The Evaporation of Sofi Snow ~ Review

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow
Evaporation of Sofi Snow #1
By Mary Weber

Who wouldn't want to pick up this book simply because of the title and the cover art? But what's inside in even more intriguing. But be warned this isn't a book that can wrap it all up in a neat little package in this one book. But those who have read Mary Weber's previous series (The Storm Siren Trilogy) will know the wait will be worth it.

This book opens at some future date as Earth is caught up in the Fourth World War, a war that is about to be arrested by the arrival of an ice planet. The arrival of the Delonese ice-planet occurred during Sofi Snow's sixth year and forever altered Earth's existence thanks to their tech abilities.

Eleven years have passed since the Delonese arrived and Sofi's life is not what she wants. Her father has died. The boy she loved betrayed her. And she and her brother Shilo are part of Earth's third Fanfight Games and she is determined that this time they will win.

Fanfight Games, you ask??? A multileveled survival tournament that is a mix of the real and the virtual. In this case, Shilo is the team's competitor who takes part in the physical aspects while Sofi works behind the scenes with others to add virtual challenges and to guide Shilo in his quest of victory for their Corporation.

And, news flash, the world is no longer ruled by governments but rather corporations and there are 30 with this power. And fortunately, or not, Sofi and Shilo's mother is in control of Corp 30. Yep, seems mom is intent on exploiting her two children for Corporate glory and Sofi has a problem with this along with her mother's lack of motherly attention throughout their lives.

But in a moment of betrayal, everything threatens to come undone. An attack takes out Corp 30's team and Sofi is left reeling from the attack and the report that her brother and team are dead. But Sofi, convinced that someone is hiding the truth about Shilo turns to the one person she never hoped to see again - Miguel.

But Miguel, as Ambassador to Delonese, has the connections that Sofi needs to find the truth she seeks.  And the answers she's seeking all seemingly point to Delonese and Miguel is Sofi's only hope of getting there.

This book is fast-paced reading that takes unexpected twists and turns that will keep the pages turning and the reader intrigued.  This isn't a reworking of the Storm Siren series - the story worlds are vastly different and the characters in this world are gifted through technology rather than fantastical powers. I highly recommend this book but just a warning the main players in this story are broken people who have their own ghosts that they are trying to forget or escape (revealed throughout the story). And the conclusion is one that will absolutely stun you - so don't read ahead as you will totally ruin the ending - which I might add will leave you in riveting anticipation of book 2 (Reclaiming Shilo Snow).

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


About the Book:

For fans of Ender’s Game and Blade Runner comes a story of video gaming, blood, and power.

Ever since the Delonese ice-planet arrived eleven years ago, Sofi’s dreams have been vivid. Alien. In a system where Earth’s corporations rule in place of governments and the humanoid race orbiting the moon are allies, her only constant has been her younger brother, Shilo. As an online gamer, Sofi battles behind the scenes of Earth’s Fantasy Fighting arena where Shilo is forced to compete in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. But when a bomb takes out a quarter of the arena, Sofi’s the only one who believes Shilo survived. She has dreams of him. And she’s convinced he’s been taken to the ice-planet.

Except no one but ambassadors are allowed there.

For Miguel—Earth’s charming young playboy—the games are of a different sort. As Ambassador to the Delonese, his career has been built on trading secrets and seduction. Until the Fantasy Fight’s bomb goes off. Now the tables have turned and he’s a target for blackmail. The game is simple: Help the blackmailers, or lose more than anyone can fathom, or Earth can afford.

From the award-winning author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, step into a diverse cast of characters spanning from the electric metropolises of earth to the chilling alien planet above, in a story of re-finding yourself in the midst of losing the one thing you love. Before it all evaporates.

NIV Kids Visual Study Bible ~ Review

NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible
Published by Zondervan

Explore the Story of the Bible

People, Places, and History

One can never be too young to start studying the Bible and this new Visual Study edition is for kids helping them to explore and understand God's Word. The first thing to make note of this Bible is the New International Version (NIV). Second, even though it is a kids Bible it is one that anyone can use - it is complete and not abridged, nor is it a book of Bible stories.

The illustrations are throughout the Bible but not on every single page. Yes, there are over 700 images but the Bible is 1936 pages long. So the illustrations are merely a tool to enhance the study of specific passages.

