“Silenced” by Dani Pettrey

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Silenced

Mountain Mystery

Set in Alaska, this is the fourth story in the Alaskan Courage Series about the McKenna family.  This book opens with the death of a climber that turns out to be murder.  Kayden McKenna and Jake Westin team together to solve it.  As the mystery concludes, another story-line comes into focus that includes a dangerous stalker.  Discovering the identity of the stalker is before someone is killed and time runs out, is the subject of the rest of the book.

A lot of characters from past books appear so that readers of the series can catch up, and get some clues about future books.  This story can stand on its own, but I think it would be more enjoyable for the reader if other books in the series were read first.

I have read every volume in this series, and have liked most of them.  The excellent first book is a tough act to follow.  In this one, I really didn’t like the two story-lines.  The first part of the volume, which focuses on the murder investigation, seemed to go over the same ground repeatedly.  Then when the murderer is discovered, it seemed so out of left-field that I thought something else would come along that would uncover the “real murderer”–but that didn’t happen.  The murder story-line was not wrapped up well, but just chopped off.

Next, a side story moved in to center stage.  I didn’t think the tale transitioned well, and the story really fell apart for me there.  I did not like the stalker part of the story, it was really dark, evil and uncomfortable to read.

I really appreciate that this is a clean story, and written from a Christian point of view.  I also liked getting “inside” the head of Reef, the youngest male in the  McKenna Family.  It is pretty obvious, though, that his story will be the next book in the series.  I would really like to see a return of the surprise twists and turns to the McKenna stories contained in the first book.  I wish I could rate this book higher than four stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House 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 website:  http://www.danipettrey.com/

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/DaniPettrey

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DaniPettrey

 

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“Laughing in the Rain: Self-Care for the Storms of Life” by Hillary Saffran

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Laughing in the Rain

Laugh at Life

This is a combination stress-relief and humor book.  The author has a background in social services, so is familiar with a lot of modern stressors, as well as, possible solutions for them.  There are sixteen different chapters that run the gamut of parenting to home ownership to modern technology.  Scattered throughout them are fifty different stress relievers the author calls self-care tips.  Also included in the book are photos and sketches that carry out the humor.

The author should be applauded for keeping the humor clean.  In case any readers find it objectionable, the word “hell” is used a few times in this book.  The humor is really geared towards adults, and even more so towards those who have children.  That is not because of anything offending but, that particular group of people would more easily identify with the situations she talks about.

The author lives in Alaska, so she has described some situations she has experienced there that I thought were very funny.  I also liked the part about trying to buy a home, including the things that could go wrong when attempting to do that.  In between the humorous parts, and the self-care sections of this book, the reader gets to know the author.  She is a caring person who really wants to help people.  Since her self-care tips are simple to put into action, it is easy to give them a try.  Laughter is also a great way to combat stress.  So if you are in search for some stress relief, with some humor thrown in, pick up this book.

The author provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.   All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.

Author’s Website:  http://hillarysaffran.com/

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

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

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“Pharaohs of the Bible” by Eve Engelbrite

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Pharaohs of the Bible

Along The Nile

This is a book that parallels the events and people in the Old Testament of the Bible, with the times and pharaohs of ancient Egypt.  It is very apparent that the author put a great deal of time and research into this project.   She has included very detailed charts, maps and documentation to backup her time-lines and claims.   This book contains lots of photographs and sketches; it is soft-bound, over-sized and very thick.  This is not for the faint of heart, as this extensive work numbers 535 pages.

I think it is commendable that the author devoted so much time to develop this, and to write it from a Christian point of view.   You will need to set apart a lot of time to fully go through this entire volume in ordere to give it the thoughtful reading it deserves.  I don’t agree with all that the author says, but this work will cause the reader to consider what they do, and do not, believe about this subject.  If you have an interest in ancient Egypt, and how that ties into events and people in the Old Testament, then this four-star book is for you.

The author provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.   All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.

Author information:  http://www.amazon.com/Eve-Engelbrite/e/B000APFQG8

More information to download with the book:  http://www.pharaohsofthebible.com/

 

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“Spoken For: Embracing Who You Are and Whose You Are” by Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Spoken For  

Valued Higher Than Gold

Our life is a love story, and God is our pursuer.  This relatively short, easy to read book is small, but it is full of big ideas concerning our worth, importance and value to God.  This volume compares our relationship with God to that of a beloved bride who is cherished by her husband.

