living with them in the Ozark Mountains to come and pray for their newborn colt.

One-by-one, the animals approach and pray wonderful prayers and blessings for Little Kicker.  At the end of the book, there is a suggestion to have a special day of prayer for the child who owns the volume, including a space to record those prayers. Perhaps reading this will be the catalyst to bring about a day of blessing for children who haven’t yet had a special day for them–a chance to ask God’s blessings for the child.  Writing the prayers down would be a cherished gift for the child to look at in the years to come. 

As soon as the book was opened, and I saw the delightful illustrations on the inside of the book cover, I knew I was in for a treat–and I wasn’t disappointed.  I always read a great deal to my children, so I purchased and viewed large number of books over the years for them.  With all that exposure to children’s books, I can say Little Kicker is one of the most attractively designed children’s books I have ever seen.

The author has some fun activities in the back of the book for the reader and child to do by returning to the story to find the answers.  There is also information about the real life traits of some of the animals that live in the Ozark Mountains.  

Little Kicker is an enchanting story of love and affection, celebrating the blessing of a child. The story is written from a Christian point-of-view, and is charmingly written.  I think children will enjoy looking at the book, and having it read to them over-and-over.  I would give this book more than five stars if I could.

Get this book and make some priceless memories with the child in your life.  I have the hardback copy of the book, though it does come in a soft cover version.  Remembering my children’s books were almost “loved to pieces,” I would recommend the hardback version.

The author has provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.  Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion. 

Author’s web site:  www.LittleKicker.com

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“The Scent of Rain” by Kristin Billerbeck

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Becky

This is the story of Daphne Sweeten who is a “nose”.  She has a highly developed sense of smell that enabled her to get a dream job in Paris.  She gives it all up to return to the United States to marry, and work as a nose–at a much less than glamorous company–with her new spouse. 

Unfortunately, Daphne is left at the altar, and shortly after, her sense of smell mysteriously disappears.  After being stood up, Daphne’s self-worth and self-confidence disappear, as well. 

What should Dahpne do?  Should she take the new job, where she knows she is the first ever “nose” to work there, so she will probably have to convince them of her worth? Since she can no longer smell, the main requirement for that position, could she possibly pretend she can still smell–and get away with it?  Or should she try to return to Paris, hoping to regain that job, even though her boss made it clear the door there would be closed to her if she left?  Lastly, should she hold out hope her fiancée will change his mind, and return to her? 

Reading this book brought me into the world of scents.  Emotion also plays into the formulating of a perfume.  For instance, what smell makes you think of happiness or success?  Also, scents can be masculine or feminine. The different smells in a perfume are referred to as “notes.”  The top note is the one you smell the strongest in a mixture, one that hopefully invokes the emotion the perfumer was trying to achieve.  All of this information was really interesting, and was an appealing part of the book. 

Daphne’s story had lots of intriguing characters, situations and some other minor story lines.  The main characters were developed well, but the ending felt a bit rushed.  I wish some of the loose ends in the story had more pages devoted to it for the conclusion.  The story would have been more satisfying. 

Some very good Christian thoughts and behavior were present in the main characters, and I thought that was very positive.  I think the book is worth reading, and is easily read.  The reader will come away with a new appreciation, and awareness of the scents around them.    

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/

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“Stranded–Ivy Malone Mysteries, Book 4” by Lorena McCourtney

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Becky

Cover of "Stranded (Ivy Malone Mysteries,...

 “Stranded” is the fourth book I have read in the Ivy Malone Mysteries written by Lorena McCourtney.  Ivy is a senior citizen who, in her recent history, has found herself in a number of sticky situations.  Situations so “sticky” that she has hit the road to avoid trouble.  During her travels she has befriended a young woman who is also running from problems, so she joins Ivy “on the road”.  While driving through the countryside, RV problems develop that causes them to take refuge in a small town. 

This is the story of the adventures and the can of worms that Ivy opens in this little town, as well as, the local characters she meets.  There are lots of twists and turns, mystery and humor in this story.  It is fun to read.  Even though this is a series, one could pick this book up and start reading without a problem.  I love all the Ivy Malone Mysteries. These books are well written, family friendly, and very entertaining. You will not be sorry if you read them.

The only thing negative I have against these books is that I wish there would be more in this series. Please, please send us more adventures of Ivy Malone! 

http://www.lorenamccourtney.com/

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Desert Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans written by Linda Weaver Clarke

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Becky

 

This is “Nancy Drew” all grown up.   If you liked the Nancy Drew books as a child, you will enjoy the books about the adventures of John and Julia Evans as an adult.  This is one of a series of fun books written by Linda Weaver Clarke featuring Julia Evans along with her husband John and her family.

 This particular book follows Julia and her family as they investigate some unusual events taking place at the dude ranch Julia’s brother, Kelly, owns.  The ranch is near the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine in the Superstition Mountains  of Arizona.  So many unexplained things have started happening at the ranch that customers are cancelling their reservations, employees have left and people are scared.  Kelly is in danger of losing the ranch, the property that has been in their family for generations.  It seems like the legends of bad luck associated with the mine are true, or are they? Julia wants to get to the bottom of all this, but will she survive when accidents start happening to her?   The story has lots of twists, turns and adventure.  This is a family friendly story that is lots of fun to read. 

