Category Archives: Book Reviews

Summer Reading

16 Saturday May 2015

Posted by in Book Reviews, Faith, Relationships, and Other Topics, Writing and Pursuing Publication

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bookmarathonSchool’s out next week, which translates into more time for reading and writing, both for me and the kids.

While I have quite a few books on my to-be-read (TBR) list already, I’m always looking to add more, and now is a better time than ever to swap recommendations.

If you have a few novels or non-fiction books you think are must-reads (middle-grade and/or adult), please share in the comments. In return, here are a few I’ve read recently (with one or two exceptions) I think you might enjoy:

  1. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. The first of a two book dystopian series, this book is creative and creepily realistic in its portrayal of the future.
  2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio. A book for middle-grade kids, Wonder had my whole family reaching for the tissues. It explores both the darkness and beauty of the human spirit, and prompts self-reflection of a noble variety in the kids who read it.
  3. The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron. A hybrid historical and contemporary fiction novel that explores the origins of a Nazi-era painting, this book is simply…beautiful.
  4. By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson. This is the first of a three book inspirational fantasy series. If you’re into Young Adult/Science Fiction/Fantasy/Speculative, you should check it out. I loved it.
  5. Undaunted: Daring to Do What God Calls You to Do by Christine Caine. This non-fiction title is like a call to arms for those seeking to live out their purpose.
  6. Wild Born (Spirit Animals #1) by Brandon Mull. Another middle-grade novel, this book is best read with your kids because of some of the violence. The story, however, is wonderful. This book is the first in a series of seven. Not that I’m into series or anything :-).
  7. Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen. I just finished this contemporary gem. Filled with suspense, conflict, and intrigue, this book is what inspirational fiction needs.
  8. A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. Perhaps one of the greatest novels of all time. If you read nothing else, read this one. Then read the next two books in the series :-).
  9. To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future by Dan B. Allender, PHd. I’m still reading this one. It’s so rich I couldn’t keep it off the list. Take your time reading, absorbing, and putting into practice the insights this book has to offer.
  10. The Black Rose by Thomas B. Costain. This book is one of my all time favorites. A friend once referred to herself as the Tristram to my Walter. To know how precious such a sentiment is…well you have to read the book.

And that concludes my list. I’d love for you to add to it. Have fun reading this summer, but don’t forget to live some adventures of your own :-).

Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes from Author Dani Pettrey

04 Wednesday Sep 2013

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Dani Pettrey writes romantic suspense that leaves you wanting more. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of her latest book, and now that it’s here I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

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In Stranded, Book 3 in author Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series, reporter Darcy St. James knows something is wrong when her friend vanishes from her job on a cruise ship. Everyone else believes Abby simply left of her own accord, but something isn’t lining up, and Darcy knows the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for various cruise lines. He’s surprised to find Darcy onboard one of the ships, working undercover as a reporter.

Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more they realize they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

To celebrate the story, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the ALASKAN ADVENTURES Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes connected with the story!

GRAND PRIZE: BUILD-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE PACKAGE

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In Stranded, Darcy, Gage, and the McKenna family launch into all kinds of adventures: from high-octane ocean kayaking, to rugged island camping beneath the vast Alaskan skies.

Our grand prize winner will have the chance to build their own adventure, with a $300 adventure gear gift card of their choice from either Eddie Bauer or L.L. Bean.

SECOND PRIZE: CULINARY CONQUEROR PACKAGE

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Everyone knows Gage McKenna’s campfire cooking is second to none. But in Stranded, Darcy discovers that before Gage was a search and rescue hero, he secretly dreamed of attending culinary school.

Our second prize winner will have the chance to fulfill Gage’s dream with a $200 value, 1-year membership to Top Chef University.

Membership includes over 200 video lessons taught by Top Chef contestants, covering everything from soups to desserts.

THIRD PRIZE: SHIMMER & SHINE PACKAGE

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Darcy once gave her missing friend, Abby, a beautiful shell necklace, engraved with a special message that made it one-of-a-kind.

Our third prize winner will receive their very own, one-of-a-kind “Earth & Sea” necklace valued at $100.

Handmade of New Zealand Paua shells, hammered copper, and Tahitian pearls, this necklace is the perfect compliment for a soft sweater and jeans, or a unique finishing touch for a little black dress on a special date night.

This giveaway starts September 2, 2013 and ends September 19, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Winners will be selected Friday, September 20, 2013, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

To enter, go to http://www.danipettrey.com/alaskan-adventures-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between September 2 and September 19.

A Review of I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins

17 Saturday Aug 2013

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I, Saul

More than two thousand years ago in a small Roman dungeon where he awaited his execution, the Apostle Paul lived and breathed and…what else?

