Made for the Journey ~ Review

Made for the Journey: 

   One Missionary's First Year in the Jungles of Ecuador
by Elisabeth Elliot

with foreword by Kay Warren
First off just for those who think they have all of Elisabeth Elliot's books this book was originally published in 1998 as These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge? For those who are unfamiliar with the previous title (which I was) this a most interesting and insightful look at Elisabeth Elliot's first year as a missionary (which I might add was before she married Jim Elliot).

All too often the life of a missionary is glamorized in the hard work and effort that goes into the life well Made for the Journey doesn't glamorize it. Elizabeth went to Ecuador with the intention to learn the language of the Colorado Indians and then work on developing a written language with which the Bible could be translated for them. But her first step was learning Spanish so that she could communicate with those who called Ecuador home. Which makes one realize just how valuable an understanding of languages truly is to those who serve in the mission field. 

The community to which Elizabeth and her colleagues settled was not home to the Colorados to whom the deeper jungle was home but it was an area which they frequented upon occasion. But obtaining the willingness of one of these individuals to sit with her for hours, days, and weeks was nearly impossible. The need for her to learn their language was not nearly as important to them as it was to her. And there were setbacks that made her at times question her work and whether she had misheard God's calling.

Through her efforts, successful and not, Elizabeth wondered at times what God's purpose for this year of her life was. Years later she had her answer (revealed at the end of the book) and we need to remember the truth that God, that Christ is sufficient for all our trials and sorrows - that was and is the purpose of the cross. We often don't know the "why" but that is not important in our journey only that we trust in Him and follow His leading.

This book is not long at only 166 pages but there is a lot of information and depth to be found within these pages. I wouldn't say this should be read as a devotional but rather as a welcome addition to one's daily readings. There are 19 chapters so this could even be read over a couple of months if one only has free reading time on the weekends. This is labeled as a memoir and most will find it to be so much more. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion.

About the Book:
In this deeply personal account of her first year as a missionary, Elisabeth Elliot shares the challenges she faced as she worked in the jungles of Ecuador to bring the Word of God to a people virtually untouched by the outside world. With fascinating detail, she captures the stark realities of life in the jungle, the difficulties she encountered while developing a written language for the tribe, and her confusion when God didn't "cooperate" with her efforts to accomplish what she believed was His will.

More than just a memoir, Made for the Journey is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal reflection on the important questions of life and a remarkable testimony to authentic Christian obedience to an unfathomable God.

Lethal Target ~ Review

Lethal Target
Line of Duty #2
By Janice Cantore

Tess O'Rourke thought the past of Long Beach was behind her now that she has become a part of the community of Rogue's Hollow. The police department is facing a new crisis with the death of an 18-year-old young man that appears to have been due to a drug overdose. But when the evidence doesn't prove conclusive Tess is left with more questions than answers. Is it related to the new pot farms setting up around the area or is it something more sinister? Especially when the bane of her existence in Long Beach shows up ready to start a new smear campaign against her in Rogue's Hollow.

Tess has definitely crossed someone and once again her career is on the line but she's not about to back down and fade into the shadows when she has a job to do. And she does have a job to do when an unexplained death and potential missing persons on her watch. What Tess doesn't know is just how large a target she has on her back and whether she'll survive the threats that seem to be surrounding her.

Through it all, those who know and believe in her stand firm in their support. But with a contention ballot measure and the mayor's race just days away, Rogue's Hollow may soon erupt under the building tension. And Tess is under her own personal turmoil as the anniversary of her father's death comes around yet again - can she let go of the anger and allow her heart to heal? Or will her anger end her friendship with Pastor Oliver Macpherson, who seemingly overcame his own personal loss? Only time will tell and it is quickly running down.

This is the second book in the Line of Duty series and it takes place a few months after the events of Crisis Shot with Tess well-situated in her new home. Her relationship with Sergeant Steve Logan has come and gone in the time between, her choice. Tess's determination and drive make her a compelling character. And then there is Oliver who through his interactions is a caring person who tries to help others see that all sin is sin and all are guilty but redemption is possible and it is never too late to change. Rogue's Hollow is like many smaller communities with issues that seem larger than they truly need to be just because everyone knows everyone and it becomes more personal. Altogether a well-written and engaging book that is perfect for a long chilly weekend.