Each page is lined on the outer edge by a golden yellow column in which key passages are explained for aid in understanding. At the beginning of a new chapter, this column helps point out key features - time, people, place, and a quick chapter synopsis. There are a few maps throughout the Bible along with 12 pages at the back of the Bible.

The infographics I found well placed in helping the readers to visualize more fully certain aspects - such as the differences in Job's life before and after his testing, a clock of the hours of Good Friday, and the key words found in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John.

This Bible is hardcover and the pages while delicate won't tear with normal use and as such should be an appropriate gift for a child of 7 or 8 years of age. This is a Bible that can be taken to church and Sunday school and enjoyed for daily home use. The first page is a presentation page that can be personalized by the giver. There is a royal blue ribbon to use as a marker which goes well with the cover illustration. This would make a perfect gift for either a boy or a girl.

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


About the Book:

The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible brings the Bible alive for children.The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, for ages 8-12, brings the Bible to life in four-color illustrated splendor. This study Bible includes a spectacular full-color interior featuring over 700 illustrations, photos, infographics, and maps on every page that visually represent key Bible information. Each page also features important facts located near the relevant verse. Intriguing facts; colorful, engaging maps; photographs; and illustrations make this a Bible they'll want to explore.

Features:
* Over 700 four-color photographs, illustrations, infographics, and maps throughout
* Full-color design
* Book introductions, including important facts and an image to orient the reader
* One-column format with side bar study notes for ease of reading
* The complete text of the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible
* Beautiful cover featuring glossy images

Heartbeat of the Bitterroot ~ Review

Heartbeat of the Bitterroot
By Janice Mineer

The cover alone is reason enough pick up this book and read it - the cover is gorgeous but the real treat comes from what is hidden within. Jenn Clark was fortunate that she was able to spend as much of her childhood with her Aunt Ann, Uncle Martin, and cousins - if not for their love and support she may have found herself as adrift in life as her late mother was. But her early years have laid a foundation that has made a mark and she feels that she will never have the family that she wants or any family if her boyfriends are any indication.

But Jenna has come back to her roots in Montana with her latest job transfer and she is determined to find what she is missing and to spend time with the family who has loved her through the years. And to start off she's about to attend her cousin's wedding - a wedding that may, in fact, reveal a little-known secret about her past and her father.

But the revelation that she never knew her father is a revelation to more than Jenna. But with the passage of so much time can she ever hope to find the truth as to who she is? This journey will allow Jenna to see her mother in a new light.

But when Jenna finds her safety threatened the question becomes why. Is it related to her search for answers about her past or is it related to something entirely different? And then there is Michael Callahan her cousin Jack's friend who has somehow found himself involved in Jenna's search. Is he someone that Jenna could trust her heart with? Or is his heart already taken?

Altogether this is a beautiful story that one will want to re-read. The characters are alive and one can empathize with them. Well, maybe not Jenna's jerk maybe-ex-boyfriend Derek. And I loved the subtle weaving of the strength and beauty of the Bitterroot throughout the story as a parallel to Jenna's own.

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

About the Book:

And so, it followed me, this dream.

It launched me on a journey.

But I never imagined that the journey

would nearly cost me my life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jenna Clark tries to keep her bleak childhood memories buried in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, but a newfound secret about her father’s identity forces her to dig into her past. Whit the help of Michael Callahan -- the charming man she meets at her uncle's ranch--she delves deeper into a history that would rather stay hidden. When harmless pranks quickly turn into aggressive threats, Jenna must decide whether to run away one more time or face her past with courage and finally let love into her heart.

About the author:

Janice Mineer was born in the state of Washington. She graduated from Brigham Young University and later taught English, allowing her to spend quality time with something she loves-the written word. A hopeless romantic, Janice has played harp for weddings, even for one that took place on the edge of a cliff over a river. Because of her first husband’s long illness, Janice and her family spent extended time away from home to be near the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. When her husband passed away, Janice dedicated herself to work with the Ronald McDonald House to provide a home away from home for families who need medical care for their children. Janice is the author of a children’s book, Gingerbread from the Heart. Heartbeat of the Bitterroot is her first novel.

