The Atheist Who Didn't Exist ~ Review

The Atheist Who Didn't Exist
       Or the Dreadful Consequences
                              of Bad Arguments
By Andy Bannister

          with a Foreword by Ravi Zacharias

The Atheist Who Didn't Exist is an intriguing and rather amusing look at the off the wall arguments that are used to justify personal beliefs.  In the case of this book the arguments to justify not believing in God are examined.  What can seem, on the surface, like a profoundly intelligent argument can in fact be a bunch of confusing word play.

Atheists don't believe God is dead, rather He never existed and the New Atheist movement has some interesting arguments to backup this belief.  What is a "New Atheist" you ask - well this is a small group of media savvy Atheists who have taken to attacking all religions and Christianity in particular with books that have an angry and confrontational tone.  

Some of the arguments presented are an attempt to ridicule one into thinking that only the uneducated person could believe in such an impossible myth.  After all God was merely a crutch to create rules and guidelines that individuals were forced against their will to adhere to.  

This book questions the foundations that Atheism bases its beliefs on.  Belief in non-belief is powerful draw to many today who are searching for meaning while trying to exclude God from ALL aspects of life.  I found the chapter "Humpty Dumpty and the Vegan" to be quite amusing.  The vegan friend's argument that he was a liberal vegan was rather humorous while at the same time sad as many use the same type of arguments to reject God.  In essence the vegan's justification in eating meat was he that he would determine for himself what the term vegan meant for him.  

All too often this same argument is used to define good and evil.  Who or what is the definer of good and evil when we reject God.  Without God how can there be a measure to justify or vilify any one person or groups actions?  

This book is a plea with all people to think and to ponder what they believe.  Do you believe in God? A higher being? Or your own-self?  Then question is Why do you believe?  Is it something you thought through?  Or were you just following along with others and not truly making the decision for yourself?

This is a book that will make one think, which is after all the author's intention in writing it.  This would make for an interesting book club selection and I would love to hear the various readers and their individual takes on the book.  Atheist or Christian there is much food for thought in this book whether or not  you agree with the author's views.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Kregel reviewer program in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Addressing some of the more popular atheist sound bites about the Christian faith, The Atheist Who Didn't Exist clears the space for a deeper and more honest discussion about the big questions of life.

Our culture now assumes that atheism is the default position--indeed, the only position for anyone who wishes to be seen as educated, contemporary, and urbane. In the media, atheism is usually portrayed as scientific and rational versus religion, which is seen as stuffy, outdated, and irrational.

Blending humor with serious thought, The Atheist Who Didn't Exist will help readers to think a little deeper about the popular claims of atheism. Whether the reader is a Christian who desires to be able to start a conversation with secular friends or simply an agnostic dissatisfied with some of the arguments that pass for serious thought, Andy Bannister shows that when it comes to the most important questions of life, we need to move beyond simplistic sound bites.

Oswald: Return of the King ~ Review

Oswald: Return of the King

By Edoardo Albert

Upon the death of his Uncle Edwin Oswald is deemed throne-worthy.  But Oswald doesn't desire or seek the throne that his uncle took from his father.  For in Oswald's opinion there are others who are equally throne-worthy, including his older half-brothers.  The life of a monk appeals to him, a simple life serving on the Holy Island.

But the life Oswald wants is not the life he is destined to live.  Cadwallon, not content to rule his kingdom after defeating Edwin, is determined to be named High King and to drive the Saxons to the sea purging the land of their vileness.  Cadwallon's evil and violent ways have left many on the verge of ruin and starvation.

Seeking guidance Oswald is convinced that his path leads him to seek his father's throne.  But to take the throne Oswald must gather allies who will come to him when he challenges Cadwallon. 

Oswald and his brother Oswin set out in a most unusual strategy to capture the throne.  But defeating Cadwallon is but the first step to becoming High King of a united Britain.  The path Oswald has taken is one that is without the peace he has become accustomed to on Iona.  

Betrayal is a possibility with every alliance and yet there are those who Oswald trusts with certainty - his brother, his dearest friend Aidan, his mother, his sister, and a few who have come to him in his quest for the throne.  

Oswald: Return of the King is an engrossing and intriguing story.  If you read the first book Edwin: High King of Britain you will enjoy this continuation of the history of the Northumbrian throne.  If you haven't there is a recap of the first book so that you will be brought up to speed so that you can enjoy this second installment in the series.

Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book, this series.  I believe fans of Tolkien's works will be delighted in this series from Edoardo Albert.  This would make an excellent addition to any library - be it home, school, or public.  

Get ready to enter a world that is a foundation to all we know today.  A world that is on the edge of the old and the new.  A world that faces the same basic struggles that we face today.  Whom will you follow?  Who will you call for king?

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:
The second book in The Northumbrian Thrones series follows the young prince Oswald as he seeks to regain the throne taken from his family by Edwin.

The exiled family of King Æthelfrith of Northumbria arrive, after much hardship, on the island of Iona, where the monastery founded by St Columba has become a center of worship and learning. Amid the violence and turbulence of Dark-Ages Britain, the island appears a sanctuary to the hunted princes and Oswald, having become firm friends with a novice named Aidan, enters the church along with his younger brother, Oswiu.

As befits a young prince, Oswald learns to fight and soon becomes renowned for his courage, earning the title Lamnguin, the Whiteblade. However, the peace of Iona leaves Oswald torn between becoming a monk or returning to Northumbria to reclaim the kingdom that is rightfully his. When news reaches Iona that his half-brother, Eanfrith, has been killed by Cadwallon, the king who defeated Edwin, Oswald sails back to Northumbria and meets Cadwallon in battle, defeating and killing him.