About the Book:
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke thought she’d taken care of her small town’s drug problem last year. But now Rogue’s Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town’s support.

With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.

Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.

Steps to Knowing God ~ Spotlight with Giveaway

Book Details:

Book Title:  Steps to Knowing God by Correna R. Barzey
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction,  118 pages
Genre:  Christian Living
Publisher: Westbow Press
Release date:  February 28, 2018
Tour dates: Nov 12 to 30, 2018
Content Rating: G



Book Description:

For an action-packed revelation on how to live a satisfied life with Christ, every page of this book highlights the truth of God and His desires for us. It is filled with spiritual nutrients and helpful tools that will transform and change lives for the glory of God, thus giving us the ammunition needed to withstand the evil one Gaining a better understanding of God and developing spiritual qualities that will deepen your devotion to Him and will steadily transform you into His likeness.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
Google Play ~ Kobo ~ Christianbook.com
Author's Website

Meet the Author:

Correna R. Barzey is a mother of four, born on the tiny island of Montserrat in the Caribbean. She was brought up in the church from a young age by her grandmother and is a devoted christian who delights in God and His Word. Correna knew she had a passion for writing as she began to write inspirational poems for friends and loved ones, however, looking at this world desperately in need of Christ, she decided to write this book to give others a clearer understanding of Christ.

Connect with the author: Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

BOOK SPOTLIGHT TOUR SCHEDULE:

Nov 12 - Library of Clean Reads 

Nov 12 - Rainy Day Reviews 

Nov 12 - Adventurous Jessy 

Nov 12 - Working Mommy Journal 

Nov 13 - Cheryl's Book Nook 

Nov 13 - Mystery Suspense Reviews

Nov 14 - Bound 2 Escape 

Nov 15 - My Devotional Thoughts 

Nov 15 - Books for Books 

Nov 16 - Rockin' Book Reviews 

Nov 19 - Paulette's Papers

Nov 20 - A Mama's Corner of the World 

Nov 21 - Cafinated Reads 

Nov 22 - StoreyBook Reviews 

Nov 23 - Writers and Authors 

Nov 23 - T's Stuff 

Nov 26 - Blooming with Books

Nov 27 - Laura's Interests 

Nov 28 - Locks, Hooks and Books 

Nov 29 - My Journey Back 

Nov 30 - The Autistic Gamer 

Nov 30 - Adventures Thru Wonderland 

Enter the Giveaway!

Win a paperback copy of Steps to Knowing God  

(open internationally to wherever Amazon delivers / 1 winner)

Ends Dec 8, 2018

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Day by Day Through the Gospel of John ~ Review

Day by Day Through the Gospel of John
365 Days in the Presence of Jesus
Compiled and Edited by Lance Wubbels

This is the time of year when one has to look for a new devotional for the coming year. 365 Days in the Presence of Jesus is for whole a year ~ a whole year which is spent focused on the Gospel of John. This offers a unique perspective as the works of a variety of authors, preachers, and teachers are compiled in this book.

Now just to be clear every single verse is not addressed but some verses have several days of devotionals offering different viewpoints on it. I really like this as it makes one stop and think about what one can get out of these verses.

This book includes an introduction and an overview of the contributors so one has a passing familiarity with the authors. There is not an index or table of contents so if there are notes you want to go back to, be sure to mark the pages with a little tab (like a post-it tab or a ribbon). There is space at the margins for making quick notes and there are a couple of blank pages in the back so that you can mark down the dates (as the pages are unnumbered) that make an impact on you (or if you are like me just have a small notebook for your notes).

This would make an excellent gift for a new believer or for someone seeking as it is the Gospel of John. It would also make a wonderful couple's or family devotional to read together. I would highly recommend this devotional to any and all.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House with no expectations except that I offer my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Words from the past can have a remarkable ability to refresh us today. The writings of legendary preachers and Bible teachers, such as Charles Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, Catherine Booth, and Andrew Murray continue to provide encouragement and truth for Christians around the world. 