What were his conditions, his mood, his thoughts, his actions? While we can’t know for sure, in I, Saul, Jerry B. Jenkins dares to both explore those questions and create a fictional account of the answers. And he doesn’t stop there.

Paul’s historic last days result in modern-day danger for Augustine Knox, a struggling professor who is called upon to help a friend now hunted because of what the Apostle Paul left behind. Coming to his friend’s aid, Augustine doesn’t only jeopardize his career and his own life, but the life of his fiancée as well.

What will become of them, and of the priceless Pauline discovery, remains a mystery until the very end.

Jenkins has once again gone outside of the box to bring readers a story worth getting excited about. Augustine, equal parts jock and egghead, is an unusually witty character who endears from the beginning, and who really comes to life when he hits Italian soil. Roger Michaels, the friend responsible for Augie’s newfound problems, comes across as the guy everybody wishes they knew.

Augie’s fiancée Sofia is also likeable and seems to have a pretty good head on her shoulders, and the romance elements between them remain somewhat surface level so as not to detract from the main focus of the plot.

For the story to advance to a position of intense intrigue and high stakes, Jenkins had to build quite a bit of background in the early chapters. As a result, the beginning consists of several flashbacks, which at times made it a slow read. But once the stage is firmly established the story takes off. Imagine a rollercoaster that paces its way to the top, then plunges its rider into an adventure that is both intense and exhilarating.

More than that, I, Saul has a message of faith that is piercing to the heart. This surprised me, since at first I found the delivery of the faith topics very simple and straight-forward. Turns out simple + straight-forward + the Word of God = Powerful.

I gave it four out of five stars.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Seven Books in Seven Weeks Drawing Results

21 Friday Jun 2013

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Thanks to all of you who followed along and participated in my Seven Books in Seven Weeks reading marathon! I had a great time and read some great books because of your recommendations.

I also enjoyed your comments and some of the emotional turmoil we shared. All that was missing was the ability to share a cup of coffee while reading together real-time.

But don’t worry, I always drank an extra cup in your absence :-).

Now for the winners of the three books included in the giveaway for this series:

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Congratulations Pragya, Daniellajoe, and Victoria! I will be contacting each of you by email in order to deliver your books.

And again, thanks and many blessings to everyone who participated to make this series a success. God bless you!

Week 7 Book 7: A Review of Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

15 Saturday Jun 2013

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truth stained lies

Ever since the murder of her police officer fiancée, and the perp’s bogus acquittal, Cathy Cramer has been using her law background and a high-profile blog to help keep other murderers from getting away with their crimes.

But prosecuting defendants in the court of public opinion wins her more than national recognition and a faithful following. Cathy has enemies armed with death threats. It’s a risk she’s willing to take, until she receives a letter that proves to be more than a bluff.

In Terri Blackstock’s Truth Stained Lies, Cathy’s brother is framed for murdering his estranged wife. Now Cathy is faced with the reality that things are not always as they appear–something she never fully respected in her blog commentaries. Soon it’s a race against the clock to prove her brother’s innocence, and to find the true killer before he can strike again.

Written in a simple but effective style, this debut in Blackstock’s Moonlighters Series  is a great read. The pacing was quick, entertaining, and full of suspense. There were several characters and a couple of sub-plots (some fully developed and others just touched on) but everything ultimately tied into and/or enhanced the main story in such a way that none of it was distracting.

The main character, Cathy, had three siblings, all of whom were important to the story. Though they came from the same background, Blackstock took pains to make sure each sibling was as different as the seasons, and she created a family dynamic that was realistic. The faith elements were believable, redemptive, challenging…and precious.

Some parts of the plot were slightly predictable, but the story as a whole was so intriguing that I couldn’t put the book down until it was over. Even when the killer is revealed the reader is left to stress about how, when, or if he/she will be caught.  I literally flew through the pages in one night.

In the end, Truth Stained Lies wasn’t just read, it was experienced. I teared-up, hoped, paced, praised God, took self-stock, and smiled when I put it down. I gave it four out of five stars.

This book concludes my Seven Books in Seven Weeks Series, and will be included in the giveaway. Stay tuned next week for information about the book giveaways!

Week 6 Book 6: A Review of Taliesin by Stephen R. Lawhead

08 Saturday Jun 2013

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taliesin

It was the age of Atlantis, when nine kings ruled in peace and prosperity and the lives of their people were saturated with extravagance. It was also an age marked for destruction–a fate to dwarf the devastation caused by the outbreak of war after two millenia of peace.

In Taliesin, Stephen R. Lawhead slashes through the veil of mystery surrounding Atlantis. The story follows two main characters: Princess Charis, daughter of one of the Atlantean kings, and Taliesin, druid prince destined for greatness.