Oswald, now the undisputed king of Northumbria, gives Aidan the island of Lindisfarne as a base from which to take the faith to the English. But Penda, the last great pagan king in England, is raising troops against him...

Heartbreak Trail ~ Review

Heartbreak Trail
An Andrea Carter Book 
Circle C Milestones 2
By Susan K, Marlow

Andi (Andrea) Carter is determined to take a part in this year's cattle drive.  And with her 15th birthday fast approaching this may be her best chance to finally get her wish.  But some wishes may be best left unfulfilled.

Cattle drives are not all fun and adventure as Andi and her younger cousin Levi are about to discover after being assigned as Cook's helpers!  Andi's dream has been to take part in driving the cattle or managing the horses not gathering wood and washing pans.

Dust, biting mosquitoes, bed rolls on the hard ground, and a hard wagon seat what more could a girl want?  But when a dangerous river crossing takes a wrong turn lives are in the balance and the drive is suddenly short-handed.  Can Andi and Levi cover this shortage and help get the cattle to Los Angeles?

Heartbreak Trail is just that as the hardships and the dangers of driving cattle to market are experienced through Andi's eyes.  Fans of Andi will love her newest adventure as she learns some important lessons about life on the trail and about herself.  Andi is about to grow up in ways she never expected.

Tweens and teens will delight in this determined young woman.  This book would be an excellent addition to any home or school library, and with school just around the corner this would be a great choice for any historical fiction book reports that may be coming up!

I was provided a copy of this book through Kregel in exchange her my honest review.

About the book:

Andrea Carter can ride, rope, and cut out cattle with the best of her brothers' ranch hands. Yet, her mother has always held the family's youngest daughter back from fully participating in ranch activities.

With the approach of her fifteenth birthday, even the ranch boss, big brother Chad, can't deny that his baby sister is better at ranch skills than some of his cowhands. When Andi announces that her quinceañera birthday wish is to join the upcoming cattle drive, her family is stunned. But after further discussion and multiple newspaper clippings about spirited women who balked at society's expectations, even Mother agrees that the only way to get this cattle-drive notion out of Andi's head is by letting her and her cousin Levi go along as Cook's helpers. Andi is elated. What can go wrong on a two-week drive to Los Angeles?

Andi quickly discovers that a cattle drive is a dirty, dangerous business with little sleep and the same food day after day. Between late nights, dust, mosquitoes, and an abrasive cowhand trying to win Andi's attention, it is definitely not a holiday. Andi grimly determines she will stick it out. When a river crossing goes wrong and Chad is shot in a gunfight with suspicious men who have been shadowing the herd, Mitch the trail boss finds himself dangerously shorthanded. Andi and Levi can no longer just give Cook a hand. It's time to pitch in and help Mitch get their cattle to market--any way they can.

The Lost Garden ~ Review

The Lost Garden
Tales from Goswell
By Katharine Swartz

The Lost Garden is a lovely story set in two very different time periods - the first nearly a century ago 1918 / 1919 and the second in the present day.  Both stories are set in Goswell on the Cumbrian coast of England.  In both stories the main characters have suffered a loss - one that has forever altered their lives.

This is Marin's story and Eleanor's story as well.  How they deal with their losses is the focus of this story and central throughout is the vicarage garden.  

Throughout one can empathize with Marin and Rebecca as they start over and get to know one another.  And one can feel the pain that Eleanor and Katherine are experiencing as the world that they have known has collapsed after years of war. 

This is a beautifully written story that alternates every other chapter between Marin and Eleanor.as they navigate the various challenges of life and discover what love truly means.  The Lost Garden is a beautiful lesson in life when confronted with unexpected loss.  The garden helps those who need it to find a meaning and purpose when life is at a low point.

I highly recommend this story, though you may what to have a box of tissue nearby while reading. This story also builds in a touch of suspense as we are shown a scene from Eleanor's life at the beginning of the book and then we are lead up to this rather dramatic moment throughout the remainder of the story.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Kregel Reviewer program in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Present and past residents of a countryside English vicarage search for love...

 

Marin Ellis is in search of a new start after her father and his second wife die in a car accident leaving her the guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister, Rebecca. They choose the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast and settle into Bower House, the former vicarage, on the edge of the church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca’s interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the bramble inside. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together the three of them begin to uncover the garden’s secrets.

In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell’s vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, who was killed just days before the Armistice was signed. Eleanor retreats into herself and her father starts to notice how unhappy she is. As spring arrives, he decides to hire someone to make a garden for Eleanor, and draw her out of—or at least distract her from—her grief and sorrow. Jack Taylor is in his early twenties, a Yorkshire man who has been doing odd jobs in the village, and when Eleanor’s father hires him to work on the vicarage gardens, a surprising—and unsuitable—friendship unfolds.

Deftly weaving the dual narratives, Katharine Swartz explores themes of loyalty and love through her memorable characters and strong sense of place.

Day of Atonement ~ Review

Day of Atonement
A Novel of the Maccabean Revolt
By David A. deSilva

I have to admit the Maccabean Revolt has always fascinated me. This is the empty space between the Old and New Testaments and to a young child somewhat confusing.  Why is there a gap in the story?  Raised within the Protestant church this wasn't touched on. And High School Ancient World History just briefly flew by it.

My father had a New Jerusalem Bible that contained the Apocrypha which I read at 12 years of age. I have to admit it was somewhat confusing.  Thanks to Day of Atonement I now have an understanding of this era that has been forgotten by most of the non-Jewish world.