From the classic writings of these revered saints, Lance Wubbels has compiled and edited the best of the best of their inspirational insights into this 365-day devotional. Chapter by chapter, through the Gospel of John, readers will gain an unforgettable understanding of the life, words, and ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Excerpts are taken from the writings of:
· Charles Spurgeon 
· Alexander Maclaren 
· Joseph Parker 
· S. D. Gordon 
· Alexander Whyte 
· George MacDonald 
· John Wesley 
· R. A. Torrey 
· Hudson Taylor 
· Charles Finney 
· Matthew Henry 
· Frances Ridley Havergal 
· Catherine Booth 
· Adam Clarke
· Andrew Murray

Here is a one-year devotional that is packed with profound biblical commentary, brilliant wisdom, and practical application that you'll look forward to reading every day.

When We Say Father ~ Review

When We Say Father
Unlocking the Power of the Lord's Prayer
By Adrian Rogers and
     Steve Rogers

When we say Father we come to the name with certain expectations or disappointments all based on our previous experiences with our own fathers. But this is not how we should come before our Heavenly Father. Rather we need to reset our thinking because God our Father is so much more than what we've ever experienced in our current physical experience.

Prayer is a conversation with God and we've been given an example of how we are to begin this conversation with the Lord's Prayer. We are to come before God addressing his nurturing nature - that of an ideal father. We come before God addressing Him as Father but we must realize that He is not the Father to all but rather to those who have accepted His gift of being born into His family.

I really like When We Say Father and how each line of the prayer is addressed and explained - putting it into perspective for our own lives. When we pray we are to start out by addressing God directly exalting His name. We then ask for His will to be done - in other words, we put God and His wants first in our conversation. By putting God first we don't focus on ourselves - who would start off a conversation with someone saying, "I want such-and-such and this-and-that." Self-focus distracts us from a full and meaningful conversation with God. Only after we focus on God do we ask Him to provide for our daily needs (when we worry about the day-to-day things we are insulting God by not trusting Him to provide).  We follow this by asking for His forgiveness and His assistance to avoid temptations that would lead us into future sins. We end our conversation as we began it focusing on our Father, His kingdom, and His everlasting glory.

This is a lovely book that helps one to understand in a more complete way the gift of prayer. The small size makes it easy to handle and to keep readily handy. You'll want to reread this book as you grow in your daily prayer life with the various scripture references it will prove to be a valuable aid.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher BH Publishing with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Book:
Adrian Roger's last written manuscript before his passing in 2005, has been edited and brought together by his son Steve, as a final joint work. When We Say Father takes the Lord's Prayer and breaks it down to its most basic components for readers to easily learn how to pray from the ultimate source, Jesus himself.

I Can Only Imagine ~ Review

I Can Only Imagine (Picture Book)

A Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever
By Bart Millard with Laura Neutzling
Illustrated by Sumiti Collina 

What is Heaven like? What does God do? Have you ever wondered this? With natural curiosity, most have at one time or another wondered about that which cannot be seen.  I Can Only Imagine is just such a wondering. 

 

I Can Only Imagine has a wonderful flowing rhythm that paired with the illustrations offers the reader a soothing and peaceful story that allows the message of the book to be absorbed more fully. 

When reading this book I was reminded of the passage from John 14, specifically verse 3, "I go to prepare a place for you..." And this wondering and imagining of just what this place in Heaven is like is expressed here. This book is the perfect read for bedtime or just a snuggle time together in a favorite chair. 

There are 21 pages of text with a few additional pages that are just illustrations so it is a good length for shorter attention spans and yet not too short. The illustrations are colorful and cover an array of settings both indoors and out, day and night. I Can Only Imagine is one book you will want to share with all the young readers in your life opening up their minds to their own imaginings.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Encourage your children’s sense of wonder and faith with I Can Only Imagine, inspired by the hit song by MercyMe. This beautiful picture book will capture your family’s childlike faith and imagination.

I Can Only Imagine asks questions a child might ask and invites families to wonder together: What is heaven like? What does God do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Children will see that although experiencing the glory of heaven may be far off, we can enjoy a friendship with Jesus every day - right here on earth. Whimsical, playful illustrations and thought-provoking questions make this a book that families will cherish.

Fun and vibrant illustrations offer a vivid visual and will help your children see that God can be found everywhere, every day.

I think about heaven as I look up at the sky

And watch the fluffy clouds roll by.

The more I imagine, the more I wish I knew.

I wonder, would God like pancakes with extra syrup too?

