“King’s Shadow” by Angela Hunt

Posted on August 17, 2019 by Becky

Watch your Back!

Salome was the only sister of King Herod, and lived with him in his Jerusalem palace.  Despite Herod ruling with an iron fist, Salome was his biggest fan.  She constantly rationalized his bad behavior saying it was the result of his people not appreciating, and loving their king.  Zara, who lost both parents because of their part in an uprising against Herod, becomes Salome’s handmaid—at the tender age of nine!

Although Herod is remembered as a brute, the author humanizes him, and shows him as a misunderstood ruler, at least in Salome’s eyes.  But his story cannot be told without the inclusion the many murders he was responsible for, including a number of his family members.

Zara was the one bright light in this tale.  She serves Salome well, without blaming her for the loss of her family.  Eventually, she meets Ravid whose teachings bring her closer to God, HaShem.  Other than the time she spent supporting Herod, Salome was a very self-centered individual.

Herod was a troubled person who lived a disturbing life, which was the over-riding theme of this story.  That shines through no matter how human the book tries to present him, even if that was his sister’s opinion.  Biblical history fans will enjoy the thorny story in this 4-star book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of King’s Shadow 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/angela.e.hunt

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

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“The Most Important Stories of the Bible” by Christopher D. Hudson & Stan Campbell

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Becky

A Quick Walk Through Biblical Stories

Explore seventy-five stories in the Bible starting at the beginning in Genesis, moving throughout both testaments, and ending with the book of Revelation.  The authors give their summary of each account, calling it the “essential story.”  That is followed by the “essential truth” which condenses the story into a couple of lines that contain the most important point.  Each narrative is only a couple of pages, so it can easily be read in a short time.

Use this book as a tool to examine events in the Bible.  This volume is divided into six sections such as:  Beginnings, Stories of Jesus, and Stories of the Early Church.  However, this is not an actual Bible, but Biblical stories as seen through the lens of the two authors.  Although both men have written a variety of books about the Bible, their work is still their own interpretation of the scriptures.  It is always a good idea to go to the Bible to read what God himself says–whether it is about this book, or about someone else’s ideas–to check things out for yourself.  This 5-star book is recommended to those who want another person’s perspective of  the meaning of Biblical scriptures.Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Most Important Stories of 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.

The Author’s Website:  http://www.readengageapply.com/search?q=the+most+important+stories+of+the+Bible

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

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

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“Wherever You Go” by Tracie Peterson

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Becky

On with the Show!

Mary, Lizzie, and Ella are stars in the all-woman Wild West Show that tours the country in 1901.  But their jobs aren’t the only wild things they are a part of.

Mary’s life has been meaningless ever since the murder of her brother, which continues to go unsolved.  But now a mysterious reporter, Christopher, may help solve the crime, and heal her heart in more ways than one.

A deluded man becomes obsessed with Lizzie, and must have her for his wife.  Even though she tells him she doesn’t love him, he chases her across two continents, and will stop at nothing to force her to marry him.

Ella is constantly looking over her shoulder to see if her murderous father, along with her dangerous former fiancé, have caught up with her.  Her life has no peace while she hopes to stay hidden within the show.

This action packed, fast-moving tale reaches out and grabs your attention from the beginning.  It is done with a clean story-line, and characters who want to follow Christ with their lives—but aren’t always perfect.

Wherever You Go is the second installment in the Brookstone Brides series.  This story can be understood on its own, but the yarn would be richer reading the first episode.  Not all the questions were solved in this tale, leaving the third book with plenty of things to answer.  This 5-star book would be enjoyed by those liking tales of the Wild West, mystery or romance.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Wherever You Go, 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/TraciePetersonAuthor/?ref=ts

The Author’s Information:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/entity/Tracie-Peterson/B001I9W8WK

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

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“Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” by Heather Day Gilbert

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Becky

 

This An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery, book two.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Bad Wolf?