Jerusalem is in a period of upheaval as those who live within this City of God fight for political and spiritual dominance.  Some still hold the Law of Moses in high regard while those with wealth are determined to follow the path of the Greeks who have surrounded the lands bringing with them their wealth and culture.

I'm amazed at the similarities between this world and our own at this time.  Peace has been fleeting throughout our history and the time of the Maccabean revolt is no different as brother challenges brother. A city is torn apart as territories are fought for and land and people of the One God are again caught up in their unwillingness to hold firm to the promises and laws of God.

Day of Atonement is a lesson in both history and human nature.  We, as a world, are for the most part unwilling to follow God's teachings especially if it might prevent us from finding enjoyment in something He has forbidden us from taking part in.

If you are interested in well-written historical fiction or have a curiosity about the Maccabean revolt pick-up a copy of this book and peruse it's pages, you may find yourself surprised by what you find.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Kregel in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

In the blank pages between Malachi and Matthew, the course of an entire nation was changed . . .

His brother, the high priest Honiah, enjoyed the authority of the high priesthood, and all important decisions needed his approval. But it was Jason who was shaping the future of Jerusalem and, with it, all Judea. He breathed in again, imagining that he could feel the wave of destiny impelling him forward toward his vision as he exhaled . . .

The Greeks have taken over the world, but Jerusalem is still the same backwater city Jason has always known. He wants to help his hometown rise to a new age of prosperity and influence. If that means stretching the terms of the city's divine covenant, so be it. But how far is he willing to go to achieve Greek greatness for this Jewish city? It will take the willingness of a handful of Jews to die rather than violate the covenant in order to turn the tide back to God.

Written by an internationally recognized expert in the period between the Testaments, Day of Atonement invites readers into Judea during the tumultuous years leading up to the Maccabean Revolt. It was this pivotal decade that reminded Jews of the centrality of the covenant to their national security and taught them that the covenant was worth dying for. The story is so foundational, it is still told every year at Hanukkah. The lessons learned during this turbulent time also shed light on just what was at stake in the ministry of Jesus, whose radical message seemed to threaten the covenant once again.

Day of Atonement joins the perennially successful novels Pontius Pilate and The Flames of Rome by renowned historian Paul Maier on Kregel's premier list of captivating and historically accurate biblical novels.


"David deSilva combines his superb historical knowledge with deep religious understanding and literary sensitivity to create a story that does more than reconstruct the circumstances leading to the Maccabean rebellion. Day of Atonement compellingly explores issues that continue from antiquity to the present: the relationship between faith and politics, the struggle between national identity and cultural assimilation, the zeal of the martyr, the power of faith."
—Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament and Jewish studies, Vanderbilt University

"Moving from the Mediterranean coast to Jerusalem, I pass Modein in the low foothills. Here I contemplate, and mystically relive, some dramatic events in our history. I look back westward to the coastal plain and imagine the foreign armies being defeated by Judas Maccabeus. Looking ahead to the Judean hills rising to the east, I often ponder the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple and the inauguration of Hanukkah. All these events spring to light in deSilva’s magisterial novel, crafted after decades of walking these hills and reading the historical accounts. History without imagination is dull; with informed sensitivity ancient heroes take on flesh. Echoing now is Ari’s question: 'Where are heroes like that now?'"
—James H. Charlesworth, director and editor of the Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project

"When it comes to the history of Israel or early Christianity, historically sound novels are few and far between. Sometimes a good writer doesn't know his religious history well enough; sometimes a good historian is not a skilled enough writer to pull off page-turner that both educates and entertains. David deSilva's new novel reflects a high level of skill on both counts. Applying his considerable expertise in intertestamental literature, deSilva provides us with a winsome tale about how Hellenized Jews sought not merely to recover their land from foreign rulers but to 'plunder the Greeks' when it came to art, education, and language. Highly recommended."
—Dr. Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary.

Bible Dominoes ~ Review

Bible Dominoes
Juliet David & Jo Parry

Bible Dominoes is a fun way to teach your little ones about the Bible while learning important skills.  A great family night activity that encourages counting, matching, and number identification.

A mini Candle Bible Stories book is included with the boxed game.  There are 10 one page stories that tie in with the 28 dominoes.  As you play you can learn about Noah and his Ark; Joseph and his Amazing Coat; Moses, Prince of Egypt; Daniel Saved from Lions; Jonah and the Great Fish; Jesus Talks to a Crowd; A Big Lunch; Stop, Storm!; The Good Shepherd; and The Stranger Who Helped.

Each dominoes measures approximately 3" by 6" so they are easily seen and handled (harder to lose as well).  The game is recommended for ages 3+ and for 2-4 players.  But one can easily have more players if you want to have 2 player teams - great if you have 3 or 4 little ones and mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa want to join in the fun.  Or maybe you favorite cousins, aunt, and uncle are visiting.  This would then add the additional benefit of learning to work in a team to the other skills being learned.

This game would be perfect for a Vacation Bible School activity, a small Sunday School, or a Homeschooler.  This would also be a perfect gift to have on hand for a sleep-over when you know games are a must.  

I was provided a copy of this game through Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review of this game.

About the Game:

This domino game helps children to learn about the Bible and Jesus while playing! It also encourages communication, sharing, counting, and matching skills. The pieces are large and colorful, so they're easy to pick up, and the pictures are clear. The set includes 28 dominoes with a mixture of Bible story characters, numbers, and animals to match, as well as instructions and a story booklet explaining the stories featured on the cards. A useful resource for home, school, or Sunday school.

Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch ~ Review

Andrea Carter's
Tales from the Circle C Ranch
By Susan K. Marlow

This is fun compilation of story's from Andi's life - the first from 1873 while the last is from 1881.  This is the perfect introduction to Andrea Carter and her world.

Andi is not so different from many little girls who love horses. But she lives at a time when this is not considered proper for little girls fortunately for Andi her family especially her father and big brothers encourage this love.

Join Andi as she tries to get permission to wear britches (or in her case overalls), races in the July Fourth horse race, teaches a friend to ride, and exposes a two-time rat for who he really is.  Tales from the Circle C Ranch are a fun glimpse into the past.

Anyone who has read the Grandma's Attic series can find a familiarity with Andi Carter.  No these are not just like those books, but rather the feel of the books is similar.  Family is important, the kids aren't perfect but they don't go out of their way to be naughty.  And above all else these are clean reading that you don't have to worry about what your child will get out of the book - though their is an incident with a pet snake...

Fans of horse stories, historical fiction, or just plain fun reading will enjoy these books.  This is perfect for homeschoolers who are looking for newer fiction that fits the standards that they have come to expect from some of the older titles that they turn to.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Kregel through their blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

The independent tomboy Andrea Carter and her beloved horse, Taffy, were first introduced in Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home in 2005. Since then, popular author Susan Marlow has penned five more books in the Circle C Adventures series, filled in Andi's early years with the Circle C Beginnings series, and started a chronicle of Andrea's teen years in Circle C Milestones.

Published to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this positive role model for girls, Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a collection of short stories inspired by fan questions that fills in many of the gaps between Circle C Beginnings and Circle C Adventures. Taking place between 1873 and 1880, each story is prefaced by an explanatory note that pinpoints the action of the story in relation to events in the existing Andrea Carter books.

Wholesome fun, and with a clear Christian message throughout, Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a must-read for fans of the series and a fun introduction for those who haven't yet discovered these historical gems

Thick as Thieves ~ Review

Thick as Thieves
Circle C Milestones 1
An Andrea Carter Book
By Susan K. Marlow

Andi Carter's horse Taffy is her pride and joy and she's nearly beside herself with anticipation and worry about Taffy's first foal. Taffy's delivery is difficult and nearly costs the life of both the mare and the foals.

But school keeps Andi from spending as much time with her beloved horses as she wants to.  After all the foals need to be worked with, to be trained.  But her mother insists that school is important.  But more than the new foals make school miserable for Andi.  Macy Walker is new to school and she's determined to make life miserable for everyone, especially her seatmate Andi.

Cattle rustlers have moved in and are striking all the ranches in the area.  But Andi is more concerned about having a bully in the schoolroom than rustlers until the Circle C's horses are threatened.  Can Andi keep her horses safe?  Or will she lose them to the rustlers?

Thick as Thieves is set in the 1880's in the San Joaquin Valley of California.  This book examines the importance of family and how they influence how we live.  Andi's family is loving and caring, which is in sharp contrast to Macy and her family.  Often those who strike out are hurting and need a friend. But to someone who has been hurt offered friendship may be hard to accept.  How do you trust when trust has been destroyed?  Tweens and teens will enjoy this book especially if they have a fondness for horses,.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Kregel Blog Tour program in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.


About the book: 

Fourteen-year-old Andrea Carter would rather ride her beloved palomino, Taffy, than do anything else. But life on the Circle C ranch in 1882 is busy. Between school and chores, Andi is left with little time to prepare for Taffy's first foaling. Then when the event finally arrives, it nearly ends in disaster.

Returning to school keeps Andi hard-pressed to find time for foal training. And she now has a new problem on her hands--Macy Walker, who has been assigned as Andi's seatmate. The new girl's crude manners and cruel behavior bring storm clouds into Andi's life, as does the news that cattle rustlers have moved into the valley.

When the cattle rustlers turn to stealing horses and strike the Carter ranch, Andi's only hope for recovering her precious colts lies with Macy. Can Andi trust this wild girl? Does she have a choice?

The Boy Who Loved Rain ~ Review

The Boy Who Loved Rain
By Gerard Kelly

Colom is haunted by a dream.  A dream that keeps coming.  His sister is drowning and he can't save her.  But Colom has never had a sister.  But why can't he clear her from this dreams?

Colom's dreams are slowly breaking his family.  His behavior attributed to normal adolescent swings is becoming destructive.  As he slides deeper into himself his mother determines to save him.

Desperate to save the life of her teenage son Fiona Dryden, makes a decision that she hopes will keep Colom from taking his own life.  Calling on an old friend for assistance, Fiona, with Colom, flees England for a coastal town in France.  Can the peace offered by a town cut off from the rest of the world break down the wall of pain and silence Colom lives behind?

But Colom's pain is one that has been buried by years of lies and secrets.  Can the truth set him free? Or is it too late?  And who is the sister Colom can't save?

The Boy Who Loved Rain is a powerful and moving story that looks into the fabric of a family slowly losing itself to lies and half truths.  Lies given out of love but nonetheless destructive.  This story explores the persistence of memory and how traumatic events can lay dormant eating away at the core of one's being until eventually manifesting in destructive behavior.  But more importantly it is a story of the power of love.

I don't normally read stories quite like this and the few times I have I've come away feeling rather depressed.  The Boy Who Loved Rain didn't leave me with this feeling.  There is hope in this book which was refreshing.  Like the first rain at winter's end, something new can be felt.  The bleakness of winter's end gives way to the new growth of spring.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Lion Hudson, through Kregel's blogging program in exchange for my honest review.

