Gladden the Heart ~ Review

Gladden the Heart
Amish Turns of Time #5
By Olivia Newport

Susanna Hooley's life in Kishacoquillas Valley, Pennsylvania, 1847, is about to get a whole lot more difficult. The Amish church is curious and yet wary of the Methodist tent revival meeting going on in their midst. And Susanna is just as curious as anyone, but there are some lines not meant to be crossed and stepping into the tent is one of those lines, even if the Reverand Baxton and his daughter Patsy have been friends with many of the community's Amish for years.

Susanna has a comfortable life and she anticipates the possibility of marriage to Adam Yotter in the near future. But when a strange malady strikes Noah Kauffman, her favorite cousin, Susanna's hopes and dreams for the future are threatened when Noah's "gift of the Spirit" begins to divide friends and family.

Noah's preaching tugs at Susanna's heart but Noah seemingly has no recollection of preaching once he stops. And once he starts he is unaware of all that surrounds him, even to the point his own safety is in question. Drawn to help Noah and his wife Phoebe, Susanna soon finds herself at odds with her mother and Adam over Noah and the suitability of his gift (or curse) to the Amish way of life. Soon their very community is taking sides and the rift that is dividing them may never be repaired...

Gladden the Heart takes a peek into the past which few are familiar with, one that revolves around "sleeping preachers: and have the very differences of worship and lifestyle were the very things drawing the seeking of the Amish community to this revivalist style of preaching. This book provided an interesting look at Amish history during the time in American history during which revivals were sweeping the nation. It is interesting to see this story unfolding from the perspectives of the various characters who come at the situation from varying and unique viewpoints.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When the lively fervor of nineteenth century revivalism endangers the staid customs of the Amish community in the lush but rugged Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847, the Amish church must deal with a divisive question: What is a genuine spiritual experience?

The question turns personal when Susanna’s beloved cousin Noah begins preaching while under trances and even though he is not a minister he gives long sermons that attract increasing attention. Curious, she helps to keep Noah safe during his trances. At the same time Adam, Susanna's intended, feels pressure from the bishop to speak out against the ways of revivalism.

Susanna and Adam are pushed to opposite sides of a controversy that threatens their traditional Amish faith..  Now they must grapple with whether love is possible...even if they come to different conclusions.

The Unicorn Hunter ~ Review with Author Interview

The Unicorn Hunter
By Rachel Kirkaldie

Princess Jessalyn's betrothal is about to be the talk of the Kingdom of Sharadel, but not for the reasons she wants it to be. But a little betrothal mishap is about to be the least of her worries when she is kidnapped from the grounds of her very home.

But far more than a kidnapping of a princess is working its evil through the lands. And Jessalyn is but one pawn within the greater scheme that could topple more than one kingdom. But until she sees past her own vanities she may not be able to see the greater danger that threatens everything she has ever known.

Caught up in this web that has engulfed is Erik, a young man who has allowed himself to be shaped by life's circumstances and tricked into the role he now finds himself in. And Erik is determined to stop the trickster whom he allowed to influence him. But his quest could cost him his life.

The Unicorn Hunter will take the reader into a world where legends are coming to life and where what is known isn't what is. And Princess Jessalyn, with the help of a young knight and a thief, is about to discover that she is more than what she appears and true worth is not to be found in appearance and rank but rather what resides within.

At 183 pages this book is perfect for a weekend read. For upcoming school book reports in the fantasy/adventure genre keep this one in mind - you'll enjoy the assignment. With a cast of characters with distinct and powerful personalities you know there will be a clash or two as they work towards their goals which may or may not coincide.

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:

"Our next scheme," he replied, shaking his head,

"we're going to kidnap the princess."

Princess Jessalyn has a perfect life all lined up for her: she is the most beautiful princess in the realm and is about to marry the soon-to-be-king of Gontir. But all her plans are shattered when she's kidnapped by a murderous unicorn hunter in a plot to destroy Gontir.Dark and mysterious things begin happening, and Jessalyn may be the only one who can save the realm. Faced with the realization that everything she once cherished is not what she thought was, Jessalyn must decide if the life she's always wanted is worth the price of her heart.

About the Author:
Rachel Kirkaldie earned a BA in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from BYU-Idaho in 2002. While she was there, she worked as a writing assistant in the student writing center, published poetry in the school literary magazine The Outlet, and attended multiple conferences and workshops. More recently she won “Publisher’s Choice” for best Christmas story in a contest. Although a full-time mother and a part-time state employee, she still finds time to dedicate to her writing, making it the best she possibly can.

Find her online at http://www.rachelkirkaldie.com/

Author Interview:

1) What inspired your creation of Princess Jessalyn? 

I created Princess Jessalyn years ago when I was still in high school, back when all I wanted was to be beautiful and I was obsessed with all things princess. I like to think I've gained a little more depth since then, and Jessalyn has, too. 

2) Where did the "smelly fishing kingdom" come from? I've been to a few areas over the years and this description instantly took me to them. 

Sharadel came straight from my brain. It wasn't based on any specific place, at least not that I can recall. I would like to visit it, though, despite the smell of fish. 

3) Are you planning a sequel or is this a stand-alone book? 

Oh, yes, there will be a sequel! The Unicorn Hunter is part of a trilogy. The original manuscript was actually a cliffhanger, and my publisher asked me to change it so the book could stand by itself, just in case we weren't able to publish the next two books. I think the stand-alone ending is better, but I had to cut a lot out and move it to the next book. 

Good, I like series - that way I don't have to abandon a character that I really or a world that I'm just starting to explore! 

4) When you write do you have a place that you go for inspiration or do you just start writing when something comes to you? 

I used to write just when I "felt like it," those moments when I'm full of inspiration and I just have to get it out into words. But inspiration can be elusive, and I didn't want to take ten years to write one novel. So I had to push myself to write even when I wasn't feeling particularly inspired. It can be painfully hard but it gets easier over time, kind of like exercising a muscle. When I write I have to have zero distractions: no music, no TV, and definitely no kids climbing all over me. So most nights my husband would find me in our closet, typing away. :)

5) Do you have a favorite genre or author that is your go to of choice? If so what or who is it? 

I love YA fiction; when I hit the library I go straight to the Teen section. 

Excellent source for reading material by the way.  And YA fiction has some really excellent reading available.

Thanks for taking the time out your busy schedule Rachel for this short interview - I'm looking forward to what comes next for Princess Jessalyn and the Kingdoms of Sharadel and Gontir.

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.