For Love and Honor ~ Review

For Love and Honor
By Jody Hedlund

Sir Bennett has returned home after a plea from his mother, Lady Windsor, - the family is teetering on the edge of ruin brought about by the foolish grief filled actions of his older brother. Determined to do his duty by his family Sir Bennett reluctantly agrees to his mother's plan, even if it costs him the desire of his heart - a marriage based on love.

Lady Sabine has no desire to marry, knowing that the secret she carries could cost her her life. Her only desire is to add to her collection of rare treasures of art, jewels, and books. Knowledge is her passion and one her wealth allows her to feed. But her grandmother, Lady Sherborne, is determined that her only grandchild, not spend the entirety of her life alone and the dire straights the Windsor family finds themselves in could work in Sabine's favor.

But with both Sir Bennett and Lady Sabine both keeping secrets from the other as to the purpose of their meeting could love ever be a possibility? Only time will tell and time is the one thing that Sir Bennett does not have.

Those who read the previous two books in this series An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice will enjoy Sir Bennett's story. And as the road, to love is never easy he may have to depend on his friends Collin and Derrick as well as his mentor the Duke of Rivenshire to help when matters take a potentially dangerous turn.

This book can be read as a stand-alone if you haven't read the previous two. This book, like the previous two, is appropriate for tweens and teens who like clean reads. And the cover is delightful and suits the book perfectly.

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:
Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

Lights Out ~ Review

Lights Out
By Ted Koppel

A Cyberattack

A Nation Unprepared

Surviving the Aftermath

We're a nation unprepared having mixed old and new together while allowing an entire industry to set their own suggested guidances. But in the world we now find ourselves living in this could very well be the weak link that could topple us.  What is this weak link you ask ~ the antiquated power system that powers everything in our day-to-day world.

The destructive power of nature is to be expected to exert its strengths upon occasion. Shutting down the power grid in a small contained area. What we don't anticipate and have no plan of recovery for is a cyberattack upon our power system. But just such an attack is not just the imaginings of fiction writers but a viable threat that could conceivably halt all modern life in a large and unpredictable swath of the nation. A threat that could silently strike with no clue as to who instigated the attack.

With our current dependence on electricity to power everything from our toothbrush to the latest automotive hybrid we would be in a word trapped. Water and food would quickly become scarce due to spoilage and panic demand. Communication would be almost impossible. 

But though there is no national plan in place if such an attack would take place there are models that each community - each neighborhood - can follow should such an event take place. The first is to practice the art of neighborliness, a willingness to pool what we have and share it amongst those around us. We should follow the philosophy of when experiencing a year of plenty to set aside a portion for a year of need. Preparation is always a prudent plan and as this book points out it is up to individuals and communities to do the groundwork necessary to survive the first few days and weeks.

Lights Out should not frighten the reader into hiding terrified of when and where disaster will hit, but rather allow the reader to think about what is exposed and plan accordingly for their living situation. This book also provides some interesting insights on how we could improve our current electrical situation so that repairs could be more easily accomplished such as having similar transformer parts that can easily be switched out anywhere in the nation (as opposed to state or region specific parts).

This is an insightful book that provides a lot of food for thought. And it is one that I recommend reading just so one is aware of what is and what isn't. This is not a book to be frightened away from because in this case ignorance is not bliss but rather an enemy.

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:

In this New York Times bestselling investigation, Ted Koppel reveals that a major cyber-attack on America’s power grid is not only possible but likely, that it would be devastating, and that the United States is shockingly unprepared.
 
Imagine a blackout lasting not days, but weeks or months. Tens of millions of people over several states are affected. For those without access to a generator, there is no running water, no sewage, no refrigeration or light. Food and medical supplies are dwindling. Devices we rely on have gone dark. Banks no longer function, looting is widespread, and law and order are being tested as never before.  

It isn’t just a scenario. A well-designed attack on just one of the nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our infrastructure—and in the age of cyberwarfare, a laptop has become the only necessary weapon. Several nations hostile to the United States could launch such an assault at any time. In fact, as a former chief scientist of the NSA reveals, China and Russia have already penetrated the grid. And a cybersecurity advisor to President Obama believes that independent actors—from “hacktivists” to terrorists—have the capability as well. “It’s not a question of if,” says Centcom Commander General Lloyd Austin, “it’s a question of when.”  

And yet, as Koppel makes clear, the federal government, while well prepared for natural disasters, has no plan for the aftermath of an attack on the power grid.  The current Secretary of Homeland Security suggests keeping a battery-powered radio.

In the absence of a government plan, some individuals and communities have taken matters into their own hands. Among the nation’s estimated three million “preppers,” we meet one whose doomsday retreat includes a newly excavated three-acre lake, stocked with fish, and a Wyoming homesteader so self-sufficient that he crafted the thousands of adobe bricks in his house by hand. We also see the unrivaled disaster preparedness of the Mormon church, with its enormous storehouses, high-tech dairies, orchards, and proprietary trucking company – the fruits of a long tradition of anticipating the worst. But how, Koppel asks, will ordinary civilians survive?