And if God and I spent the day together, what exactly would we do?

The Christian worship song “I Can Only Imagine” touched countless lives with its glorious representation of being in the presence of God, and this beautifully illustrated picture book invites you and your children to imagine those same wonders. Share the joy of a personal relationship with the Lord with your family today through the creative, faith-filled book I Can Only Imagine.

Christ Chronological ~ Review

Christ Chronological
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

This is a unique and interesting way to present the four books of the Gospel. All four books are presented in a chronological format. The four Gospels are side-by-side when they are relating the same events. When all don't present the same event only the book or books that do are on the page. This is different from a Parallel Bible in which the same text is presented in various translations/versions.

Are you thinking "Oh, how will I be able to tell the books apart?" Don't worry each book is printed in a different color. Matthew is blue, Mark is green, Luke is red, and John is purple. There are notes throughout to guide the reader along and these are in black.

The entire Gospel message is presented from before the Birth of Christ opening with John's narrative on the beginning and concluding after the Ascension with John's testimony that the world could not contain all the books that could be written about Jesus.

The textual portions of this Bible go from page 5 to page 139 which is followed by 5 lined pages for notes. The book is hardcovered and is approximately 9" x 9-1/2". The cover has in the lower portion a thorn pattern with the upper portion showing rays spreading upward as from the rising sun.

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
CSB Christ Chronological provides a unique way for readers to experience the life of Christ in chronological order with each Gospel writer’s account of events side-by-side. Featuring a parallel format, commentary notes for each section to provide background and context, and color-coded text to differentiate between the accounts in each Gospel, readers are able to gain a fresh perspective on the life and ministry of Christ. 

CSB Christ Chronological features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.

They Were Single Too ~ Review

They Were Single Too
Eight Biblical Role Models
By David M. Hoffeditz

They Were Single Too is written to the single adult by examining the lives of eight different individuals in the Bible and their unique positions in a world and culture that expected them to be married. While the author originally wrote this book from a single state he has since married before this updated, revised edition was released. The author quite plainly states that this book is applicable for married believers too.

Of the eight people mentioned three were women and two of them (Ruth and Anna) are widows. So the only woman mentioned who is truly single is Martha. Of the men mentioned four are presumed single while Joseph later did marry.  Lessons are taken from each persons life with truths one can apply to one's own life.

There are times when the author seems to slight the single person for example on page 104 "Hence, while we may not want to admit it, commitment can be hard to find in some single adults." Commitment is not a given for those who are married as we sadly see with the number of divorces. I do agree that the church needs to offer more for those who haven't married as all too often the single adult gets lost in the rush to focus on children and families which isn't wrong but leaves the unmarried feeling as if they are a burden and a hidden shame to be hidden away.

This book is good if one wants to examine the lives of some who are unmarried at least for a portion of their story. This could be an excellent starting place for a new single's Bible study.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Kregel with no expectations of a positive review. 

About the Book:
Singleness is not a sin that needs to be redeemed. Yet for many single Christians, the way the church regards them often feels condemning. Living between these truths can be a painful, frustrating experience.

By examining eight individuals from Scripture who were single at some point in their adult lives--Paul, Anna, Martha, Jeremiah, Ruth, Joseph, Nehemiah, and John the Baptist--Hoffeditz guides readers through common struggles singles face, such as loneliness and disappointment.

Hoffeditz isn't offering a self-help guide, a twelve-step program to recovery, or philosophical musings. They Were Single Too spells out concrete steps for a healthy, God-approved attitude toward unmarried life and how one can truly serve God without a spouse. Brief chapters with questions for reflection allow for either individual or group study.

Long used as a resource for singles ministries, this revised edition updates the language of this timeless biblical study and makes it more attractive for today's reader.

When God Made Light ~ Review

When God Made Light
By Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by David Catrow

This is a delightful lyrical story that has a rhythm that will enchant the reader no matter what their age. For example, this line

"Light glared and glimmered, 

it flared and sparked, 

and wherever light shined, 

dark stopped being dark." 

How perfectly this describes how it must have been when God spoke light into existence. But light comes in more than one form and each should be celebrated whether it be the sun, the moon, fireflies, or the light within you. 

