“Shadows of Swanford Abbey” by Julie Klassen

Posted on February 2, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Hair-raising Adventure!

Since the death of her father, Rebecca has worked as a lady’s companion. Her brother, John, has struggled with mental problems for years. She returns home in 1820 to find him worse.

Rebecca checks into the newly renovated hotel to keep an eye on him. Formally, the hotel was an Abbey that was rumored to be haunted, and she avoided it while growing up. It doesn’t help that she is put in room number 13.

She is surprised to find Sir Frederick staying there–the man who never knew he stole her heart. Another guest is Ambrose Oliver, a writer that John swears stole his first book, rewrote it as his own, and it became a best seller.

John has written a new book that he plans to use in an elaborate plan to expose Oliver as a thief, but he needs Rebecca’s help to pull it off. In the midst of this scheme, Oliver turns up dead. Is John responsible for this? Should Rebecca try to help him by covering up for him?

As the magistrate, Sir Frederick is leaving no stone unturned to find the guilty party. Rebecca has always told the truth–especially to Sir Frederic–will that change because of John? She also swears that more than once, she has seen the ghost wandering the hotel.

This often feels like a well-done Victorian Gothic with lots of suspense and mystery. Twists and turns bring additional information, but adds confusion about what really happened.

You will be on the edge of your seat until you reach the very satisfying ending. The multi-dimensional characters will grab your heart and interest–the story is clean with a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this 5-star book to mystery lovers with a hint of romance.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Shadows of Swanford Abbey, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieKlassen/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Julie_Klassen

The Author’s Website:  https://julieklassen.com

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“Sunrise” by Susan May Warren

Posted on January 18, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Can You Ever Go Home Again?

After many years of estrangement from his family, Dodge Kingston has returned home. But not for long. He is only there long enough to fill-in for his father at their ranch, and taking over the mail run until his dad recovers.

At one time, this was the life Dodge dreamed of living, working the ranch, doing the mail run, checking on the people that lived in far away, isolated areas. He even thought he would marry Echo, raise a family, and meet the hardships of Alaskan living together, but that was not to be. Both Echo and his family made sure he knew if there was a choice to be made, they wouldn’t choose him.

Even though Dodge is counting down the minutes until he can leave, he finds himself getting drawn back into Echo’s life. Because of that, both Echo and his own life become in danger. It is not just from the rugged elements they live in, but from a rogue trail guide, as well as, some dangerous Russians.

Ms. Warren is an expert writer, and this book does not disappoint. It has excitement, along with perilous and precarious situations. The tale is told from a Christian perspective with lots of words of wisdom from Dodge’s dad–and there is an unexpected revelation about him.

This electrifying story has cliffhangers that will have you longing for another installment of this exciting story. I recommend this 5-star book to those who like intriguing adventure that includes romance and family relationships!

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Sunrise, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SusanMayWarrenFiction

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/susanmaywarren

The Author’s Website:  https://www.susanmaywarren.com

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“Nearer to God” by Wayman Ming Jr.

Posted on January 11, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Closing the God Gap!

Do you feel a distance between God and yourself? Do you wish to feel closer to Him? God often tries to close that gap using things that are currently going on in our lives. This is especially true of tragic times such as the pandemic or Hurricane Katrina. Even though God did not cause them, He will use those things to draw us closer to Him.

However, it is a two-way street. God may try to get our attention, but what is our response to Him? Do we even notice His effort to get closer? Or are we too involved in keeping ourselves over-booked and busy to notice?

The author suggests turning to God all the time, but especially during difficult periods. Often, we will find that He was there trying to make contact with us, and pull us through trying times. I recommend this 4-star book to anyone who wants to feel closer to God.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Nearer to God, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/waymanmingjr/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/waymanming

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/waymanming/

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“The Essential Andrew Murray Collection: Humility; Abiding In Christ; Living A Prayerful Life”

Posted on January 10, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Want a Better Life? Try This!

This is a collection of three classic Christian books that will improve your life.

Humility–The way to get closer to God is to have more humility in your life. This is achieved by being dependent on God, the more you are able to do this, the better your life will be. Forget yourself, instead lean on God and His direction.

Pride is the opposite of humility; it is the root of every sin and evil. If you are in a state of pride, you will be far from God. Pride is what led the angels to become fallen, and satan’s pride led him to tempt Adam and Eve. Turn from selfish pursuits and fill yourself with Christ’s grace instead.