With urgency and authority, one of our most renowned journalists examines a threat unique to our time and evaluates potential ways to prepare for a catastrophe that is all but inevitable.

Unfolding ~ Review

Unfolding 
By Jonathan Friesen

What she foresees

could tear them apart...

Stormi was a miracle baby delivered to the town of Gullary, Oklahoma, on the winds of a tornado. Though taken in as one of their own Gullary has never truly accepted her as one of their own. And Stormi's gift of insight (intuition) has allowed her to give warnings earning her the tag unnatural.

Jonah has counted Stormi as his best friend his whole life and he wishes that she would see him as something more. But how could she when he is a monster - his back twisted his brain a host for seizers - and Stormi is perfect.

But Gullary is keeping a secret one that has been in the keeping for nigh on 18 years. And the time to pay the price for their sins is coming...  And Stormi alone sees the signs unfolding around her, she alone can prevent the tragedy that may be revisited upon Gullary, but she can't do it alone.

Unfolding is a book that grabs the reader's attention and won't let go. There are some totally unexpected twists that one did not anticipate. I have to say Gullary is not a town I'd recommend visiting and the SuperMax Prison hides the biggest secret of all. This book has the same feel as an old Alfred Hitchcock movie very creepy - not a before bed reading choice unless you plan to read through the night.

I  was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook in exchange for my honest review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Jonah wishes he could get the girl, but he’s an outcast and she’s the most perfect girl he knows. And their futures seemed destined to fork apart: Jonah’s physical condition is debilitating, and epileptic seizures fill his life with frustration. Whereas Stormi is seemingly carefree, and navigates life by sensing things before they happen. And her most recent premonition is urging her to leave town.

When Stormi begs Jonah for help, he finds himself swept into a dark mystery his small town has been keeping for years. And the answers Stormi needs about her own past could possibly destroy everything Jonah has ever known—including his growing relationship with Stormi herself.  

The Dating Experiment ~ Review

The Dating Experiment
By Elodia Strain

If you are looking for a fun read this may be what you are looking for. If you believe in the truth of Murphy's Law well Gabby Malone thinks that her life is proof in favor of its existence.  She's lost her dream job really through no real fault of her own. Then she gets dumped by her boyfriend, again.

And thanks to her friend Paige she just might have a chance to make a little extra money in addition to her temp job. After all, with her recording with dating, there is no chance that she'd be picked for the dating study. But to Gabby's surprise her answers somehow have moved her on in the study and she is about to have five weeks worth of Friday and Saturday dating.  Unfortunately, something goes wrong and Gabby may have her recent ex-boyfriend as one of her potential dates - so not good.

With help from her friends, her Aunt Kit, and her secret childhood crush Ian she just may live through the experiment. But will she lose her heart yet again to Ian O'Connell, who just happens to be engaged? Life is never easy but along the way, Gabby makes some new friends who will change her life in ways she never expected.

This is the perfect book to lift your mood if you're in need of a good laugh or two. It's clean reading that won't make you blush. And Gabby's ex-boyfriend is just too much - it is surprising that she had to wait for him to dump her again. Looking for a beach read or a long weekend unwind check out The Dating Experiment.

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


About the Book:

I am not the girl who things work out for.

I'm the girl whose Schwinn gets sideswiped

by the SUV being driven by the girl

who things work out for.

After losing her job, her house, and her guy, the last thing Gabby wants to do is be in a dating experiment—especially with her ex. Her only chance of making it through is with help from her best friend, Ian. But as the study and all its hilariously awkward dates goes on, Gabby finds herself wondering what exactly this experiment is all about. Can science lead her to her perfect match? Or will she have to find him all on her own?

Baseball Faith ~ Review

Baseball Faith
52 MLB Stars Reflect on Their Faith
By Rob Maaddi

Baseball Faith gives readers an inside look at 52 baseball players who share how their faith has shaped their lives and careers.

Each player featured has a full page picture of them with the facing page a sharing of their faith testimony headed by a Bible verse. The following two pages are followed by life and career stats.

This book is interesting as it provides a look at these select players that one wouldn't necessarily expect to ever see. There is a mix of players (and even some coaches) from several different eras and backgrounds who are bound together by their love of baseball and God.

This book would be a perfect gift for a baseball aficionado and be a great tabletop book. This book is over 200 pages  (52 of them being player photographs) with a Scripture index in the back of the book. The text type is nicely sized so easily read - no squinting required here.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.


About the Book:

Winning the World Series may be the ultimate prize for most MLB players,

but a relationship with Jesus Christ is No. 1 for many diamond stars, including:

• Hall of Famer John Smoltz
• Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw
• MVP Albert Pujols
• All-Star Mariano Rivera
• And dozens more.

Baseball Faith will inspire you in your faith journey as 52 MLB players--past and present--share their stories and how they are chasing the success that only comes from being God's man and following His plan. These men are committed to living their lives with eternity in mind. Empowered by God, they are looking beyond the competition to a larger goal: following God's game plan for their lives as team players, as husbands, fathers, sons, and then using their influence to point others toward Him. 

