Category Archives: Book Review

All For A Sister–Book Review

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All for A SisterA 12 year old in jail for a crime she didn’t commit…a mentally ill mother…a beautiful ingenue…questionable justice… mystery and intrigue…lies and secrets…the weak and strong…joy and sorrow…new life and death…this book has it all and more.

The story is set in the Roaring 2o’s.  A decade in American history that changed the country forever.  Social, cultural, and artistic dynamics of the time are woven into this very believable story.  The beginning of color films, clothing, convertibles, the opulence of the new rich as a result of World War 1, give this book a delightful sense of reality.

Imagine, if that’s possible, what it would be like to be jailed at 12…have absolutely no contact with the outside word…knowing you did not commit the crime you were accused of…not given a fair trial, actually no trial at all…released at 32 into a world that was far different that the one you knew as a child…  Allison Pittman, the author, writes so powerfully that it is not hard to become part of the story and live the action and drama along with the characters.

This twisting tale, written in past, present, and future is a delightful way to spend a warm, quiet, summer afternoon.  There are many thought provoking situations presented so be sure to give yourself enough to read then set back and reflect on the content.

Federal Trade Commission Compliance…I was provided a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers for the sole purpose of reviewing the content.  No other compensation was received or is expected.

Word-Filled Wednesday Book Review

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StonesI really enjoy reading history and novels based on historical events.  Rebekah’s Treasure by Sylvia Bambola did not disappoint.  Ms. Bambola took a great deal of time to research the events happening in Jerusalem and its surrounding towns  in 70 A.D.  The preparation for battle and the battle scenes during the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple were intensely descriptive and although violent, definitely necessary to understanding the story. (The picture to the left is stones from the Western Wall of the Temple Mount (Jerusalem) thrown onto the street by Roman soldiers on the Ninth of Av, 70 A.D.-from Wikipedia photos.)

As the story is developed and the characters come to life the reader is taken into the 1st Century.  Believer’s are trying to flee the city and the persecution they are experiencing at the hands of Rome.   Rebekah is carrying the Cup of the Last Supper and her husband, Ethan, is charged with guarding and using the treasures of the Temple.  Their journey’s include caravan robbers, lack of food and water, intrigue and mystery.

In weaving the story there is a constant thread of Family Values.  There is great concern as to the safety and well-being of each member.  The artifacts that are being transported to new locations remain simply things while the family relationships and friendships provide the cement that holds the story together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.  It is refreshing, accurate, and believable.  If you would like to purchase a copy for yourself, just click on the picture and it will take you to the author’s blog.  (I receive no compensation from the author for suggesting that you purchase the book.)

I have been provided a complimentary REbekahcopy of Rebekah’s Treasure by Sylvia Bambola from BookCrash for the the sole purpose of review.

 

Book Review – Purposeful Design

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Purposeful Design

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book for my review by Jay Schabacker through Bookcrash.  No other compensation was received.  If you click on the book it will take you to Amazon’s purchase page.  Once again, I receive no compensation for your decision to purchase.

This insightful look into the reasons for ordering creation would be useful for all ages.  The author, Jay Schabacker, has carefully researched many of the events during the first seven days to provide the reader with an accurate representation of what God did and why He did it.  Starting with a cute tickler about the Man in the Moon and moving through the Creation events he provides the reader with many stories within the Story.

Using the Word of the Creator God and scientific fact and theory the Creation comes to life on the pages of this book.  Facts, beautiful pictures, quotes, Bible verses, and flowing words fill this book with a solid basis for a Creative, Purposeful, Life-giving, beginning to Earth, the Solar System, and all of the Cosmos.

Through the eyes and words of this author each creative day had to preceed the next so the finished product, man, could move forward.  Sequentially using the movement of the planets, the  rain cycle, how the seasons are beneficial , tidal movement and timing, instincts of birds and fish, domesticating animals, and the uniqueness of each human, puts the story into perspective and makes for some very interesting reading.

I highly recommend this book!  Either for your coffee table (because it is beautifully made) or as a gift for any age,  you can’t go wrong.

30 Days To A More Beautiful You Book Review

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I love to read!  You all know that, I’m sure!  I’ve just had the privilege of reviewing a delightful 30 day devotional  – 30 Days To A More Beautiful You by Kylie Bisutti.  Kylie is a former Victoria’s Secret Runway Model who clearly listened to the ‘prompts’ of the Holy Spirit in her life and used her experiences as a model to write this set of 30 devotions directed at girls in this modern culture.

30 days

This ‘little’ book  is full of delightful gems that would be great for mother/daughter/mentor discussions.  Each day has a scripture, a short narrative, questions and a thought for the day.  Ms. Bisutti used her experiences both inside the modeling business and in her personal life to show all women that our bodies are sacred to God and He wants us to glorify Him with them.  She is not prudish in her suggestions but does say that some of her modeling career did not honor herself or God.  (Please don’t misread this…she does not have a history of nudity!)  It’s a real bargain at only 99 cents!

A complementary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for the sole purpose of review.  I have included a link to purchase the book for you (Just click on the book cover.) but I receive no compensation for your purchase.

Mark of Distinction Book Review

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As many of you know, I love to read and from time to time post book reviews for various publishers.  The review you are about to read is my thoughts and opinions of the book.  I hope you enjoy it.   Marie

book coverMark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta is Book 2 of the Price of Privilege Trilogy.  Set in Victorian England, it gives the reader a glimpse of what it was like to live in that time period.  The reader becomes part of the wealthy world of the aristocrats (balls, soirees, opera, the Court, servants) while being constantly aware of the poverty, filth, and crime of the streets of London.

This delightful story is based on the age-old theme of right vs. wrong.  The battle of what one knows to be the right choice vs. what anyone/everyone else wants.

As the main character, Julia Eliston Pierson, recalls the 8 months of her life that frame this story.  The reader is drawn into a world of politics, intrigue, and the societal values of the age.  At the tender age of 18, upon the death (murder?) of her mother, after what seems to be a questionable marriage to a dashing rogue named Mr. Macy, she seeks refuge with Lord Pierson.  He recognizes her as his daughter and creates a plan that will allow her to quickly become the darling of London society, the Emerald Heiress.  The plan includes his desire for her to marry his adopted son, Lord Dalry, but is she really married to Mr. Macy?

Woven throughout the story is another character named Edward.  At the point of this story he is a ‘pastor’.  One must realize that Julia’s step-father was an atheist and she was raised as such.  As the story unfolds, she becomes the possessor of Edward’s Bible and the notes he has written in it.  Since she is searching for answers about her life she reads it and as a result becomes a believer in a touching, staircase scene, with Lord Dalry.  Of course, that sets her mind rolling with more questions.  Should she marry Lord Dalry?  Why is she kept in nearly constant seclusion?  Why is her father such a controlling monster?

Let me say at this point that it might be good to read Book 1 of the Trilogy first (Born of Persuasion).  Without the knowledge of the first book some of the story line became quite confusing.  However, even though I did not read the first book, Mark of Distinction, stands well on its own.

I highly recommend this book!  It is well written, accurate in its representation of what Victorian society must have been like, and does not assault the senses with unnecessary violence or intimate life details.

A copy of the book was provided for me by Tyndale House Publishers for the sole purpose of reviewing it.  The above review is my honest opinion of the book.  Should you desire to purchase the book just click on the bold title and it will take you to amazon.com (I receive no compensation from either company for your purchase!)