Shelter of the Most High ~ Review

Shelter of the Most High
Cities of Refuge #2
By Connilyn Cossette

Sofea loves the sea and this very love is what finds her far from the land of her birth and her people. It is this very love that finds her in a distant land with no way to communicate with the people who have taken her into their home. What is she expect? Is she now a slave to be punished at the whim of a cruel master and mistress? All these thoughts fill her very being as she tries to protect and care for her cousin.

When strangers take Sofea and Prezi to the walled city of Kedesh, they little realize that it is a city of refuge - a place of sanctuary for those who are guilty of crimes. Crimes that Sofea's own father would have had them put to death for.

Eitan has called Kedesh home for eleven years, the mistake he made during his childhood has marked him though few know the reason he never leaves the safety of the city. Eitan longs for the day he can leave the city but the threat to his life and the lives of those he holds most dear is ever present, waiting to claim vengeance.

Shelter of the Most High is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series but it can easily be read on its own. It is really quite interesting to learn about the cities of refuge that were established by God. This is a part of the Old Testament that was never dwelt upon in any classes or sermons that I've ever been blessed to hear or take part in. I don't think I ever truly realized that the cities of refuge were to protect someone after they killed another not in anger but by accident.

The characters are engaging and the story is well-written so that the reader is easily caught up in the story. I like how the perspective is told mainly from Sofea and Eitan's viewpoint as it offers a more rounded story. This is first and foremost Biblical fiction but there is a touch suspense as Eitan and Sofea get caught up in a plot that, if it succeeds, could free all who must stay within the city. This book is one that you could read on your own or would lend itself well to a book club setting.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?

Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles ~ Review

Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles
By Alyssa Jones

From the BH Kids Editorial Staff

This is an activity book to help teach children about the armor of God and stories taken from the Old Testament. So get a dry erase marker and get ready to have a fun time while learning from the Bible. The Scripture references for this book come from Ephesians 6:10-19 (The Armor of God), Joshua 6 (The Battle of Jericho), Israel vs. the Five Kings (Joshua 10:1-15), Deborah, Barak, and Jael (Judges 4), Gideon vs. the Midianites (Judges 6-8), David and Goliath (1 Samual 17), and Judah Taken Captive (2 Chronicles 36). 

Now the Scripture is just referenced so you will need to have a Bible nearby so that you can read this before the search for the listed objects commences. Each story is pictured on nearly 2 pages with a list of items to look for. One of the items to be searched for is a piece of the Armor of God. There is a Christ Connection for each story showing how the Old Testament past of Israel was a glimpse of what Christ would be for the whole world. 

I'll admit it is fun trying to find all the objects and this would be a really fun family activity, maybe have different colored markers for each person to use and take turns finding the objects. However you decide to use this book it will be an enjoyable and educational time for all involved. Though I will admit some of the objects may be difficult to identify which is why reading the Scripture first is important as it offers descriptions of the people that may be helpful.

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

About the Book:

Seek, circle, 

and learn!

Maybe you’ve heard about the battle of Jericho and David’s battle against Goliath, but what about the day the sun stood still? Inside this book, explore six of the major battles from the Bible, filled with dozens of items for you to seek and circle! Every battle scene also has something to tell us about God’s plan for His people through His Son, Jesus.

For an added challenge, look for the six pieces of the armor of God as you explore each battle.

Use a wipe-on, wipe-off marker to seek-and-circle over and over again!

This BH Kids book includes a Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book’s message with their child. We’re all about connecting parents and kids to each other and to God’s Word.

The Christmas Remedy ~ Review

The Christmas Remedy
By Cindy Woodsmall
     and Erin Woodsmall

Holly Noelle Zook is determined to prevent any needless Amish deaths, not when they could be prevented with basic medical care and knowledge. The loss of her father has driven her to help out in the nearby English pharmacy for years. And she hopes to further her own education so she can help her friends and neighbors even more.

When an emergency threatens everything she's ever worked and Greene's Pharmacy could be shuttered Holly Noelle has to accept help from Joshua Smucker. Josh is everything an Amish girl could want unless she's Holly Noelle. Working outside the home is not an option for an Amish woman should she marry and Holly is determined not to marry. EVER! So dating is out of the question - though if she and Josh could just be friends...

Brandon Greene is just this close to having his pharmacy license when his dad needs him. Not that his dad would ask but Holly Noelle let him know. And once again his life is on hold thanks to the unexpected. He had been happy to leave Raysburg behind but now it looked as if he was back at least for a short stint.

With time counting down Holly, Josh and Brandon have their work cut out for them if they are going to get to the truth of what happened before everything went wrong. Where was the paperwork they so desperately needed or had Doc Greene done something wrong?