Description:

They say that what you don’t know can’t hurt you. They’re wrong.

Colom had the perfect childhood, the much-loved only child of a church pastor. Yet he wakes screaming from dreams in which his sister is drowning and he can’t save her.

Fiona turns to her husband, desperate to help their son. But David will not acknowledge that help is needed—and certainly not help from beyond the church.

Then they find the suicide pledge.

Fiona, in panic, takes Colom and flees… but when will she acknowledge that the unnamed demons Colom faces might be of her and David’s own creation?

This beautifully written and searching novel by poet Gerard Kelly explores the toxicity of secrets, the nature of healing, and the ever-present power of rain.

From March 23 - 27, 2015 Kregel is offering 

The Boy Who Loved Rain at a special price of $0.99 

for the Kindle eBook on Amazon.

Mercy's Rain ~ Review

Mercy's Rain

An Appalachian Novel

By Cindy K. Sproles

Mercy Roller's life has been one filled pain and abuse.  At 19 she's been married and a mother and she's lost everything.  And her losses have come at the hands of her father - the Pastor.  But when Mercy determines to stop the Pastor from hurting anyone else, she didn't realize what it would cost her.

Mercy's Rain is Mercy's journey to healing and wholeness.  But her journey isn't an easy one as memories from the past come over her at any moment, shattering what peace she has obtained.  To discover the truth of God's love and His mercy, Mercy must come to terms with her past and accept what God wants to give her.

Mercy's story starts when she makes a decision to stop the "righteousness" of her father.  Her mother wanting nothing more to do with Mercy, refuses to allow her to stay in the family home.  Mercy's wandering brings her into the company of Samuel Stone, a preacher and Isabella and Terrance Johnson.  

Mercy's early life is one of brutal ugliness which is in sharp contrast to the life in which she finds herself now in.  Mercy's Rain is a story of mercy which, like Mercy, we don't truly understand.

Mercy's Rain has something about it that reminds me of Francine Rivers The Last Sin Eater.  I believe it has to do with the setting, the cruelty of the Pastor, and Mercy's brokenness.  This is a story that may in places move you to tears. 

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, Kregel, in exchange for my honest review.   

About the book:

Mercy Roller knows her name is a lie: there has never been any mercy in her young life. Raised by a twisted and abusive father who called himself the Pastor, she was abandoned by the church community that should have stood together to protect her from his evil. Her mother, consumed by her own fear and hate, won't stand her ground to save Mercy either.

The Pastor has robbed Mercy of innocence and love, a husband and her child. Not a single person seems capable of standing up to the Pastor's unrestrained evil. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands.

Her heart was hardened to love long before she took on the role of judge, jury, and executioner of the Pastor. She just didn't realize the retribution she thought would save her, might turn her into the very thing she hated most.

Sent away by her angry and grieving mother, Mercy's path is unclear until she meets a young preacher headed to counsel a pregnant couple. Sure that her calling is to protect the family, Mercy is drawn into a different life on the other side of the mountain where she slowly discovers true righteousness has nothing evil about it--and that there might be room for her own stained and shattered soul to find shelter. . . and even love.

Mercy's Rain is a remarkable historical novel set in 19th century Appalachia that traces the thorny path from bitterness to forgiveness and reveals the victory and strength that comes from simple faith.

The Abbot's Agreement ~ Review

The Abbot's Agreement
The chronicles of
         Hugh de Singleton, surgeon 7
By Mel Starr

It was to be a short trip to Oxford, but alas yet again Hugh's plans have gone awry.  If only he hadn't seen the birds.  But he did see the birds and in the process discovered a body.

This discovery leads the Abbot of Eynshan Abbey to retain Hugh's services in determining who killed the abbey's missing novice.  But there is more to this mystery than Hugh could have possibly imagined.  And this case is fraught with dangers from both within the abbey and without.

With clues leading to several potential suspects, Hugh must ply his skills as both surgeon and bailiff to get to the truth that has been carefully concealed.

But frustration ensues as each lead seemingly falls just short of what Hugh needs to determine the killer's identity. Adding to his anxiety his wife Kate is due to deliver their second child in the very near future.

When the case takes an unexpected turn Hugh finds himself in an uncomfortable position and has few that he can turn to for assistance.

If you like murder mysteries and historical fiction the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon will keep you guessing as he eliminates suspects and motives.  Take a trip to 14th century England for a who-dun-it that will hold your interest until the final page.

Yet another delightful murder mystery from the pen of Mel Starr!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Lion Hudson through the Kregel blogger program in exchange for my honest review and my participation in this tour.

About the book:

A new and disturbing puzzle for the medieval surgeon-turned-sleuth...

Master Hugh de Singleton is making his way toward Oxford when he discovers the corpse of a young Benedictine not half a mile from the nearby abbey.

The abbey's novice master confirms the boy's identity; it is John, one of three novices. He had gone missing four days previous, and yet his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death-the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him.

With realistic medical procedures of the period, droll medieval wit, and a consistent underlying sense of Christian compassion, the seventh in the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton will delight medieval history and crime fiction fans alike.

Guess Who Noah's Boat ~ Review

Guess Who Noah's Boat
By Matt Mitter 
Illustrated by Ela Jarzabek

Guess Who Noah's Boat is a cute and fun book that will enthrall even the most reluctant young reader starting with the cover.  Little fold-over flaps make for a fun interactive reading experience as you let your little readers guess who or what is hidden from view.