Janice lives in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana with her husband, Randy. Between them, they have five children and 11 beautiful grandchildren.

Dark Deception ~ Review

Dark Deception
Defenders of Justice #2
By Nancy Mehl

Kate O'Brien's life hasn't been the same since her twin sister was murdered before her very eyes and the murderer left her for dead beside her. After two trials she thought it was behind her as she lived out her life in WITSEC. But someone has raised questions about whether or not the man convicted on her testimony was truly the killer. And Kate is being subpoenaed for a new trial - a trial she wants no part of.

But Kate has conditions of her own if she is going to loose the demons in her life - she wants the Deputy Marshall who was there for her before to again protect her - she wants Tony DeLuca because she trusts him.

But someone is determined to silence Kate and Tony may not be able to stop them. And the evidence against Kate's would-be-killer is all based solely on her testimony, which if she is unable to provide will free a killer who may even now be after her.

This book will leave the reader wondering just who is guilty of what as a number of potential suspects comes to light. Can Tony and his team keep Kate alive long enough for the truth come to light? Or will a killer be allowed to walk free and target a new victim?

This is the second book in the Defenders of Justice series and fans of Nancy Mehl will not be disappointed in the suspense level. Nancy will definitely keep the reader guessing as to who is guilty of what as the story progresses. As one potential suspect is raised another seems even more likely. A perfect read if you want to be kept wondering into the wee hours of the night. This book is also the perfect reason to plead just one more chapter.  If you haven't read the first book in the series don't worry as this book can easily be read and followed as a different set of characters is the main focus than those of the first book Fatal Frost.  Get ready for some intense heart-pounding reading from the first page!

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


About the Book:
Kate O'Brien's quiet life in small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas is shaken when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and she's been in witness protection ever since.

When new evidence arises to suggest the convicted man wasn't the murderer, she's subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Afraid to go back into that world, Kate only agrees if Tony DeLuca, the deputy Marshal who protected her during the original trial, escorts her to St. Louis.

Tony readily takes on the assignment; Kate's beauty and inner strength made more of an impression on him than he expected. But when Kate's safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed.

The Most Misused Stories in the Bible ~ Review

The Most Misused Stories in the Bible
by Eric J. Bargerhuff

Surprising ways popular Bible stories are misunderstood

All too often we are taught from a young age what a story in the Bible is all about. But these stories are often made to fit the lesson that is being made. In this book, Eric Bargerhuff attempts to dispell our misconceptions about some of the most used stories.

David and Goliath - the classic example of facing and overcoming our fears is not about facing fear at all. David wasn't afraid of Goliath - in fact, he seemed to be the only Israelite not afraid of Goliath. Rather this is a story about trusting in God and in His strength.

Cain and Abel's story is explained and how too often we misunderstand the point of the story - which is not the rejection of one sacrifice over another or even murder. Rather the point is the condition of one's heart which only God can see. When we study the story of Jonah we tend to focus on the fish, rather than on God and what He accomplished. And the woman caught in adultery is not a shield giving us permission to sin with a free pass to "get out of sin card". Through this book, we will examine not only these stories but 10 additional ones that will help us to read in context and not add personal biases or beliefs to our interpretation of the Bible.

This book is both interesting and informative. A definite must to have on hand and share with those you know. In my opinion, this would be any excellent choice for either a group or family Bible study. Often we never look beyond the stories we heard in Sunday School and study them on our own to learn the truths that they have to offer us. Eric Bargerhuff offers us a look beyond that can help us decern other truths that we have allowed to lay hidden behind the comfort of the children's stories that we are comfortable and familiar with.

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

About the Book:

Are you sure you know what your favorite Bible stories mean?

A surprising number of popular Bible stories are commonly misused or misunderstood, even by well-intentioned Christians. In this book, Eric J. Bargerhuff helps you sort through modern-day distortions of these well-known stories and grasp their meaning and purpose for us today. See with fresh eyes the life-changing truths in stories such as:

David and Goliath

Jonah and the Big Fish

The Woman Caught in Adultery

Zacchaeus, the tax collector

Gideon and His Fleece

Judas, the Betrayer

Filled with fascinating historical and scriptural insights, this concise yet thorough book will help you learn how to read and apply all of God's Word more faithfully.