Belinda, although a pet sitter, does more than take care of cats and dogs.  She also watches “exotic” pets.  Because of that, she finds herself working with wolves at a sanctuary.  Even though she is reassured the wolves are harmless, two dead bodies appear in the animal’s enclosures, as well as, a third person who is hurt, but alive.  Are the wolves dangerous, or are they misunderstood, and falsely accused–or is something else at work?  Belinda is often reminded the wolves are not pets, but wild animals, so anything can happen, but does it?Belinda’s personal life is peppered with a mixed bag of people.   She is living on the property belonging to an ultra-rich friend who is off in India finding himself.  There is also a friend who has an unusual connection with animals that may be plucking at her heart strings.  Belinda herself dabbles with a lot of interests and careers.  This is a clean story, with a bit of humor and a dash of quirky thrown in, that stands on its own.  There are red herrings, twists and turns—with everything wrapped up neatly with a surprise culprit in the end.  This 5-star book will be enjoyed by those who like light mysteries.The author provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing 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/heatherdaygilbert

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

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

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“The Killing Tide” by Dani Pettrey

Posted on August 10, 2019 by Becky

Healthier at the Ocean?

Gabby Rowley is an investigative reporter whose story exposed a dangerous man, and is now running for her life.  She relocates to her hometown to hide.  Once there, she finds her brother, as well as, her former love interest, Finn, ready to protect her.

Both men are special agents with the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and are working on an interesting case.  As the story unfolds, murders, mystery and suspects abound. With more curiosity than a cat, Gabby tries to involve herself by attempting to uncover the person behind it all.

Unfortunately, Gabby’s snooping exposes her location to the killer hunting her.  Besides trying to solve the crime, the Coast Guards are forced spend a lot of time protecting Gabby from both the man after her, as well as, herself.

This fast-moving yarn has lots of action and mystery.  Gabby was hard to like because she constantly breaks her word to her family and friends, along with doing lots of fool-hardy things.  There are a number of characters to keep track of, but the story will grab your interest, and the person behind it all is a surprise.  Christianity is brought into the story in a very natural way, and adds to the tale’s appeal.  This 5-star book will be enjoyed by those liking action, fast-moving tales, or romance.

Bookreadingtic received a complimentary copy of The Killing Tide, 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 Website:  https://www.danipettrey.com/

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

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

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“Until the Mountains Fall” by Connilyn Cossette

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Becky

Treasure in Your Own Backyard!

In a short time period, Rivkah was married, widowed and is now supposed to marry her deceased husband’s brother.  That is, if she does what her father wants, and what the Torah law decrees.  But Rivkah is tired of feeling like she never measures up, and not having the freedom to pick what she does with her life.  Angry about the situation Rivkah finds herself in, she jumps at the chance to make a hasty decision.  Little does she know, that one choice will change the course of her life, as well as, that of others around her—and it will not be for the better.

Rivkah has to deal with the consequences she set in motion.  Her life turns around completely, and she learns what it is really like lose her freedom.  Although she misses her old life, there is no going back—or is there?

Who hasn’t made a quick decision, and then lived to regret it? Rivkah understands that very well.  Can she forgive herself; can others forgive her?  Is it too late for her to make any changes?This is a great story set in ancient Israel that contains twists and turns, surprises, and unexpected results.  Until the Mountains Fall is a standalone 5-star story in the Cities of Refuge series, and is a clean tale.  This will appeal to those who like things set in earlier times, light thrillers, or romance.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Fall, 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 Website:  https://www.connilyncossette.com

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

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

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“Firefly Home” by Jane Clarke

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

Shimmer, Glimmer, Glow!

This sweet story is about Florence Firefly who is lost, and the adventures she has trying to find her way home.  One of the book’s charms is that your child becomes part of the story, and helps Florence complete her journey.  This tale would be good any time of the day, but lends itself to being a nice bedtime story.  That is because in the end, the child says goodnight to Florence; which would also be a good time to say goodnight to the little one hearing the story.Firefly Home is an interactive book that asks the child to participate doing things such as clapping, flapping their hands, or saying things out loud.  Illustrations cover the pages of this over-sized, hard-backed book, and the firefly (or lightning bug) is eye-catching because it looks like it really shines.  This tale is great because it has a happy ending made possible because of your child’s assistance. 

