The Story Devotional ~ Review

The Story
365 Devotions

Discover your role in God's Story...

This devotional uses excerpts of The Story to take one through the Bible in a year. No this is not an exhaustive complete trip through the Bible but rather an overview. Day 1 is Genesis 1:1-3, Day 2 is Genesis 1:11. The daily verse selection is then pondered and sometimes further verses are offered for further contemplation.

Day 243 is the change over from Old to New Testament in which God's silence to humanity is addressed. Days 244 - 253 address the birth of Jesus through the family's escape to Egypt.

The Appendix in the back of the book references where the excerpted verse selection is taken from in The Story so that the reader can read this in conjunction with this devotional and get a fuller picture of the whole story. I have a copy of The Story so I compared this feature and it is an excellent aid.

This is a quick devotional nothing requiring deep thinking, one could say it is an appetizer to start off your day or a snack before turning in for the night.  This would also be good for family devotion time as the readings are not long and could facilitate a deeper discussion.  The majority of the verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV) according to the title / copyright page information in the front of the book.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers, a positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Find your place in God’s Epic Story.

This 365 devotional shows how God weaves His plan throughout time. As you enjoy moments with Him daily, you’ll see His plan for this place and this time of your life begin to unfold.

The Story Devotional is also a wonderful companion to the bestselling Bible The Story.

Spend every day reading God’s story, and let Him be the author of your life.

Turbulence ~ Review

Turbulence
A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel #5
By Alana Terry

Kennedy Stern is ready to celebrate Christmas and this year she's going to spend it in Alaska with her roommate Willow and Willow's parent. At least that is the plan until their plane is hijacked en-route. As Kennedy experiences yet another traumatic event she finds herself in an uncomfortable situation as she comes face-to-face with the possibility that she and Willow might not survive. Is she ready to die? And what about Willow?

As Kennedy struggles with how she has let her best friend and roommate down, she has to face the doubts she herself has. Will she get another chance to share with Willow the most important truth in her life?

Turbulence is another fast paced suspense novel from Alana Terry in which Kennedy has to face a situation in which she has no control.  One would expect the possibility of turbulence when flying, but for Kennedy the turbulence is a matter of the mind and the soul.

At 200 pages this is a fast and engaging book and not so long that staying up for the conclusion won't keep you up until dawn is coloring the horizon (unless you start it after midnight).  And the motivation for the hijacking is not what one normally reads in a book (the reason won't be revealed here).  This book is recommended to those who like a bit of suspense with a satisfying conclusion that leaves the reader waiting for the next book in the series.  If you have not read the previous books that is okay, this book is a perfect introduction to the series and Kennedy.  Nothing is giveaway to spoil the previous books and the story is complete without relying on the reader have that knowledge to move the story forward.

I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by the author for review purposes - a review positive or otherwise was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Facing doubts and terror at forty thousand feet.

It's been another grueling semester at Harvard, and Kennedy can hardly wait to take a break from her premed studies for some much-needed rest and relaxation at her roommate's homestead in rural Alaska.

Unfortunately, Kennedy's great arctic adventure might come to a crashing halt before it even begins.

Lucifer's Harvest ~ Review

Lucifer's Harvest
Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, 
                                       surgeon #9
By Mel Starr

English holdings in France have been taken by King Charles of France and Prince Edward has determined to reclaim them. Unfortunately for Hugh de Singleton, Lord Gilbert Talbot has been requested to supply some of his men for the effort. As the surgeon to Lord Gilbert, Hugh's value in the forthcoming battle makes his duty unavoidable.

Leaving Kate, Bessie, Sybil behind is a great concern to Hugh as his return from France is anything but certain. And when Hugh learns that Sir Simon Trillowe is among those who will be going to France he has an even greater concern regarding his return home.

With war and the trials of travel death is expected but when a murder is the suspected cause of Sir Simon's untimely demise the man's past with Hugh makes the most likely suspect.  With his own life on the line Hugh must determine who had case to murder the man. The list of those with cause to dislike the man is long but did any have cause to take his life?

With his normal attention to detail Hugh, with the support of Lord Gilbert, and aided by Arthur uncovers evidence that contradicts what has been reported. Who is lying? The answer to this question may be the key to determining why. And when the why is answered the who is revealed.

Life is fragile and Hugh is about to discover yet again just how fragile it is.

Lucifer's Harvest takes the reader into the heart of 14th Century life and it's day-to-day workings. Life wasn't easy and one's future rested on the whims of kings and lords who ruled with little regard to the costs that their actions had upon their subjects.  The need to rule ever expanding territories taxed the strength's of the hardiest men and often left those who survived in a weakened state.