Spoken For is written by two women, who give their perspectives and experiences in their respective lives.  Robin has been married many decades, while Alyssa is a newlywed.  They share situations they had in bad relationships, as well as, wonderful ones.  They tell of their experiences with God, and His pursuit of them–and us all.   The two describe how wonderful relationships can be when God is included.

The authors state that bad relationships can cause our self-worth to plummet.  Those negative feelings can live on, even into good relationships with someone else.   Overcoming those negative feelings will make us happier.  That can be done by  understanding that all of us are highly valued; God adores each one of us.  Many scriptures are given that show the deep love, and high regard God has for us all.

I really enjoyed this book, and it is very readable.  There are questions at the end of each chapter that cause you to think more about the subjects covered.  The true stories were very interesting, and brought home the points the authors were making.  Ultimately, we need to get our self-worth from God, and not from those around us.  This book will help the reader understand that God loves us deeply.  He wants to have an awesome love story with each one of us, and be a part of all our relationships.  If anyone has ever felt bad about themselves, or disappointed in a relationship, I recommend they read this five-star book.

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

 

Author Information about Robin Jones Gunn

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobinJonesGunn

Website:  http://www.robingunn.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/robingunn

Author Information about Alyssa Joy Bethke

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/alyssajoybethke

Website:  http://www.alyssajoy.me

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/alyssajoybethke

 

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“Beautiful on the Mountain” by Jeannie Light

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Beautiful on the Mountain 2

Mountain Blessing

This is the true story of Jeannie Light’s experience of living in an economically deprived area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the late 1970’s.  She had formerly lived an opulent lifestyle, but a divorce changed the course of her life.  As part of the divorce settlement, she received some undeveloped acreage in a very remote area.  That is where she planned on making her new home.

She was just beginning her transition to living there, when she was approached by one of the men of the region who begged her to reopen the local church–which had closed ten years earlier.  Although she was well-educated, Jeannie was not trained in the ministry.  She was stunned by the request because she had no idea how to do that.  But the author had encountered God in a life changing experience during her marital problems.  So Jeannie decided to seek God for direction.  However, she did not see how a woman, such as herself, that was not trained as a pastor, could reopen a church in a scantly populated area in the middle of nowhere.

She got to know much of the populace, including some local characters, very well.  Jeannie discovered that she had a different spot in the pecking order of the community than she had held when married to the rich landowner.  She learned the community’s way of looking at things, and, at times, found herself on the other side of the fence.  In fact, some of her viewpoints and actions put her in possible danger.

Living in the mountains, she discovered the beauty of the simple life.  She also discovered the many hardships that awaited those who tried to eke out a living in that area.  In some ways, living there was like stepping back in time.  On the other hand, the country was sparsely populated because it was a victim of modern life.  While living there, she had to depend on God, and saw how He  provided at every turn.

Ms. Light is a fabulous writer, who brings the reader into the world she is describing.   I love books about people’s lives, they are my very favorite kinds, and I have read a lot of them.  This  5-star book is one of the most interesting true stories I have had the pleasure to read and review.   The only down side to this book is that I want a sequel.  Hopefully, that will come in the future.  In the meantime, I highly recommend this wonderful book.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale House Publishers 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.

Author Information:  http://www.tyndale.com/Jeannie-Light/bio

 

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Becky

TV Show Signed Sealed Delivered

Fun Entertainment

Signed, Sealed, Delivered is a new family friendly television series on the Hallmark Channel.  It will be shown on Sunday nights at 8 pm, 7 pm Central time.

The show features lost letters that were meant to be mailed but for some reason have not been delivered.  There is a group of four people, postal employees, whose job is to locate the person the letter should have been mailed to and make the delivery.  These employees, two men and two women each have unique personalities and some quirkiness that adds interest to the show.  The show centers around the results these found letters have on people’s lives.  Detective work and mystery can be involved while searching for the true owners in these stories.