Also, this story makes a good lead-in to talk about what the child should do if he were ever lost—so it is a home run on many levels!  This 5-star book would be enjoyed by children in pre-school through kindergarten who like to use their imagination.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Firefly Home, 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/JaneClarkeChildrensAuthor/

The Author’s Website:  http://www.jane-clarke.co.uk/index.htm

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“More Than Words Can Say” by Karen Witemeyer

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Becky

Where There’s a Will There’s a Way….

Determined to keep her family business, Abigail Kemp is resorting to a marriage in name only—and she must do the proposing!  But someone wants her out of business so badly, even that might not be enough.  Abigail is a spunky, hardworking woman in the late 1800’s.  She must deal with her sister, who inadvertently puts her reputation at stake, an enemy who is set out to ruin Abigail, and a secretive, confirmed bachelor.  Despite it all, she doesn’t give up as she faces one roadblock after another.

This is a fun story with lots of predicaments, all told from a Christian point of view.  It was refreshing to have the heroine be someone who DOES not look like a runway model, thank you Ms. Witemeyer!  This is a clean story, but there are some mature themes and innuendo when referring to marriage that might make it inappropriate for young readers. This is the second installment of A Patchwork Family Novel series, but this story stands by itself.  I recommend this 5-star book to everyone who enjoys light stores of over-comers with a dash of humor and romance!Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of More Than Words Can Say, 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.

Author’s Facebook:  http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/index.html

Author’s Website:   http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/

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“Storm Rising” by Ronie Kendig

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Becky

Rapid Moving Action!

Lots of action, dire circumstances and hopping from one end of the planet to another fill the pages of this thriller.  However, there were so many characters in this tale, some with very similar names, that I found it very confusing. It wasn’t unusual for me to re-read pages.  I often had to flip back in the book in an attempt to keep the people straight, and remind myself what part they played in this yarn. There was a lot of fast paced action, along with military lingo, but not a lot of actual story, or much information about each of the large number of characters.

Although this is book one in a series, the many references to other situations made it feel as if I had missed a previous installment.  I am not a fan of the author’s style of starting to write crude/curse words but not finishing them.  The author is a good writer, and could get the point across without that.

Thrilling books are a favorite of mine, but this one fell short in narrative department.  I found this story hard to follow, and even harder to keep my interest.  The main character’s overriding concern is that he has six months of his life missing. But whatever happened was never revealed—at least not in this story–but the ending made it clear another installment will follow this 3-star book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Storm Rising, 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.

Author’s Website:   roniekendig.com

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RapidFireFiction

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/roniekendig

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What To Watch Tonight? “2 Weeks To Live” with Lum & Abner

Posted on July 27, 2019 by Becky

Tickle Your Funny Bone!

Want to laugh?  There are plenty of them in this black and white, blast from the past jewel, and you will laugh yourself silly listening to all the funny lines the characters say.

When Abner (Norris Goff) receives an inheritance, this small-town man sells shares to expand it before traveling to the big city to claim his bequest.  He takes along his friend Lum (Chester Lauck) and finds his inheritance is not what it appeared, and in fact, costs him money.

Because of a hilarious mix-up, Abner believes he has two weeks to live.  Spurred on by the thought he hasn’t much time, he goes from one funny situation after another, trying to quickly earn money to pay back the hometown investors.

I LOVE this movie. If you like to laugh or need a short escape with a funny story, this is for you! No special effects, just clean humor that can be watched by all ages!

This is the best movie the Lum and Abner comedy characters ever made.  The run time is about 1 hour 15 minutes and should be rated G, not PG.  You won’t be disappointed.

I highly recommend this 5 popcorn (stars) movie!

 

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