Abiding in Christ–Do you feel less connected to God than you did in your early days of salvation? Are you disappointed that the blessings you once had are gone? It may mean that you have not abided in Him as referenced in John 15:1-12, more specifically, John 15:4:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

This thirty-one-day devotional will restore those things and more. In addition to following each day’s devotion, you must also take time to grow with the Lord. Spend time daily purposely turning your life over to God so that He can work in you. Do this, and watch the improvements that take place!

Living A Prayerful Life–If you want to improve your prayer life, or feel like your prayer life is not what it should be, read this book. There are lots of suggestions and pointers here that will improve that. Also included are insights from other great prayer warriors that will help you become one, too.

Together, these books will provide blessings and improvements in your spiritual life and walk with God. Although written over a century ago, the language has been updated for today’s readers. This 5-star book is recommended to everyone who wants a life more abundant filled with blessings and peace.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Essential Andrew Murray Collection, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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“The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water” by Erin Bartels

Posted on January 8, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Friendship & Dangerous Complications

Young adult, Kendra, has written her first novel. It has been highly acclaimed, is very popular, and is a thinly veiled story about herself.

Kendra has suffered from writer’s block ever since receiving a note criticizing her book. She has convinced herself that it will lift if she writes at the remote lake where everything took place.

But removing that writer’s block is more complicated than that.

At first, she remembers the idyllic childhood friendship she had with Cami–that was ruined by the adoption of a much older brother. Despite being closer than sisters, the two have not spoken for years, and Cami is missing.

As Kendra delves into this, she finds she must face her long ago attacker. At the same time, she makes surprising discoveries about her parentage, and Cami’s feelings.

This is a difficult story to read, with an uncomfortable story-line that includes a traumatic attack, stolen virginity, and sexual abuse. Be warned, this tale is only for adults, or very mature teenagers. God is mentioned very little in this publication from a Christian House. I recommend this story only to those who would not be disturbed by the topic. Although it is a difficult subject, it is not graphic, and is a 5-star work.

Revell has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ErinBartelsAuthor/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/erinbartelswrites/

The Author’s Website:  https://erinbartels.com

 

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“Give it to God and Go to Bed” by Laura Harris Smith

Posted on January 4, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Oh Mr. Sandman…..

Do you have trouble sleeping, are you tired all the time? Ms. Smith states that stress is at the bottom of most of our troubles, and if it isn’t addressed, no end of physical and emotional problems will be the result. She knows what she is talking about because she suffered horribly from years of little sleep.

The author states that three things are responsible for most of our problems: stress, work, and worry. When these things are addressed, our life will turn around. She advises giving the things that have you stressed over to God, quit working at a reasonable time, and make yourself go to bed.

This book is devoted to telling you how to change your life for the good. The author states that if you follow her advice, your life will improve physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Changing will be a lot of work, but if God is included, your healing will come about much sooner.

I think a plan to reduce stress in our lives is very important, so following the suggestions of Ms. Smith may be the way to make life changes. The one thing I know for certain is that inviting God to help in all areas of our life is absolutely something that can bring positive change. You must decide, or try for yourself, the author’s other suggestions. She writes from a charismatic point of view. I recommend this 5-star book to those wanting to improve their lifestyle, feel better, and get rest.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Give it to God and Go to Bed,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“The Whole Bible Story: Everything that Happens in the Bible” by Dr. William H. Marty

Posted on January 4, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Easy to Understand Biblical Epic!

This is the entire Biblical account told in story form using today’s language and references. It is not a chapter and verse Bible, but something to give older children an idea of what is in the Bible. It is geared toward getting their attention, and does a very good job of it. In that vein, they state attention grabbing facts such as the first couple, Adam and Eve, ran around naked.

This book divides the Biblical account into nineteen sections. There are three areas at the beginning of each section that are made to appeal to young people. They tell the important people to look for, what part of the world that it takes place in, and interesting things that happen.

At the end of each section, there is an area called, “What’s The Point.” This contains short, easy to understand summaries of what was just read, and brings the content into sharper focus. There are lots of illustrations that bring even more of the story to life.