If you are in the mood for a mystery get ready to enjoy a medieval who-dun-it with this latest chronicle from the life of Hugh de Singleton.

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


About the Book:
King Charles of France has announced that he is confiscating Aquitaine, and Prince Edward has sent for knights and men-at-arms from England to assist him in opposing the French king. Lord Gilbert Talbot is required to provide five knights, twelve squires, and twenty archers and men-at-arms, and he wishes his surgeon--Hugh de Singleton--to travel with the party, leaving Hugh's wife Kate to oversee the castle in their absence.

It won't be an easy journey. Among the party will be Sir Simon Trillowe, Kate's former suitor, who had once set fire to Hugh's house. After a brawl on the streets of Oxford, Sir Simon had nearly lost an ear; Hugh had sewn it back on, but when it healed crooked, Simon blamed Hugh for the disfigurement.

Finding himself in the company of his old nemesis, Hugh resolves not to turn his back on the knight--but it is Sir Simon who should not have turned his back. 

Home to Chapel Springs ~ Review

Home to Chapel Springs
Chapel Springs series #3
By Ane Mulligan

Chapel Springs is home and for Carin Jardine it is the refuge she needs right now. Carin's husband has left her and their young son with nothing except mounting debts. Unfortunately for Carin her newest book is getting less than stellar reviews. With the pressure of her floundering life closing in she is desperate for a new story, but Carin has developed a case of writer's block. But Chapel Springs is ready to welcome Cardin back into its midst as her turns her grandmother's home into her home.

But life in Chapel Springs is not perfect as Claire Bennett helps mayor  Felix Riley in his re-election campaign against Howie Newlander. And Howie is one man Claire does not want to see mayor of Chapel Springs - not if she wants to keep Chapel Springs as the home of her heart.  And when rumors of a ghost haunting the old theatre threaten her plans to restore it Claire isn't about to sit back when she could be taking action to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Welcome to Chapel Springs where once you put down roots you'll be home and be one of their own.

This is a story of second chances after life has knocked you down. And sometimes you just have to take a step back and let God do the work and offer a hug when needed or a shoulder to lean on.  Get ready to come home and meet some new friends. This book runs the gamete of emotions as it is true to life but it will leave you on an up note as you look forward to your next visit to Chapel Springs.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author through BookFun/TBCN with no expectation of a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A homeless author, a heartbroken daughter, and a theatre ghost. 

There's trouble in Chapel Springs. 

There's always someone new in Chapel Springs someone who is either coming home or stirring up trouble. A best-selling author's latest book is a flop. While the reviewers are happily skewering her, her racecar-driver-husband walks out on her and she's evicted, because he hasn't paid the lease on their condo for the last three months. Then she discovers he also he drained their bank accounts. Homeless and broke, she and her little boy have no choice but to retreat to the house she inherited from her nana in Chapel Springs the house that's been gutted. Then, a stranger knocks on her door. One that will change the course of her life.

Howie Newlander is back in town. After the residents thwarted his plans for a Miami-style resort on Chapel Lake, he's running for mayor and stirring up the farmers by spreading rumors about diverted water and misused taxes. The Lakeside Players want to remodel the town's old theater, named for Claire's late great-aunt. Empty and boarded up for the last forty years, the theatre is rumored to be haunted. When Newlander and Mayor Riley go head-to-head, Claire gets caught in the middle.

Claire's youngest daughter is in love with a non-believer whose daddy is Claire's nemesis, the mayor. Having him part of her family isn't in her plan. The years of heartache before her husband became a Christian should warn her daughter off this boy. So far, her daughter's heart isn't hearing the warnings.

With hearts pulled in all directions, will they find a home in Chapel Springs?

The Fir Tree ~ Review

The Fir Tree
By Hans Christian Andersen
Illustrated by Sanna Annukka

This is a tale of Hans Christian Andersen's of which I had never before heard of. The Fir Tree is a beautifully illustrated book that teaches a valuable lesson about appreciating what you have.  Unfortunately the fir tree is a very foolish tree who dreams of something better than what life has given it. Always desiring what others have the fir squanders its life until it is too late. And even then it still looks to a better future.

The illustrations are geometrical and elegant in a subtle blend of color that shifts with the mood and the setting of the story. Young readers will appreciate the visual representations as the story unfolds. The story is 44 pages with most pages alternating text with illustrations.

For those who like their books to look nice on their book cases this book will fill this criteria. The cover is a cloth-bound hardcover in a green that that is a little darker than a Grass Green crayon with gold embellishments. The ISBN price label on the back can be easily removed perfect for gift giving.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through Blogging for Books with no expectation of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Gorgeously packaged with intricate illustrations from Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annukka, this new edition of Hans Christian Andersen's well-loved fairy tale, The Fir Tree, is the perfect holiday gift for adults and children alike.