This is a nice Christmas read, one that has the Amish and English life woven together in a mutually caring community that is just starting to break down the barriers and mistrust that have divided them. There are characters that one can connect with almost instantly and see the varying viewpoints from each one's perspective and sympathize accordingly. Maybe everything doesn't work out just how everyone would have hoped but that could be a good thing in the end. If you want a feel-good read, pick this one up, curl up in your favorite corner and while away a few contented hours.

I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of "big box" stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface--and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene's Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community--a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can't marry and hold onto her professional job. She's Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases--like the one that claimed her father's life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene's Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what's happened and find the "missing" patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?

When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?

When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?

Auschwitz Lullaby ~ Review

Auschwitz Lullaby
By Mario Escobar

Helene Hannemann's life was that of an ordinary German woman until the day came that her husband and children were taken because of their Romani (Gypsy) heritage. Not about to allow them to be taken from her Helene insists on accompanying them little realizing just what her love would cost.

In May 1943 the Romani population under Nazi control is taken away to "special" internment camps and when her husband, Johann and their children are included in this rounding up Helene goes with them, though her German heritage would exempt her from such a sentence. Auschwitz is a living hell that tries to steal away the humanity and dignity of all who enter its gates. Helene though separated from Johann is determined to do everything in her power to keep her children safe.

When Helene's skills, as a trained nurse, are discovered her life and that of her children becomes somewhat better. But operating a day nursery under Dr. Mengele's direction allows her to see the utter depths of depravity a human can sink to and all in the name research.

This book covers approximately 15 months in the life of a woman who was determined to protect the innocent. Though there is much referenced as occurring within the camp most of the graphic violence is not described. There is one scene in which the after-effects of one of Mengele's experiments is portrayed and it is quite horrific. The hate shown against those who are of differing heritage is a warning that all should take to heart.

This book is one that is hard to read just because of the subject matter. The presentation and writing style are excellent. Those who have read Irma Joubert or Corban Addison's work will likely appreciate this book which is based on the true story of Helene Hannemann. 

I was provided a complimentary of this book by the publisher Thomas Nelson with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion. All opinions offer are my own.


About the Book:

Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.

After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.

Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.

Lady of a Thousand Treasures ~ Review with Giveaway

Lady of a Thousand Treasures
The Victorian Ladies Series #1
By Sandra Byrd

Miss Eleanor Sheffield has been tasked with determining to whom Baron Lydney's collection of treasures will be given. The collection is vast and grand and highly sought after. But Eleanor must keep her personal feelings out of her decision making. And she does have personal feelings - she not too long ago thought that she and the late Baron's son would be wed. But when Harry tarried overlong on the Continent with no word Eleanor's hopes faded.

As Eleanor works through the estate's inventory she must determine who is worthy of the treasures her late father help Baron Lydney amass. Does it belong in the South Kensington Museum where all might enjoy it or does it belong with Harry and Watchfield House? With rumors that Harry is not worthy of holding such treasures, Eleanor must observe and test.

But more than the final ownership of the late Baron's possessions is at stake - Eleanor is also trying to keep her family's antiquities business going which following the death of her father and the decline of her Uncle Lewis is a nearly insurmountable task for a single woman in 1860s England. As business declines, Eleanor feels that her final decision will determine the fate of Sheffield Brothers. But can her business survive until a decision is reached or will she find her future in lies in debtor's prison?

This is a delightful and intriguing glimpse into a seldom-explored aspect of English history. Who knew that the upper class had such an interest in collecting rare pieces and antiquities that it could support a whole industry. I found the need for procurers and evaluators of pieces to be wholly unexpected. Also that even at that time the ability of those to produce forgeries was a real concern is something I did not expect. Get ready to enter a world of prejudice and betrayal with the ultimate treasure at stake.

The author's notes about the historical elements and real people that she included to bring this book together are well worth reading. Some of these facts a person may have heard briefly in history class but most likely never made it into the books - I know they didn't mine (I have the books on the shelf to look through). The efforts that Sandra Byrd goes to in added historic detail to her books is evident in the past that she brings to life.  I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical Victorian era fiction - this is not dry or tired and will leave you with a better understanding of this world.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion. - All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured.

Purchase Links

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The Rose and the Briar ~ Review

The Rose and the Briar
Faraway Castle #3
By J.M. Stengl

Rosa Bravo is the head gardener at Faraway Castle who uses her magical skills to give a special touch to all her work. But she also uses her skills to hide away a secret one that has been kept by her family for one hundred years. A secret that has given her a dread and distrust of princes for hidden within her garden sleeps the Princess Zafira. A princess cursed by her own ambitions to sleep until awakened by the kiss of a prince.