Then there are the illustrations - they say a picture is worth a thousand words - well that couldn't be truer than with this book. A couple of delightful children playing both in the house and outdoors with their dog and kitty. The colors are soothing and the transition from day to night goes from yellows to blues. 

A lovely book perfect for sharing with the little ones in your lap. Those who have read When God Made You will enjoy this newest offering from the same creative team.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Enjoy a short excerpt of this book by clicking here

From the author and illustrator of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.

'Let there be light!' that's what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread." Wild and creative illustrations from top children's illustrator David Catrow pair with Matthew Paul Turner's lyrical verse in this message of a God-made light that cuts through darkness to bring vision and hope to all young readers. This light radiates, chasing away the shadows, providing the wonder and fun of stargazing or firefly chasing. Most important, this light appears in each child--an inner God-given spark that grows and will be used to change the world.

The Empowered ~ Review

The Empowered
A Trevor Black Novel #2
By Craig Parshall

Trevor Black is planning on spending some quality time with his college-aged daughter Heather. But then he gets a call from Dick Valentine regarding the death of Jason Forester. Forester's death appears to be natural causes but someone who wants to remain anonymous has expressed concerns about this death. And those concerns target Forester's death as being the result of voodoo.

Death by voodoo? Most might scoff at such a claim but not Trevor and when he is presented with an opportunity to speak at an ABA convention in New Orleans, he takes it as a sign that he is supposed to take this case. With Heather tagging along he makes the trip to New Orleans and finds an even more complicated web of cases that may have ties to his now deceased  Assistant US Attorney.

But soon Trevor finds himself targeted by supernatural forces that seem determined to keep him from exposing the truth. And when he framed for a horrific murder he knows he has to get Heather out of New Orleans, but she has disappeared. With the other disappearances, Trevor fears for the life and the soul of his daughter. What follows is a look into the dark underside of the city one that is ruled by those who live not in the physical world but the spiritual and they are more than happy to pervert all that they can.

The Empowered is a high-powered suspense that will keep the reader gripping the book as the pages flip by. Yes, it is a little intense at times so sensitive readers may want to avoid reading within an hour or two of bed. And this book doesn't shy away from current issues that should concern all readers. fans of Speculative and suspense fiction have just met the newest attention grabber for their to-be-read list. Those who have enjoyed Frank Peretti and James Rubart might want to give this one a try. Haven't read the first Trevor Black novel (The Occupied) that's okay I haven't either and had no problem getting caught up in this book, so read on.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers with no expectation of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Just when a mysterious death in Washington, DC, appears to have voodoo connections rooted in New Orleans, Trevor Black also receives an invitation to speak at the national ABA convention in the city.

He knows he’ll be in enemy territory, both as a disbarred attorney and as a follower of Jesus, but he determines to travel there and confront the supernatural element. Right after a grisly murder in his hotel room puts him on the suspect list, his daughter disappears, leaving a note that suggests a connection to the local cult religion. Now Trevor must not only crack the case but try to protect Heather from forces of darkness clutching at her soul as well. And just as he discovers that his ability to sniff out the supernatural has its limitations, Trevor learns that this web of evil extends far beyond isolated murders, enslaving scores of innocent children, with its head perhaps linked to the highest seats of power.

  Find The Empowered at:

 Goodreads             Amazon

Connect with Craig Parshall on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook 

Leanna's Choice ~ Review

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah
Leanna's Choice
By Angie Dickens

Leanna McKee's life is not what she expected it to be. Living far from her old life in Boston society she finds herself a widow in the harsh mining town of Castle Gate, Utah and surviving on the slight salary she makes as a school teacher to the children of Greek immigrants. The resentment and bitterness that have made a home in her heart are keeping her from any contentment in her situation.

But when Alex Pappas, a friend of her late husband, seeks her help with his niece and nephew Leanna finds a new purpose in her life and a chance to earn her way out of Castle Gate. But the more she gets to know the Pappas children the more aware she becomes of the prejudices that are held against these hard-working immigrants.

Fear and intolerance have divided this community into two halves. Though there is work and opportunity to grow and improve what they have, distrust of what isn't known has driven in a wedge that is widening the divide. And Leanna and Alex's friendship could be the catalyst to destroy everything. Or it could be the first step in drawing everyone into a community that works together. But when two other choices for the future present themselves Leanna is faced with a decision that only she can make. But which way will she turn - that which she had known, that which she now knows, or the unknown?