Hans Christian Andersen's tragic tale of naive greed and dissatisfaction is retold through the striking and contemporary illustrations of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka. Cloth-bound in rich forest green, with gold foil embellishments, The Fir Tree is elevated from a children's book to a unique work of art and makes an ideal gift for people of all ages.

A Lady Unrivaled ~ Review

A Lady Unrivaled
Ladies of the Manor #3
By Roseanna M. White

Lady Ella Myerston is not to be denied and unfortunately for her family she's determined to protect them from the cursed Fire Eyes that have been sought for years. But unraveling the rumors and whispers she's heard from the truth about the cursed Fire Eyes is more difficult than she realized it would be. First up in her plan a visit to Brook and Justin and their library at the Cotwolds to gain as much information as she possibly can. Unfortunately Ella has placed herself in the greatest danger possible by unknowingly bringing the highly sought after gems with her.

But when Lord Crispin Rushworth returns from France with his sister Lady Catherine Pratt the web of intrigue and danger draws tighter. And Lord Cayton is approached by Rushworth to aid him in his quest to claim the Fire Eyes. But Cayton is not the man he was before, the loss of his wife changed him. His young daughter is now his life and he'll do anything to keep her safe and to be the father she deserves. And he is determined to keep Lady Ella safe in spite of her efforts to put herself in the direct path of danger.

When Cayton and Ella determine to work together to stop Rushworth they come up with a plan to hide the truth about their time spent together. Unfortunately their plan could bring Brook's wrath down on them and get Ella sent home to her brother. Could the deception of courtship become truth?

The mystery surrounding the Fire Eyes comes to a climax with A Lady Unrivaled the third and final novel in the Ladies of the Manor series.  Mystery and romance are to be expected but there is an added dose of foreign intrigue with a Russian interest in the gems,  Everything is coming to an exciting conclusion with the lives of all those involved in danger. Greed is an imposing master and those who fall to its power must decide to leave it behind or risk losing everything.

This book is perhaps the best in the series in my opinion but that could be because I so enjoyed Ella and her independence and kindness. If you've read the previous books you'll understand when I say Kitty is a pitiable character who plays a role throughout and is still in mourning over her husband and son. Kitty is a character one is never exactly sure of and this book finally answers some questions about her.

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



About the Book:

Amid the Unforgettable Cotswolds, 

the Final Grasp for the Fire Eyes Diamonds 

Could Threaten Them All

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won't wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those intent on destroying them all?

The Silent Songbird ~ Review

The Silent Songbird
Hagenheim #7
By Melanie Dickerson

Evangeline is a political pawn - the hidden away daughter of the late Duke of Clarence, the granddaughter of a king and cousin of King Richard II. As such her life is not her own and she has caught the eye (or ear) of Lord Shiveley with her musical gift of voice. But marriage with Lord Shiveley is one thing Evangeline refuses to submit to.

Slipping away Evangeline joins a group of servants returning to their small village of Glynval after a trading trip. Hiding her voice is imperative to her escape so she takes on the role of a young mute servant. With no skills to prove useful as a servant Evangeline fears she will soon be turned out. But the le Wyse family is kind and offers her the chance to learn as she takes on the role of a servant.

But when Evangeline's secret is revealed her future and her heart hang in the balance. Can she trust those who have discovered the truth to not expose her or will she find herself again about to be wed to a man who she fears and despises?  When an even greater threat is discovered Evangeline must decide if she will surrender her heart and her future to save those dear to her and the kingdom?

This is yet another delightful book from Melanie Dickerson. Evangeline's attempts at being a servant are at times almost humorous if so much was not at stake. I can say having attempted to use a scythe myself at one time I'm positive I would be as handy with it as Evangeline - it is not easy to use and very dangerous in my hands.

I would highly recommend this book and series for those looking for clean fiction that is uplifting. The setting of this book is 14th century England - not Germany for those wondering. This book can stand alone if you have not previously read Melanie's previous books. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this book.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expectation of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Evangeline is gifted with a heavenly voice, but she is trapped in a sinister betrothal—until she embarks on a daring escape and meets brave Westley le Wyse. Can he help her discover the freedom to sing again?

Desperate to flee a political marriage to her cousin King Richard II’s closest advisor, Lord Shiveley—a man twice her age with shadowy motives—Evangeline runs away and joins a small band of servants journeying back to Glynval, their home village.

Pretending to be mute, she gets to know Westley le Wyse, their handsome young leader, who is intrigued by the beautiful servant girl. But when the truth comes out, it may shatter any hope that love could grow between them.

More than Evangeline’s future is at stake as she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue that threatens England’s monarchy. Should she give herself up to protect the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?