Enjoy learning about Noah's ark with this delightful and fun book.

This is a perfect book for children's church, Sunday school, and early literacy programs.  Looking for a gift for Christmas or a birthday?  This would be a well-loved and cherished gift around which memories would be created.

I was provided a copy of this book through Kregel's blogger program in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.
 

 About the book:

Children will love this interactive new telling of the Noah's ark story. With fun, rhyming text, each spread asks kids to guess which animal is heading toward the ark. The answer is revealed under the cleverly designed flap. With eye-catching illustrations and easy-to-understand text, Guess Who Noah's Boat is sure to become a favorite.

When Night Comes ~ Review

When Night Comes
By Dan Walsh

Culpepper, Georgia, seemed like the perfect Southern town.  And for Joe Boyd the perfect place to live away from the crime scenes of Pittsburgh.  But he may have misjudged this quiet college town when he gets a call about a dead body.

But when special guest lecturer Jack Turner starts having experiences at night they seem more real than his normal day-to-day life.  But why did these occurrences start once he returned to Culpepper?  With the help of Rachel Cook, a young teaching assistant from his past, Jack is determined to find answers.  But the answers just may cost them their lives if their not careful because someone is watching.

Dan Walsh has a way with words as can be readily noticed with the following few sentences: The look on the decedent’s face sent a chill through Boyd. Few things could.  He’d seen a lot of dead people over the years, but he couldn’t recall ever seeing anything quite like this.

When Night Comes be afraid to fall asleep - it could be the last thing you ever do - especially if you dream!  This is suspense at its best and you don't want to miss out on it.

I was provided a digital copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Jack Turner comes back to Culpepper to give a series of lectures for his old history professor. Within days, he starts having bizarre experiences at night. Like he’s traveling back in time, experiencing the epic events in his lectures firsthand. He has no control over these experiences and can’t make them stop. 

Joe Boyd thought he’d left big city crime back in Pittsburgh when he took a detective job in Culpepper, Georgia, a sleepy southern college town. His peaceful life ends when two students turn up dead in two weeks. The coroner is saying natural causes, but something doesn’t add up. 

Rachel Cook, a teaching assistant at Culpepper, can’t believe Jack is back in her life again. She’s had a crush on him since she was fourteen, but Jack never knew. He instantly seems attracted to her, but she can tell…something is deeply troubling him. 
Watching all this from a distance is Nigel Avery. He’s certain this experiment’s about to unravel. It’ll be his job to tie up all the loose ends when it does. 

Bestselling author Dan Walsh is known for page-turning storylines. Fans of his novels The Discovery and What Follows After will especially love…When Night Comes. 

Candle Prayers for Kids ~ Review

Candle Prayers for Kids
By Claire Freedman
Illustrations by Jo Parry

For some reason many people are intimidated by the very thought of prayer.  I mean think about it your asking God to notice you  and what you care about.  But prayer doesn't need to be the monster under the bed for you or your children anymore.

In Candle Prayers for Kids there are a variety of prayers for various topics - including praising God, family and friends, times of thanks, and for different needs.  The book ends with the prayer Jesus said when He taught His followers how to pray.

Prayer is a conversation with God that need not be a scary experience and this book will help both you and the children with whom you share this book to discover the simplicity of this truth as you learn together how to pray.

The cry of the early followers was teach us to pray and this book is an excellent guide to gift and share with the children in your life.

I was provided a copy of this book by Kregel in exchange for my honest review and my tour participation.


About the book: 
A delightful companion prayer book to the popular Candle Bible for Kids. Jo Parry's distinctively bold and vibrant illustrations complement a combination of traditional and modern prayers by Claire Freedman, author of the Benjamin Bear series. Candle Prayers for Kids helps to bring prayerand talking to God into the life of every child.

The Traitor's Heir ~ Review

The Traitor's Heir
The Knight of Eldaran Book 1
By Anna Thayer

Every man has a destiny.
His is to betray...

Eamon Goodman is about to swear his loyalty and devotion to the Master.  This has been his goal and dream for many years.  But something occurs during this ceremony, something he cannot understand or explain.  But he is loyal until one of the Master's enemies causes him to question everything he has ever believed.  The battle for Eamon and his allegiance could cost him his life.

The Master has plans for Eamon, but what Eamon doesn't know is that he is of great importance to the King.  Eamon has a destiny to fulfill.  A destiny in which he must betray someone, the only question is whom will he betray.

This is the first book in The Knight of Eldaran series and though it is in of and itself unique fans of Lord of the Rings, Chroncicles of Narnia, and the Tales of Goldstone Wood will find much to delight and thrill them in The Traitor's Heir.  Eamon is caught up in an epic struggle, one in which he finds his loyalties tested.  To whom will Eamon ultimately pledge himself - for whom is he willing to die?  And who will feel the affects of his betrayal?

This is a book which I think would have broad appeal to Tweens, Teens, and Adults.  Fans of Fantasy fiction will be well pleased with the reading of this book, as it is well-written in both character believablity and a well-flowing plot.  This one story you'll want to read again and to share.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publish in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Every man has a destiny. His is to betray.

Like many from his village, young Eamon Goodman dreamed of joining the Gauntlet, the army of the overlord Eldered. Now he is about to complete his training and swear his loyalty to Eldered and his commanders, the Hands, who uphold Eldered’s tight control of the land.
Entering into the service of the Gauntlet, Eamon’s gifts, particularly his potent Sight, quickly become valuable to his superiors and he advances to the command rank at a speed that arouses the suspicions of fellow officers.