I think this is loaded with kid appeal, and a child who reads this will have a good working knowledge of the Bible. I also think it will wet their appetite to read the actual Bible–I would recommend getting an easy-to-understand translation or an amplified version. Children ages nine through fourteen will enjoy this 5-star book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Whole Bible Story: Everything that Happens in the Bible,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“3-Minute Devotions to Laugh and Reflect: Lighten Your Load and Brighten Your Day” by Christopher D. Hudson

Posted on January 3, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

90 Days of Laughter & God’s Love!

Ready for a devotion this is short, and can be read in just a couple of minutes? How about enjoying a cartoon with it that relates to the subject, done in a way that will make you chuckle, but without being irrespective of God? If that sounds good, this is the book for you–concise devotions that barely take any time.

But think again if you believe short and funny equals light and pointless. These little devotions, with a comic twist, contain real spiritual meat. Despite their brevity, words are not minced about unacceptable behaviors, beliefs, or sin. Keeping it short, the author gets right to the heart of the matter, and doesn’t beat around the bush.

You will find ninety devotions that range from enticements to excuses to fasting (stomach trouble), plus eighty-seven more that will surely grab your interest.

Just as we were advised years ago by the wise Mary Poppins, “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” so, too, can humor help God’s truths easily go down into our hearts. I recommend this 5-star book to everyone who wants to go deeper into God’s word in an uncomplicated way.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “3-Minute Devotions to Laugh and Reflect: Lighten Your Load and Brighten Your Day,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Christopher.D.Hudson.books

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ReadEngageApply

The Author’s Website:  http://www.readengageapply.com/?fbclid=IwAR12l6ED0_KKy0OQTbG-JPjVZ9tKsfPZ4-vbZ0VIfVltjlTqTogUh4ZCud8

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“The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame

Posted on January 3, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Everyone Must Meet Mr. Toad!

Illustrated by Grahame Baker Smith

Come along with Mr. Toad while he gets into one situation after another while dragging along his friends, Badger, Ratty, and Mole.  Things both hair-raising and funny happen to the group, but under everything, is friendship that survives it all. Although written over 100 years ago, these stories will charm you, and your youngster alike.  This is a great classic children’s story that has stood the test of time, and is as beloved as ever.  There is even a ride in Disneyland that is loosely based on Mr. Toad and his adventures.

If you have never met Mr. Toad and friends, prepare to be enchanted.  If you have, prepare to be amazed by this attractive hard-backed volume.  The cover of this edition contains an eye-catching, beautifully embossed illustration with golden highlights—pictures do not do it justice, or capture its appeal.

Even if you have this book, you will want this volume.  This beautiful publication will take your breath away.  Inside are both colorful and monochromatic pictures that add charm to the story, while the book itself feels wonderful in your hands.  Children ages 10 and up, including adults, will enjoy this book!

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Wind in the Willows, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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“Never Leave Me” by Jody Hedlund

Posted on December 18, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time After Time!

Prepare yourself for time travel, and a cure for diseases that is so incredible that no one believes it–except for rival pharmaceuticals that will kill to get it.

Despite being beautiful, young, and well-off financially, Ellen Creighton has an incurable disease, and she is so weak, death is very close. Harrison Burlington, a paraplegic, has loved her for years, although he has never told her. He has searched the world over to find help for her.

The cure he has is far-fetched, and secret. But after trying it on himself, he gives it to her as a last resort–and their world changes. Not only do both of them get better, they are now being hunted by a drug company that will stop at nothing to get more of it.

But getting more will involve of all things, traveling through time. Although Ellen’s sister, Marian, and her father claimed the ability existed, Ellen didn’t believe them. Now both her sister and father are dead, or are they? Harrison claims the two are not dead, but have traveled back in time. Will Ellen find out the truth about time travel, or is it just hopeful thinking?

This book is exciting, full of twists and turns, modern day problems, and those of the middle-ages, too. There are killers, kidnappers, and surprise reunions. Plus, there is the realization, and then loss, of love.

Volume two in, “The Waters of Time,” series, this story can stand on its own.  But it will be a richer experience if you read the first book. You will like this page-turning tale. I recommend this five-star book to those who like exciting stories with almost unthinkable outcomes–all from a faith perspective!

The Library Thing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Never Leave Me, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

The Author’s Website:  http://jodyhedlund.com/

 

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