Martha Williamson, the creator of Touched by an Angel, is the creator and executive producer of this series. The show is planning on featuring scripture in its episodes and The American Bible Society is offering a Bible study that goes along with the series.  There is a sign up here:  http://www.americanbible.org/features/signed-sealed-delivered

I watched the segment that was aired on Sunday, May 25, 2014. The show featured two individuals with Down Syndrome, and the effect a found letter had on their lives.  The show was very sweet and engaging. It didn’t have any objectionable language or scenes.  The end of the program had “The Wedding Song” (There Is Love) playing in the background, which has references to God.  I enjoyed the show, and believe people of all ages would like it.  It would be a great program for a family to watch together.  I highly recommend this five-star program, and hope everyone tunes in Sunday nights to watch it.

 

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising):  I received a complimentary link from FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network to watch this show ahead of time.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.

 

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“When I Grow Up I Want to Be….in the U. S. Navy”

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover When I Grow Up I Want to be in The U S Navy

Oceans Away–Want To Be a Sailor?

This is a great book that has lots of good information about the Navy, especially life on an aircraft carrier.  This is geared towards children who can read, with pictures on every page.  It is softbound, contains fifty-one pages and is slightly over-sized.

In this book, a young boy name Noah and his little sister, Marina, go on an outing with their grandfather.  Their grandfather, a former Navy man, wants to take them on a tour of an aircraft carrier.  As the story unfolds, lots of true facts about the Navy are woven in the tale.

This is one of a series of books that explore different careers, such as teaching, a firefighter, and being in the U. S. Army.  There is also  one book that explores the topic of how to be a good person.  According to information that came with the volume, more books are in store for the future.  It is interesting, too, that instead of just one author writing these books, there is a group of people writing together.

Lots of material is included in this little volume, along with the story-line of two siblings vying for attention while doing the tour with their grandfather.  I think having a story within the career information was a great angle to take so that data can be presented in an interesting way.

I really enjoyed this book, and learned a lot about the Navy, so would think children would learn even more.  I also liked the Sailor’s Creed at the beginning.   This is a great way for children to explore vocations.  The group of people who wrote this did a fine job.  I would recommend this five-star book to anyone who is interested in exploring future career opportunities.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book and bookmark for the purpose of review.   All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WhenIGrowUpBooksbyWigu

More Information:   http://whenigrowupbooks.com/

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“I’ve Never Been to Vegas but My Luggage Has” by Mandy Hale

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover I've Never Been to Vegas but My Luggage Has

Real, Hilarious, Refreshing

Mandy Hale, thirty-four, writes a very readable autobiography that highlights events in her life from her senior year in high school to the present time.  She tells of her different jobs, the relationships in her life, and her walk with Christ.

Mandy is very transparent when telling about her past relationships.  She gives details about her first love which began her senior year in high school.  Later, she tells of a long-term love relationship she had with another man, Mr. E (pronounce it mystery).  Mandy loved Mr. E for years, but his inability to commit broke her heart over and over. Additionally, she describes a very dysfunctional relationship she was in with another man that became dangerously abusive.  Mandy shares how quickly an abuser can worm their way into another’s life, and even manipulate the abused person to feel responsible for the destructive behavior aimed at them.

She writes of the struggles she has had accepting the end of relationships, and that her dream of being married with children has not yet taken place.  Mandy shares what she has done to live life joyfully as a single person.  Through all her ups and downs, Mandy has received support from family and friends for which she much appreciates and counts as blessings and lifelines.

Mandy also shares her career journey.  She has had some hilarious things happen to her in her work history.  There have also been some difficult things occur, that were so painful, panic attacks and other emotional issues resulted.  Mandy shares all the good, the bad and the in-between.  Her current career, “The Single Woman,” the on-line sensation she created, which has over half a million followers, is discussed from its beginning to what it is today.

By the time one finishes this book, Mandy feels like a close friend.  She lets you into her mind and heart with her well-written accounts of her life.  Reading Mandy’s story will cause you to laugh with her, cry with her and feel her disappointments.  She shares her love of Christ, and honestly reveals  the times she has messed up.  But she also tells of how God has stood by her, even when she hasn’t stood by Him.  Looking back on her life, Mandy traces God’s hand in everything she has experienced.  From the beginning, she has dedicated “The Single Woman” to God, and credits him for its phenomenal success.