Eric J. Bargerhuff, PhD, teaches in the Bible and Theology department and directs the Honors Program at Trinity College of Florida.  Author of the acclaimed book The Most Misused Verses in the Bible, he served in pastoral ministry for more than twenty years. Eric received his doctorate in biblical and systematic theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

A Love So True ~ Review

A Love So True
Teaville Moral Society #2
By Melissa Jagears

Evelyn Wisely is drawn to helping those that are in need in Teaville - the orphans, the cast-off children, and the women who find themselves trapped in the town's red district.  She gives her all to help them, unfortunately, she needs the financial support of others to do this. But most don't want to muddy their reputations by associating with women who have been reduced to such a life.

Most can't understand why Evelyn has refused the attentions of men who seek to court her. Even her parents are in the dark, but Evelyn has a secret one that no one knows or even suspects and it has broken her heart.

But Evelyn's carefully laid plans are about to run into a most determined obstacle in the form of David Kingsman - a young man who has traveled to Teaville on the request of his father. David is hoping the time away from his father will allow him time to breathe and determine exactly how his life will unfold. And if he can somehow win his father's approval by what he has planned - perhaps his father will see him for who he can be and not whom he thinks he can force him to be.

Evelyn intrigues David from their first meeting - a young woman who visits the outcasts of society, isn't seeking marriage, and has an obvious love of children. Determined to learn all he can about Evelyn - David finds himself thwarted by her aloof and standoffish behavior towards him. Can David determine why Evelyn seems opposed to courtship and the idea of marriage? Or will she break his heart without knowing it?

This is the second book in the Teaville Moral Society series and those who enjoyed Nicholas and Lydia's story will be delighted to know that they too are in this book. And we learn more of Caroline O'Connor's backstory and it is heartbreaking.  This book draws the reader into the story from the first page and keeps one's eyes firmly glued to the pages. Melissa Jagear brings to life characters whom one can empathize with and whom one wouldn't mind getting to know in person.

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

About the Book:
Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. Her boss is willing to help build a shelter for them, but only if she gains the cooperation and financial support of other local businessmen. 

While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day.

Will their plans and partnership fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them, or can they trust in God's plan despite it all?

Speaking with Strategic Impact ~ Book Spotlight with Giveaway

This book is a must-read if you’re a consultant, analyst, pitch team leader, roadshow executive, technology specialist, project manager, internal or external marketer, sales rep, subject matter expert or innovator.

Book Details:

Book Title: Speaking with Strategic Impact: Four Steps to Extraordinary Presence and Persuasion

Author: Kate LeVan

Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 152 pages

Genre: Business

Publisher: Delton Press

Release date: May 24, 2017

Tour dates: June 12 to 30, 2017

Content Rating: G




Book Description:

Speaking with Strategic Impact is for business people who make their living—or their mark—through presentations long and short.

It’s a must-read if you’re a consultant, analyst, pitch team leader, roadshow executive, technology specialist, project manager, internal or external marketer, sales rep, subject matter expert or innovator.

Do your presentations unexpectedly fall flat? Do others hijack your meetings? Do you spend more time compiling slide decks than actually influencing decision-makers? Has someone vaguely told you that you “should look more confident up there” or that you “lack gravitas”? Have you watched TED Talks but wonder how you can bring that level of effectiveness into real business presentations?

Speaking with Strategic Impact gives you the key to leadership presence and persuasion. More than just tips and tricks, it outlines a discipline for navigating real business situations with consistently superior outcomes that’s favored by top business schools and Fortune 500 companies. You’ll get specific strategic and tactical advice to keep you on the mark in your presentations and meetings—and differentiate you from the vast majority of business presenters.

Read Speaking with Strategic Impact to master the means by which you make a living and a difference in the world!

​

​Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Kate LeVan trains, coaches and collaborates on business communication effectiveness with major corporations worldwide and as an instructor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Her training consistently receives top ratings from executive development program participants for its simplicity, applicability and career-changing impact.

Connect with the Author: 

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Win one of 5 prize packages that contains:

a signed copy of Speaking with Strategic Impact by Kate LeVan,

a $20 Amazon gift card and

an optional coaching call with the author

(open to USA and Canada only - 5 winners)

Ends July 8

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