When Geoff Bryant takes over the now open position of Magical-Creature Controller Rosa has an almost instant dislike of the young man. For some reason, she just doesn't trust him especially as he has the ability to see past her magic. But Geoff is more than he seems and when Rosa discovers just who he is she's is not going to be happy at all!

When Prince Javier of Evora comes to Faraway Castle Rosa is worried - could he know her family's secret? And will he reveal her true identity to her friends? As Javier works to discover just what Rosa knows Geoff does his best to keep Rosa safe from the Prince's devious schemes, schemes that just might unleash Princess Zafira on an unsuspecting world if he succeeds.

The Rose and the Briar is an all-new twist on the tale of Sleeping Beauty which readers will love. A prince in disguise, a power-hungry princess hid away in an endless sleep, magical creatures and an old nemesis - what's not to love?  Get ready to see this sleeping beauty get what she truly deserves!

This is an appropriate read for middle grade and up. There are no inappropriate scenes to make readers or parents cringe. I would classify this as a gentle read and a fairy tale. It is an easy read that can be enjoyed over a weekend with a pot of tea and comfortable corner to curl up in.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but my honest review - all opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Power-hungry princes are Rosa's greatest dread.

Deep within the gardens of Faraway Castle sleeps a secret Rosa the gardener has sworn to protect with her life--the legendary princess Zafira. For three years she has hidden the princess almost in plain sight. But two nosy princes threaten to undo the work of a century.

When asked to take his sister's old job as Faraway Castle's Magical-Creature Controller, Prince Briar leaps at the chance to disguise himself as a commoner, earn a place in the magical world, and be trained by the mysterious Gamekeeper. Nothing works out the way he'd expected, and he is far too busy working to gain Rosa's trust to bother about uncovering her secrets. 

Until dashing Prince Javier of Evora pursues Rosa . . . and Briar suspects the rival prince of dark motives. Can Rosa and Briar learn to trust each other soon enough to prevent a magical disaster? 

Will the kiss of a prince really awaken true love?

A Sparkle of Silver ~ Review

A Sparkle of Silver
Georgia Coast Romance #1
By Liz Johnson

Millie Sullivan is desperate and she'll do just about anything to keep her grandmother safe but as Grandma Joy slips further into the grasp of dementia Millie is running out of time and resources. When her grandmother, during a lucid moment, mentions a family secret, a treasure, and a journal that could solve all her problems. There's just one problem the Chateau is a tourist location operated by the historical preservation society. Short of paying for a tour that only allowed access to limited locations her only other option is to take a job there as a guest from the late 1920s. As an actor she can be in the Chateau but her access to the estate and home is still limited. But she'll do anything even sneak into the places she is expressly forbidden to be.

Ben Thornton is working as a security guard for the Chateau. And he takes his job very seriously - he needs the money. When he comes across a woman in the estate library he knows he needs to take her in but she has a story to tell one that could very help him get the funds he needs. But to find the treasure that Millie convinces him exists will require some off hours searching - searching that if discovered could get them both fired.

A Sparkle of Silver is a blend of contemporary and historical as Millie and Ben work through the few clues that they have which include the journal entries of Ruth Holiday from the summer of 1929. Ruth, the daughter of a farmer, has a position at a bank and is not of the social class that would normally frequent the Chateau. But her friendship with one of the residents brings her into a world she dreams of calling her own - a world of wealth and ease. As Ruth goes through this summer she finds herself with a choice - one that will determine the course of her future - one that will test her heart.

As Ruth's story is revealed Millie and Ben are faced with their own choices. Will they let the past determine their futures? Or will they allow their today chart the course for tomorrow?

This is the first book in a new series by Liz Johnson and this one is set on St Simons Island,  Georgia rather than Prince Edward Island. Having been there I can imagine the setting - warm breezes, the beauty of the Spanish moss draping from the trees (what I most miss now living in Wisconsin), the scent of the ocean. This book deals with issues that confront many in their day-to-day living in a thought provoking manner for those have not faced them. This book would be an excellent book club selection. This would also be an excellent way to spend a day off (which I did with a pile of 13 dachshunds surrounding me). I like the back-and-forth between the present and the past, which was easy to follow as the journal entries were dated and in italics.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion ~ all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Uncovering the past can lead to an unexpected future . . . 

Millie Sullivan plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of a palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where her great-grandmother was a real guest ninety years ago. When Millie learns of a lost diary that may contain the location of a hidden treasure on the estate and reveal the identity of her great-grandfather, she sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune she desperately needs. But it won't be easy.

When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.