Courageous Love ~ Review

Courageous Love
An Andrea Carter Book 
Circle C Milestones #4
By Susan K. Marlow

Andi (Andrea) Carter has finally grown-up, but she has a way of finding herself still getting into trouble with her not quite lady-like behavior. But when one could be out stunt riding on Shasta or helping out on the Circle C why should she bother herself with lady-like concerns? And learning stunt riding tricks with Riley is certainly better than spending her days filling a hope chest with her needlework.

But when a someone starts targeting the Carter family and the Circle C Andi is determined to help protect her family and her home. But who could hate the Carters enough to do all this? The answer will prove just how great their danger is. And unfortunately, Andi is about to come face-to-face with a man who is willing to go to any lengths to make her family experience his pain and more.

With her life on the line, Andi's only hope lies with Riley and God. But when all appears hopeless can Andi continue to trust that Riley will be able to find her?

This is another exciting addition to the world of Andi Carter. Andi is a delight to get to know even if she has an occasional issue with her impatience and her temper. But Andi is exactly the type of friend you'd want at your side when you're in need. This is historical fiction that is geared toward the YA audience but anyone from age 12 and up would be sure to enjoy this book. And for those who want a little touch of romance - Andi just may have a little come into her life.  Those who are searching for clean YA for their daughters and granddaughters will appreciate this book and this series.

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


About the Book:
Andrea Carter is finally pulling her own weight on the Circle C Ranch she loves. The only thing she loves more than helping to run the ranch is spending time racing and stunt-riding on her horse Shasta, with the help of wrangler Riley Prescott. Little does she know that when she and Riley stumble onto a mysterious cut in the fence around her brother's prize calves, life is about to get far more exciting--and dangerous.

A cryptic warning tied around a brick crashes through the window at a family party. Then cattle begin to die. When the horse barn catches fire, Andi knows this is more than just coincidence. But who is trying to hurt her family--and why? Evidence begins to point to criminals from her brother Justin's past who want revenge. But that discovery may be too late to keep Andi and her brother's family out of danger.

Now Riley is her only hope of rescue. Can he find her before she disappears from the Circle C forever? Can she keep everyone else safe until then?

The fourth volume in the Circle C Milestones quartet, Courageous Love is high on action, danger, and drama, and full of appealing characters readers love. Andi's final adventure, sparked with a little romance, is sure to please Marlow's legions of loyal readers who want a happy ending for this frontier heroine. 

King's Blood ~ Review

King's Blood
The Kinsman Chronicles #2
By Jill Williamson

If you are looking for an epic reading experience look no further than this series from Jill Williamson. The first book King's Folly took the reader on a journey through a land in the midst of religious and cataclysmic upheaval. King's Blood continues the journey of the survivors who managed to make it to sea before their world was lost forever. One would think the worst was behind them but the evil and the treachery that walked their land has followed them to the sea and it is determined to consume those who would stand against them.

Wilek has taken on many of the duties of his father - Echad is ill and failing. Janek has been detained because his royal ties are suspect, And Trevn is recovering from the attack that nearly cost him his life as the Five Realms fell. The Heir War appears to have ended but appearances can be deceiving and there are many deceivers hidden amongst the ships and not all of them are human or of the physical realm.

As the remnant of the Five Realms searches for a new land to call home the old suspicions vie with the desire of Wilek and Trevn to return the people to the ways of and belief in Arman.  Meanwhile, the realms of the Mother are determined to assert their dominance over that of Armania and the Father.

But finding land will not end their troubles as they are bringing with them the evil that brought down their old home...

Often the second book in a series is a let down in both story and action, it's merely a bridge to the third book. But King's Blood is no such tool. The story is one that moves the story forward while building on what came before in such a way one would never feel as if the story was left behind. There are twists that one will never anticipate and at the end of the book, one will be going "No, you can't leave me hanging like this!" This is one series that I can see sitting by the side of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. Without giving too much away be ready for some shocks and some separations that will be interesting to see play out in the future.

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

About the Book:

They Flee for Their Lives, But Will a New Home Be Found?

The Five Realms have been destroyed. The remnants of the population who escaped now find themselves confined only to several hundred ships adrift at sea. Guided by hope, rumor, and a promise, they sail north into the unknown, desperate to find land that might become their new home.

As the king's illness worsens, Sâr Wilek takes authority over the expedition and struggles to rule the disjointed people, while assassination attempts, vicious serpents, dangerous storms, and dark magic endanger his life and the survival of his people.

One prophecy has come to pass, but another looms dauntingly in the future. Who is this promised Deliverer? And if the Magonians have him, what might that mean for the realm of Armania?

This second volume collects parts four through six of The Kinsman Chronicles originally released as ebooks.
Part 4--Kingdom at Sea
Part 5--Maelstrom
Part 6--Voices of Blood