However, Eldered’s bloody rule, and Eamon’s personal friendships, start to challenge the young soldier’s assumptions about what might be true, and worthy of service. And soon Eamon must conceal a fatal secret: he is sworn to both Eldered and to Hughan, the rightful king of the land. Yet he may not forswear the vows he has uttered in all good faith so however he serves, his name will be traitor.
As tensions and military skirmishes increase, Eamon finds himself trusted by both his masters. How can he possibly maintain his integrity, act justly to his fellow officers of the Gauntlet, and act on behalf of all the warring people of the land?

Edwin: High King of Britain ~ Review

Edwin: High King of Britain 
The Northumbrian Thrones #1
by Edoardo Albert

If you are a fan of English history you'll want to read Edwin: High King of Britain.  This book is Edwin's story from displaced king of Northumbria through the years as he becomes High King of all of Britain.  

Edwin is ready to die, he is tired of running from those he thinks of as allies.  Ready to face yet another betrayer, Edwin comes face-to-face with Paulinus, a missionary from Italy who has a message of hope and prophecy for Edwin.  And so begins Edwin's journey.

But this journey is not only a journey to power, but a journey of the soul when Edwin takes a second wife Aethelburh, the princess of Kent, who brings with her her Christian faith.  This introduction to the Christian faith brings Edwin to a new understanding and he slowly learns to embrace both the faith of his wife and her God.  But forsaking the gods of his people is not easy, but Paulinus has come back into the life of Edwin, having accompanied Aethelburh to her marriage.  With the guidance of his wife and Paulinus, Britain's High King becomes a servant of the Most High God, the Only God.

This story won't bog you down in the details or bore you.  It is well written and will keep your attention.  It kept me up into the wee small hours of the morning because I just had to know what happened.  And it was well worth the headache I had from lack of sleep the next day.  It would be a well addition to any library and would be a great supplement to any high school English History class.  For home schoolers and Christian high schools this would also be an additional resource for Church History.

I was provided a copy of this title by the publisher in conjunction with this Kregel Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review. 

About the Book:

In 604 AD, Edwin, the deposed king of Northumbria, seeks refuge at the court of King Raedwald of East Anglia. But Raedwald is urged to kill his guest by Aethelfrith, Edwin's usurper. As Edwin walks by the shore, alone and at bay, he is confronted by a mysterious figure--the missionary Paulinus--who prophesies that he will become High King of Britain. It is a turning point.

Through battles and astute political alliances Edwin rises to power, in the process marrying the Kentish princess Aethelburh. As part of the marriage contract the princess is allowed to retain her Christian faith. But, in these times, to be a king is not a recipe for a long life.

This turbulent and tormented period in British history sees the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon settlers who have forced their way on to British shores over previous centuries, arriving first to pillage, then to farm and trade--and to come to terms with the faith of the Celtic tribes they have driven out.

The dramatic story of Northumbria's Christian kings helped give birth to England as a nation, English as a language, and the adoption of Christianity as the faith of the English.





 Edwin special eBook sale 

eBook available at a reduced price in June on 
Amazon Kindle,
Google Play, 
Kobo, 
CBD, 
Apple iTunes, 
and Barnes and Noble Nook

Casting the Net ~ Review

Casting the Net

The Dunbridge Chronicles #2

By Pam Rhodes

Sometimes life throws you some real curves and Neil Fisher has some real doozies to deal with in Casting the Net.  First off he has two women vying for a placing in his heart - Wendy and Claire. (In my opinion Wendy is the type person I'd want to run from even if she's a pillar in the church's musical worship group).  In like Claire in that she's not so pushy, but Neil is the one who has to make a decision and someone is sure to be hurt, even if it is him.

But all Neil's problems aren't related to matters of the heart.  He has members who are the financial backbone of the church who aren't happy with the modern trends in the worship service.  Try as he might Neil seeks a balance that will make everyone happy at least part of the time while not alienating everyone in the process and if possible to bring in new members (or visitors who keep coming back). 

And then there is life in general that Neil and the congregation of St. Stephen's have to deal with.  There are the joys of birth and the utter heartache and despair of death.  There are marriages and there is the loss of health.  Through it all Neil offers support and caring even as some have their faith and beliefs shaken to the core.

Casting the Net is an apt title as this is what Neil is doing - he is casting his net and being a fisher of men and women.  Though there are a few bumps along the way that snag his net.

Want to make some new friends?  Take a trip to Dunbridge where life is never boring.  You'll have times of laughter and times of tears, but you'll enjoy your trip and want to come back again.  

Though Casting the Net is set in a totally different time something about it reminds me of the Cranford PBS series based on Elisabeth Gaskell's works.  I think it has something to do with the daily interactions between the various characters and their care for one another.

Grad a cup of your favorite tea and settle in for a visit in Dunbridge...

I was provided a copy of this book by Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the book: 

In part two of the Dunbridge Chronicles, Neil Fisher returns from ordination inspired by his sense of ministry, but determined to distance himself from the two ladies in his life. This is not altogether well received, and a wide segment of the congregation of St Stephen's, Dunbridge--including the music group--points Neil to the error of his ways.

Meanwhile Neil's close friend Colin and his wife Jeannie are delighted by the birth of a daughter, but is all well with the baby? Neil's mother Iris continues to meddle, to his irritation. Churchwarden Peter has said a relieved farewell to his flighty wife Glenda--or has he? Dunbridge is not as peaceful as it seems.

978-1-78264-062-2 

$14.99 

Paperback Kregel Publications

Defy the Night ~ Review

Defy the Night: A Novel
By Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

War has come to France and the lives of the innocent are in danger simply because they were born into a world that now wants to destroy them.  Freedom is an illusion that they are living under with the hope that it will one day return.