This is a very readable book.  Some of the things she writes about are sad, some incidents are fall-off-your-chair laughing, but all of her writings are worthwhile reading.  This book will encourage you in your walk with God, and convict you if you don’t have one.  I highly recommend this 5-star book.

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.

Author’s Blog:   http://thesinglewoman.net/category/blog/

Author Information:   http://thesinglewoman.net/ive-never-been-to-vegas-but-my-luggage-has-book/

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

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

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“Queen Vernita Visits Gator Country” by Dawn Menge

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Queen Vernita Visits Gator CountryThis book is a story about an imaginary woman named Queen Vernita who is going to the South for a visit.  The Queen is going to be gone for twelve months visiting different areas, and the book is divided into twelve sections.  This is an over-sized paperback volume with illustrations that are geared toward children.

The author should be applauded for her effort to educate children about the horrors of slavery.  It is also wonderful to highlight different areas of the country and the world that children are not familiar with.

It was a bit baffling that the phrase “the South” was used to describe the Queen’s destination.  Normally that term is used in association with a large area, but in this case, it was really just referring to the state of Louisiana.

Only a week’s worth of activities are given for the Queen each month.  Since a big part of the book is the one month segments the Queen is spending in each area, only listing one week each time is perplexing.  Some of the activities listed appear to be almost the same thing, only using different words for the descriptions.

The book mentions that alligators are almost extinct, yet goes on to say there are over a million of them.  Those two statements contradict each other.   After doing some research, I discovered that alligators were on the endangered list a few decades ago, but their numbers have come back, and have been for a number of years.  This discrepancy makes one wonder about the other statements made in the book.

The picture in the alligator section shows people standing in the water where alligators live, and feeding some by hand.   I am concerned that children will draw the conclusion that it is okay to wade in water that is part of an alligator habitat, or to hold out food to one.

Louisiana is a great part of the country for the author to highlight.  However, this book seems to be at cross purposes.  Some of it reads like a book for leisure reading while other parts read like a textbook.  The book’s objective needs to be clarified.  The two plantation sections need to be combined, or more facts–that are really different from each other–need to be included in each section.  It would be more interesting if areas with facts were less dry, and the Queen’s character had more depth.  I have not read other books in this series, so perhaps there is more about the Queen in other volumes.  There are lots of interesting things to discover in this area of the country, and some of them can be read about in this 3-star book.

The author for provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.   All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dawn.menge1?fref=ts

Author Information:  http://www.outskirtspress.com/DawnMenge/

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“Death by the Book” by Julianna Deering

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Becky

Book Cover Death by the Book

Did The Butler Do It?

Drew Farthering is living in 1930’s England and is handsome, rich and the sole heir of the Farthering Place estate.  He is also in love with an American girl, Madeline, who is taking her time declaring her love in return.  Madeline’s Aunt Ruth has arrived from America.  She is verbally overflowing with distrust for Drew, his intentions toward her niece, and all things British.  It appears that if she has her way, Aunt Ruth will break the couple up.

In the past, Drew solved a mystery that involved his own family.  The police had not been happy with his involvement.  But now a murder takes place that so confounds the police that Drew is reluctantly asked to help out.  While still attempting to solve the case, another murder takes place, and then another.  All were clearly done by the same person, but who?  As the murders continue, they are getting geographically closer to Drew’s residence.  Could Drew be the main target, if so, why?

This book is written in the classic style of British mysteries penned by authors such as Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie during the time period between the two World Wars.  Julianna Deering, writes so well, that one forgets this is a period piece by a modern author–it seems like it was actually written during the 1930’s.  This story is highly entertaining, clean and written from a Christian perspective.

Ms. Deering weaves a rousing mystery that is not an easy-to-figure-out whodunit.  When I read this, I thought I had solved it, only to find out I was wrong.  I enjoy mysteries that are a challenge, and this fit the bill.  This is the second book in this series that I have read, and highly recommend them both.  However, this 5-star book stands on its own, so can be read and enjoyed without the first one.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House 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 website:  www.juliannadeering.com.

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuliannaDeering

More information:  http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/julianna-deering/4079

 

 

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