Princess Charis learns of her land’s impending doom and manages to escape, but not before Lawhead breathes life into the legendary city of Atlantis. Across the ocean, Taliesin maintains a vastly different but just as intriguing existence; his life linked to Princess Charis’ before the two ever meet.

A tale of hope, heartbreak, violence, and love, Taliesin is a brilliant intermingling of fiction and history. Though written in 1987, the craft used to write this story makes it timeless. Lawhead writes with intricate detail to construct setting. Though I’m not a fan of overdone scenes, the detail used here was appropriate. The palaces, arenas, gardens, and caers were of foreign places and fictional times, therefore it was Lawhead’s responsibility to set the stage, which he did well.

Characterization was also a strength of this story. Each character was introduced with distinct, memorable qualities, so that they became real people who inspired real feelings. Charis grew from a spoiled brat to a wise, determined and heroic woman. Her mother, Briseis, exuded wisdom characteristic of noble queens, and concern inherent in caring mothers. Annubi’s sarcasm and familiar style of communication made him easy to relate to and just as easily trustworthy.

Better still was the plot. Tension continued to grow and unfold as the story progressed. Though the fate of Atlantis was inevitable, Lawhead wrote in such a way that I continued to hope and root in certain scenes for a different outcome than what was expected. Backstory was well-timed and so well written that it kept the story flowing despite pumping in details of the past. Even stories within the story were interesting, and everything–however subtle–had its purpose in the final product.

In short, Taliesin was a phenomenal novel written with excellence. I haven’t been this excited by a work of fiction in a long time, a fact which earned it five out of five stars. Though I’m sad it’s over, I’m beside myself happy that it’s the first in a series, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book two.

Click here for the list of the remaining books: Seven Books in Seven Weeks: The List .

Week 2 Book 2: A Review of Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

11 Saturday May 2013

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not a fan

Got your church T-shirt? Your “Jesus is my co-pilot” bumper sticker? What about your WWJD bracelet?

Bible? Check! Some verses memorized? Check! Personalized tithe envelopes? You know this maaan!

Okay, okay. Now what about Jesus? You’ve got all the paraphernalia–the outward stuff that clothes you with the Christian image–but do you really have Jesus? Are you a fan, or are you a follower?

Uhhhhhhh……………..what you talkin’ bout Willis?

Willis isn’t here. But if you want to know what I’m talking about, pick up Kyle Idleman’s Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus. Idleman uses an in-your-face and step-on-your-toes approach to distinguish between professors of Christ who are merely fans, and followers of Christ who are all in.

Kyle addresses several indicators of fandom. In short, they know about Jesus but don’t know Him, they praise Him with their mouths but their hearts are vacationing in self-ville, or in Kyle’s words, “They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.” Followers, however, don’t just put Jesus first. He is it. He is all. There is no competition.

Because the book is non-fiction and the theme very specific, it’s difficult for me to review it in-depth without giving away too much. What I can say is that it will challenge readers to do a great deal of self-reflection. It is written in such a way that, fan or follower, you cannot walk away from it without digging deep inside to see where your loyalties lie, whether they are divided, or even if somewhere along the way they’ve shifted.

Most of the time Idleman addresses the reader as if he/she is already a fan. Some might sit a little straighter at such presumption, but calm down. Following Christ is a daily calling, not a one time deal. And every opportunity to search the heart and “see if there is any wicked way” in it (Psalm 139:24) is time well spent. Remember: followers of Christ welcome a righteous rebuke, we don’t refuse it (Psalm 141:5).

If you’re a fan and you’re happy right where you are, my guess is Kyle’s message will seriously offend you. If you’re a fan but no longer want to be, it’ll challenge you to bolt out of the stands, suit up, and get to the business of living like a true follower of Jesus. If you’re already a follower you’ll identify if and when you tend to have seasons of fandom, or whether there are compartmentalized areas of your life where your spiritual weapon of choice is a set of frilly pom poms.

Where this book is concerned, I have to say I would qualify as a fan of the book. I am “an enthusiastic admirer” of the message and the style of writing. I laughed (hard), I cried (loud), and when I put it down I started calculating how much it was going to cost me to get one in the hands of way too many people. I found the personal testimonies particularly powerful. I gave it five out of five stars.

When it comes to Jesus, however, I am not a fan.

Click here for the list of the remaining books: Seven Books in Seven Weeks: The List .

Week 1 Book 1: A Review of The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

04 Saturday May 2013

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Cover.-Language-of-Flowers-pbk Throughout history flowers have been known for their beauty and fragrant scents. While commonly given as expressions of love and well wishes, their meanings became even more specific during the Victorian era. Dictionaries of the flower-to-emotion relationships were penned with care, but over time the language created for romantic expression faded to obscurity.

In Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s The Language of Flowers, the elegant art of floral communication resurfaces through the most unlikely of sources: eighteen-year-old Victoria Jones. The San Franciscan has just aged out of the foster care system and heads into the world with a chip on her shoulder and thorns in her heart.