When refugees begin coming into her mountain village Magali sees a need.  There are babies and children to help settle.  But Magali wants to do more.  When Paquerette gives her this opportunity Magali is determined to seize it.  Now she just needs to convince her parents that she can handle the dangers involved.

But Magali never imagined the harsh cruelty of the camps and the utter contempt that the guards have towards these lives that they deem so valueless as to hide they away behind barbed wire.  Magali is about to grow up beyond her 15 years very quickly.

I really like this book and the unique look it takes at 1941 France.  This is a story that will appeal to pre-teens and teens alike in that Magali is the main character.  The appeal of making a difference in the lives of others is a powerful draw and the world Magali lives in makes this a difficult desire.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with a fascination with the 1940s/WWII time period.  This a book that deserves a place on the shelves of both school and public libraries.  Homeschoolers take note - you will want to add this book to your reading list (former homeschooler talking here!).

I was provided a copy of this through Kregel in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:
In the midst of war, one teenager is determined to make a difference.

If no one will do anything, she'll have to do it herself.

In 1941 France is still "free." But fifteen-year-old Magali is frustrated by the cruel irony of pretending life is normal when food is rationed, new clothes are a rarity, and most of her friends are refugees. And now the government is actually helping the Nazis. Someone has got to do something, but it seems like no one has the guts--until Paquerette arrives.

Smuggling refugee children is Paquerette's job. And she asks Magali to help.

Working with Paquerette is scary and exhausting, but Magali never doubts that it is the right thing to do. Until her brash actions put those she loves in danger.

Goldtown Adventures Book 3 and 4 ~ Review

Canyon of Danger
Goldtown Adventures #3
By Susan K. Marlow

With his dad away Jem Coulter is the man of the family for two weeks.  But just as his dad takes a prisoner to Sacramento trouble comes to Goldtown - starting with a wolf!  But Jem is sure he can handle the wolf until he shoots a stranger, loses his horse and Pa's rifle all on the same night.

What's a fella to do?  Well, for starters convince the deputies to do their job and then track down Cooper and find the riders who are stealing the horses in Goldtown.  And he has to get it done before Pa gets back and before Aunt Rose stops him.  And if he needs to go to Blackwater Canyon to do it, Jem is headed there no matter the danger.

Adventure is Jem's passion and the new former Pony Express Rider who's come to Goldtown has stories that will thrill and enthrall Jem, Nathan, and Ellie.  But just who is Rafe and why did he come to Goldtown and more importantly why is he creeping around on Coulter land?  Just another mystery for Jem to solve.

 River of Peril
Goldtown Adventures #4
By Susan K. Marlow


The Coulter family is making a trip to Sacramento.  And though he should be excited, something about this trip just feels wrong to Jem, starting with Pa's behavior.  And when the stagecoach is held up Jem knew he was right to be worried.

Gold for the Union is at stake and Jem, Nathan, and Ellie are about get caught in the Confederates desire to capture the gold.  And the Knights of the Golden Circle aren't about to be outsmarted by anyone.  And Ellie is just the leverage they need the find where the gold is being stored.

Can Jem find Ellie in time or will he lose his sister forever?  Take a trip into the past at the time of the Gold Rush when steamships and stagecoaches were the way to travel.  History comes alive in this book.

These are fun books that are sure to appeal to the middle grade boy in your life. These would also be a great supplement for homeschoolers studying California, the Gold Rush, the Pony Express and the Civil War. What better way to capture the attention of young men than with enjoyable and educational reading?

I was provided with a copy of both of these by Kregel in exchange for my honest review and participation in this blog tour.



About the Series:
It's 1864. The Gold Rush is about over, but there's still plenty of adventure for 12-year-old Jem Coulter. Whether panning for gold with his sister, Ellie, adjusting to Pa's new job as sheriff of rowdy Goldtown, or getting caught in the belly of an old mine, Jem's life is exciting, with plenty of opportunities to learn to trust God.

Be sure to check-out the Goldtown Adventures website here.

99 Stories from the Bible ~ Review

99 Stories from the Bible
By Juliet David
Illustrated by Elina Ellis

99 Stories from the Bible is a perfect book to introduce your littlest ones to the Bible.  The stories are short and simple for easy comprehension.  The illustrations are colorful and should capture the attention of whomever you share this special time with.

Beginning with the Creation, which is broken into 6 sections you and your little one will take a journey through the Old Testament that will take you out of the Garden of Eden.  You'll journey with Abraham to the Promised Land and you'll join Joseph in Egypt.  You'll confront Pharaoh with Moses and travel the wilderness before taking back the land promised to Abraham.

In the New Testament you be with Mary when the angel tells her the special role she will play and you'll travel with Jesus as He completes His earthly ministry before He dies upon the cross.  You'll experience the sorrow of His death and the take part in the incredible joy when He triumphs over death and returns to Heaven.

This is a book you'll want to share with the little ones in your life.  This would be a delightful dedication or baptism gift for the new baby in the family.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


Description:
Following the narrative of the Bible, this collection of 99 stories starts with At the Beginning, and covers a wide variety of key events, including Samuel Listens, Esther, A Blind Man Sees, and Jesus Walks on the Lake, through to One Day Jesus Will Return. Each story is told over a double page spread with vibrant illustrations and some full page art.

Pages: 192 
Size: 8.25 x 8.25 inches 
Published: 2013 
Rights: NA 
Imprint: Candle Books