This story is set in 1910 and it is interesting to run parallels to today and people's stance on immigrants. Fear that these new people will steal the jobs, the opportunities that belong to others has been a motivation in this intolerance throughout history.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Forbidden love challenges Old World

expectations in the coal mining town

of Castle Gate, Utah

Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband’s life.

Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart...and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.

Alex’s Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him.  When the schoolteacher’s association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate. . .though she will be leaving her heart behind.

The Delusion ~ Review

The Delusion
Delusion #1
By Laura Gallier

We all have our demons...

Owen Edmonds and his mother have come back to the home that belonged to the grandparents he never knew. Not the best thing when you are in the second half of your senior year of high school. And to make it even worse Masonville High has had an uncommonly high number of student suicides - 8 since September and the school year has several more months to go.

Like everyone else, Owen is confused and concerned and his girlfriend Jess with her up-and-down moods has him especially worried. But when a trip into the woods and an encounter with a strange older man turns into a quest for answers Owen is about to learn more than he ever wanted to know. And the proof of the demise of Masonville High is before his very eyes.

Unfortunately, Owen can't unsee what is before him and it is totally messing with his mind. Worse whenever he tries to describe what he is seeing other think he is losing it. Everyone he sees is altered - shackled and being attacked by hideous beings.

But time is running out as the school year counts down and the student toll rises. Can Owen's new sight offer any hope? Or will the entire student population fall to these beings?

Fans of Frank Peretti, Billy Coffey, and Chuck Black will enjoy this book which promises at the conclusion to be the first in a series. This is a battle between good and evil that takes place in the spiritual realm just outside of our perceivable visual range. Owen has no belief in such things but for reasons unknown to him he can see into the spiritual. This book is most definitely one for the older teen/YA and adult reader just because of some of the situations are not appropriate for younger readers. 

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
By March of Owen Edmonds’s senior year, eleven students at Masonville High School have committed suicide. Amid the media frenzy and chaos, Owen tries to remain levelheaded—until he endures his own near-death experience and wakes to a distressing new reality.

The people around him suddenly appear to be shackled and enslaved.

Owen frantically seeks a cure for what he thinks are crazed hallucinations, but his delusions become even more sinister. An army of hideous, towering beings, unseen by anyone but Owen, are preying on his girlfriend and classmates, provoking them to self-destruction.

Owen eventually arrives at a mind-bending conclusion: he’s not imagining the evil—everyone else is blind to its reality. He must warn and rescue those he loves . . . but this proves to be no simple mission. Will he be able to convince anyone to believe him before it’s too late?

Owen’s heart-pounding journey through truth and delusion will force him to reconsider everything he believes. He both longs for and fears the answers to questions that are quickly becoming too dangerous to ignore.

Steal Away Home ~ Review

Steal Away Home
By Matt Carver
    and Aaron Ivey

Steal Away Home brings to life a bit of history that most people are unaware of and the history books give little if any, mention of.  Many have heard of Charles Spurgeon and his preaching but for many, myself included Thomas Johnson is an unknown factor in the life of Spurgeon. This book brings to life their story and friendship.

Any good story must start at the beginning and this book does just that starting out when both were in their childhood. But their childhoods were vastly different with Charles calling England home while Thomas called America home. The chapters alternate between their lives as Charles grows to become the preacher we are familiar with and Thomas lives the life of a slave. Yet both men sought freedom from the bonds that held them captive.  Charles sought to be free of the fear and the darkness that had followed him through life. Thomas sought to be free of the yoke of slavery. Yet what both needed was the freedom that can only be found in the loving grace and forgiveness offered by God. And in the midst of their search, the two found the freedom they sought and a friendship that would shape the rest of their lives.

If you appreciate history that comes to life through the power of words this is a book that you will want to read. The contrast in the lives of these two men is powerful and equally powerful is the force behind their friendship - God's mercy. At less than 300 pages this book feels longer though it doesn't drag in the least. Opening in 1841 and continuing through 1892 one is taken through years of change and three different continents. If one has seen the movie Amazing Grace which looked at the life of William Wilberforce I believe this book to be as profound and powerful in portraying the life and times of these two men.