 I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. 

 The author has provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion. 

http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

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“Farm Fresh Southern Cooking” by Tammy Algood

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Becky

Come For Supper!

The cover of this cookbook got my attention right away.   It is very attractive and made me want to pick up the book and dive in. I have quite a cookbook collection, so I was interested in adding a new one.

The author has a unique feature in her book.  In between recipes, she has done features on different farmers’ markets and family run farms throughout the south. She is quite a fan of using locally grown produce, as well as, searching out unfamiliar vegetables and foods  at those places, and giving them a try. This was a unique addition, and I liked it very much.

It surprised me that Ms. Algood includes recipes for turnips, parsnips and rutabagas.  These are vegetables that were commonly served in my childhood. However, most of my contemporaries have never heard of these vegetables, much less eaten them. On a personal note, I was happy to see recipes using goat cheese. Part of my family is allergic to cow-milk products, so we use goat cheese instead. We are always happy to find a recipe that specifically calls for goat-milk-cheese.

This is a very pretty book to look through. I think it is commendable the author wants people to get food as fresh as possible, and then prepare it right away. Because of the term “southern cooking” in the title, I expected traditional southern comfort food–this book is not like that at all. There are recipes in this book that have different combinations of food that I have never seen before.

The pictures and articles about farmers’ markets and farms are great. How adventurous you are in the kitchen will determine how many of the recipes you will use.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Tammy Algood’s Web Site: http://tammyalgood.wordpress.com/

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“Blind Hope” written by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Becky

Book Cover Blind Hope 2

Dog Days

This is the true story of Laurie Sacher, and the way her life changed after adopting a small dog that had lots of problems.   Laurie had expected to get a dog that would be nice looking, and she was hoping to get kudos from other people for adopting a dog.  Instead she got a dog that had been abused, looked awful, smelled worse and was very sick.  Despite all that, Laurie brought the dog, Mia, home.

 The story takes place in Oregon where Laurie works at a ranch owned by Christians.  The ranch takes in horses that have been abused or not taken care of, and works with children who have troubled lives.  Laurie and the owner are good friends.  While the two women ride and work together, Laurie shares things that have changed in her life since adopting Mia.  She especially shares the way Mia influences Laurie’s relationship with God, and her understanding the character of God. 

 There are some very heart breaking stories in the book, especially concerning Mia’s health, but there are some profound and up-lifting experiences shared, as well.  The most amazing event is that God can use anything or anyone to touch someone’s heart with His love—even an unhealthy, small dog.

 I enjoyed reading this book and give it 4 stars.  The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book  from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

 Kim Meeder’s Web Site

  • http://www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org/
  • VIDEO: Blind Hope
  • http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2009/10/27/video-blind-hope-an-unwanted-dog-and-the-woman-she-rescued/?ref=BloggingforBooks_MiscLink
  • More Info
  • http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422804&ref=BloggingforBooks_BookLink
  • Read Chapter One
  • http://www.scribd.com/doc/35360871/Blind-Hope-by-Kim-Meeder-Chapter-1
  • Author Bio

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=75331&ref=BloggingforBooks_AuthorLink

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“The Scent of Cherry Blossoms” by Cindy Woodsmall

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love In Bloom

This is the story of the complications–and the fireworks of exploding tempers that arise–when an Old Order Amish man, Aden Zook, falls in love with an Old Order Mennonite girl, Annie Martin. For those of us who are neither Amish or Mennonite, our first thoughts might be that people of those faiths are so similar there shouldn’t be any problems intermingling in marriage. Au contraire! By reading this book, we discover Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonites are actually worlds apart. It would seem easier for an individual of either of these faiths to marry a total outsider, than attempt to make a match between these two beliefs.

The families of both Annie and Aden are totally against this romance and attempt to break them up in a variety of ways. To further complicate the matter, Annie’s grandfather, her Daadi Moses, is in a business partnership with Aden’s family. This is a business alliance that has existed for more than one generation with these two families. When Daadi Moses learns of the romantic relationship, he threatens to pull out of the business–which would cause complete financial ruin for Aden and his family.

What will Annie and Aden do? Will they go against their families risking shunning from both their religious communities, as well as, their own families? Will they sacrifice Aden’s family’s business for the sake of their love, knowing the Zook family has no other source of income? Can they break off their relationship, and go their separate ways? How could they live with themselves hurting their loved ones, but can they live without each other? There does not seem to be a good answer no matter what Annie and Aden might choose.

Intermingled in the story is the cherry orchard. It was planted originally for the hope of love two generations earlier, and its location becomes a place for current love to bloom. Will Annie and Aden’s love still exist once the blossoms have left the cherry orchard?

This is the third book I have read by this author about Amish life. I think this story is the most true to life–as far as how a relationship like this would be handled in the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities. This story was beautifully written, and it kept me wondering how it would resolve all these questions up to the end. Faith was interwoven as a part of the narrative. This was an enjoyable account and pleasant to read. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an easily readable tale.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

 

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