She has no plans or ambitious dreams about her future, only a love for flowers and knowledge of their language that comes from a past failed adoption which haunts her. The details of that event remain hidden until the end of the book but one thing is clear: Victoria is so afraid of love and relationships, and so certain of her own lack of worth, she is determined to live as much of a life of isolation as possible.

But the need to survive forces her as far out of her shell as she believes herself willing to go, and she soon begins to use her connection with flowers to help others. She is given a fresh start at life in the company of people who want to make her part of theirs; but her past is like a jealous weed determined to prevent her from blossoming out of its muddy clutches.

A story of second chances, The Language of Flowers is beautifully written and emotionally draining. Victoria makes enough bad choices to tempt even the reader to give up on her; yet there is something about her personality shown through her first-person narration of the story that keeps one rooting for her.

I was torn between my compassion for her past and exasperation over how her current choices were negatively impacting her future. Sometimes I wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her, other times I wanted to cry for her. In the end, however, I couldn’t help but like her.

When a girl does things like snatch a few extra donuts out of the box because her date is eating them too fast, you just have to like her.

Sometimes the story slowed down a bit, and on more than one occasion I had to flip back through it to find the meaning of a flower previously mentioned. I discovered halfway through the book that there’s a flower dictionary at the end. It would’ve been helpful to put it after the table of contents or at least mention it somewhere in the beginning.

Overall, Diffenbaugh did a wonderful job with her debut The Language of Flowers. It is a heart-wrenching and realistic portrayal of the struggles of a broken human heart trying to push its way through the weighted soil of a hard life, and open its petals to the hope and promise of the future.

I gave it four out of five stars. This book will be included in the book giveaway at the end of the Seven Books in Seven Weeks series.

Click here for the list of the remaining books: Seven Books in Seven Weeks: The List .

Seven Books in Seven Weeks: The List

24 Wednesday Apr 2013

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I’ve finally compiled a list for my Seven Books in Seven Weeks marathon. Thanks to everyone who posted or emailed your suggestions. It took a while to filter through and decide which seven books would occupy hours of my time over the next seven weeks, but now that the list is done I’m ready to hit the ground reading! Or…something like that.

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And now without further ado (for the record I initially wrote that as adieu (don’t ask me why I did it, nor why I’m telling you)), in the order in which I’ll be reading them, here are my Seven Books in Seven Weeks:

  1. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
  2. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
  3. This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
  4. Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg
  5. Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren
  6. Taliesin by Stephen Lawhead
  7. Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

Week one officially begins this Friday (4/26). I will post reviews of each book the Saturday after they’ve been read, so my first review of The Language of Flowers will be available Saturday (5/4).

If you’ve never read any of these books or, Lord willing, you’ve read them and believe them good enough to read again, join me! I’ll be posting my progress on my Goodreads profile and we can chat throughout the week.

In addition, at the end of this marathon I’ll be giving away a few of the books in the list. Anyone who participates through shares, retweets, comments, and reading along will be eligible to win. (Make sure to note in the comments if/when you share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest so I can enter you in the drawing).

Thanks again to everyone for your recommendations and participation. Now let’s get reading!

Seven Books in Seven Weeks

12 Friday Apr 2013

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bookmarathon

I’m constantly reading. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I’ll find a book impossible to put down and conquer it in a day. Other times I’ll find one that’s good but I can put it down, so with the day-to-day of family and other responsibilities it’ll take me a little longer to get through it.

And last, but most unfortunately, every now and then I’ll come across one that’s terrible. But because I’m nosy and have a hard time not finishing what I start, I’ll carry it around like a shackle on my leg until I’ve finally dragged myself to the end. Though I always tell myself, “I just have to know if there’s a point, a redeeming quality, anything to make me feel like I didn’t waste my time,” I usually get to the end and say, “Why on earth did I waste my time with that?”

Anyway, I’m in the mood for a reading marathon. Seven books in seven weeks. Just the thought of it has me excited.

What’s this mean for you? Two or three things:

  1. If you have a book you think I should read (and not one of the terrible kind just to make me suffer), post your recommendations and I’ll consider it if I haven’t already read it. 
  2. With each book I’ll post a review. That way if you haven’t read it yet I can provide some insight as to whether or not it’s worth your time.
  3. This one is optional but I’ll be ecstatic if you do it…you can join me! They don’t have to be the same seven books, just the same volume and timeline.

I’m eager to start so put in your recommendations. With your help I hope to compile a list and get the first leg of this race started by next weekend :-).

Update: Click here for the Seven Books in Seven Weeks List.

And if you’re one of the brave souls committed to joining me in this marathon, say so in the comments so we can make this journey together.

God bless and happy reading!