I was provided a review copy of this book by BH Publishing with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Thomas Johnson and Charles Spurgeon lived worlds apart.

Johnson, an American slave, born into captivity and longing for freedom--- Spurgeon, an Englishman born into relative ease and comfort, but, longing too for a freedom of his own. Their respective journeys led to an unlikely meeting and an even more unlikely friendship, forged by fate and mutual love for the mission of Christ.

Steal Away Home is a new kind of book based on historical research, which tells a previously untold story set in the 1800s of the relationship between an African-American missionary and one of the greatest preachers to ever live.

All She Left Behind ~ Review

All She Left Behind
By Jane Kirkpatrick

Jennie Lichtenthal was naturally gifted in an understanding of the healing properties of herbs and oils. And she brought this skill with her into her marriage with Charles Pickett. Always searching for new and better healing practices Jennie had the heart of a healer. So when her marriage was damaged and fractured by the powerful draw of addiction she was determined to find a solution to aid and cure those closest to her caught in its grip.

But a woman in the 1860s had few opportunities to better her situation, especially when her name was coupled with the stigma of divorce. But somehow Jennie managed to overcome just such an obstacle when those who knew her for who she was didn't allow a word to define their relationship - their friendship with her.

When her friend and patient exacts a deathbed promise from her Jennie's life is about to take yet another course - one that could lead her to become the doctor she's longed to be - one that could perhaps find a cure to end or a treatment to lessen the powerful hold of addiction.

In a world and time when her situation and actions would have been discouraged Jennie found the courage to follow the leading of her heart. Becoming a female doctor was all but unheard of at the time but Jennie with the encouragement of family succeeded.

This is another work from the talented Jane Kirkpatrick about a woman who refused to allow the confines of society to shape her to its whims. Jennie's life was one of trial and triumph as she sought to help both her husband and her son in their struggles with addictions. She managed to become a doctor all while being a wife and mother. The story of her life will move the reader.

This story is completely told within this book - no fears of having to wait for a sequel with this one. The writer has a talent for bringing not well-known pieces of history to life in a way one can't fully appreciate in textual history books. A perfect book for fans of historical fiction, especially if one enjoys late 19th-century American history.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s is an unforgiving place--especially for a single mother. To support herself and her young son, Jennie finds work caring for an older woman. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman's widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal--but the road forward is uncertain. 

New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites you to leave behind your preconceived notions about love and life as you, along with Jennie, discover that dreams may be deferred--but they never really die. Based on a true story.

Bringing Maggie Home ~ Review

Bringing Maggie Home
By Kim Vogel Sawyer

For decades Hazel DeFord has been haunted by a single choice - a choice that altered her family forever - a choice that cost her Maggie.

In series of back and forths from the past and the present the mystery that makes Hazel DeFord the woman that she is. The book opens in 1943 on the fateful day that Hazel lost her little sister Maggie. This loss changed Hazel and her parents forever but losing Maggie was just the first step in many that bring us to the Hazel of today.

Hazel is beloved by her only granddaughter Meghan. But her daughter Diane has nothing but bitterness and resentment for her mother and the bond that she shares with Meghan. Neither woman has any idea of the painful secret that Hazel has been keeping for 70 years. But when the three women all come together at Hazel's home just before her 80th birthday the truth will be revealed.

Determined to help her grandmother find the peace that has eluded her and to shed the guilt that has shaped her perceptions and personality Meghan uses her skills in an attempt to uncover the truth. Meghan never expected her job as a cold case agent to take on a personal motivation. And time is a factor as so much has passed and her grandmother seems to be exhibiting some suspect symptoms that have Meghan and even Diane concerned.

Having read Kim Vogel Sawyer's work in the past I was anticipating another well-written book and my expectations were not disappointed. The characters were believable and one felt so bad for Hazel as scenes from her childhood unfolded following the loss of Maggie. This book is one that will touch the heart as each character's life plays out in little glimpses into the past. This cover is perfect as it captures the key moment of the loss in a subtle way. Another highly recommended book that is suitable for readers mid-teens and up.

I received a review copy of this book from Blogging for Books for this review - with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Decades of Loss, 

an Unsolved Mystery, 

and 

a Rift Spanning Three Generations

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
 
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?