Merlin’s Shadow by Robert Treskillard (Review)

Merlin’s Shadow (Merlin Spiral Series, Book 2)

by Robert Treskillard

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Publisher- Blink (Zondervan)

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of Pages- 432

Age Group- Young Adult and Adult 

Description of Book- paperback, $9.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73508-3 

In Merlin’s Shadow, by Robert Treskillard, Merlin is on the run with his friends and young Arthur.

Merlin has a lot of trouble as he travels north.  He is trying to keep away from Vortigern .  Merlin’s sister, Ganieda, is also trying, with her Druid skills, to keep them from succeeding.  The further north they go the more trouble they seem to have.  Merlin discovers they need to sail to the far north to get rid of an ancient evil.

Will they succeed?  Will Vortigern or Ganieda stop them?

About the Author- Robert Treskillard currently lives in Missouri with his wife and youngest child.  He has a BA in Biblical; Theological Studies.

My thoughts- I thought Merlin’s Shadow, by Robert Treskillard, was an exciting book.  I have enjoyed reading and studying about the myth and truth surrounding Merlin and King Arthur for years.  I liked the subject so much I even made a class for it when I was in school.

Treskillard has done a wonderful job of weaving fantasy with reality.  This was a book I could read over and over again.  I am sure I could learn something new each time.

One of the most important parts for me was the Christian strength Merlin provided for his group.  He learned how important faith and hope was.  He was beginning to learn about God and how He relates to us.

There is a lot of magic in this book, because of Merlin’s sister, Ganieda, who is a Druid.  You will have to decide if you want to read it, because of that reason.  I highly recommend it though.  I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Informational and Purchasing Links-

Merlin’s Shadow - http://www.amazon.com/Merlins-Shadow-Merlin-Spiral-Treskillard/dp/0310735084/

Author Website - http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php

Participants’ links:

• Red Bissell
• Thomas Clayton Booher
• Beckie Burnham
•  Jeff Chapman
•  Pauline Creeden
• April Erwin
• Victor Gentile
• Ryan Heart
• Timothy Hicks
• Jason Joyner
• Carol Keen
• Jennette Mbewe
• Amber McCallister
• Shannon McDermott
• Meagan @ Blooming with Books
• Rebecca LuElla Miller
• Joan Nienhuis
• Nissa
• Jalynn Patterson
• Nathan Reimer
• Chawna Schroeder
• Jacque Stengl
• Jojo Sutis
• Robert Treskillard
• Steve Trower
• Shane Werlinger
• Phyllis Wheeler
• Deborah Wilson

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Merlin’s Shadow, by Robert Treskillard, to review from Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour and Blink (Zondervan).  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of CSFF Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.

The Wayfinding Bible: Helping you navigate God’s Word from Tyndale House Publishers (Review)

The Wayfinding Bible: Helping you navigate God’s Word

From Tyndale House Publishers

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Bible / NLT / Study

Published by- Tyndale House Publishers

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 1520

Age Group- When you know how to read well.

Description of book- softcover (ISBN: 978-1-4143-8564-8, $29.99)

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible completely?  The Wayfinding Bible, from Tyndale House Publisher, might be just the Bible you are looking for.

This Bible is a New Living Translation and can guide you in three different routes:

• Flyover Route- 54 readings for a chronological overview
• Direct Route- 215 readings for a perspective of the entire Bible
• Scenic Route- 386 readings where you will find known and lesser-known passages of the Bible

There are also other special features:

• Get Your Bearings- two-page articles eight different times, helping you to stay on track
• Scenic Overlooks- maps, photos, charts, and infographics which will help you understand the text
• Side Trips- explore an idea in greater depth

My thoughts- The Wayfinding Bible, from Tyndale House Publishers, was one of the most unique Bible I have ever read or owned.  There are so many unique qualities that I enjoyed.  It was hard to know where to start. 

I liked:

• the photos of historic places.
• the book introductions.
• the Historical Markers
• the different routes, flyover, direct, and scenic.
• the eight different review points.
• the Side Trips and Scenic Overlooks.

I chose the flyover route, because I wanted to see what it would be like to read the Bible in a short amount of time.  I thought the choices were perfect as was the length of each one.  I was able to get a good idea of would be covered in the Bible.  I think next time I will use the scenic route, because I can really get to know the Word of the Bible. 

I would really like to see this style of Bible in a different version.  I would like to be able to read this one in the King James version.  This one was too modern for me.  A Bible study that goes along with the readings would be nice too.  I want to be able to learn more about the Bible.

I would highly recommend this Bible to everyone.  It was a great way for me to read the Bible all the way through in an organized way.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Wayfinding Bible, from Tyndale House Publishers, for free from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson (Review)

One Imperfect Christmas

by Myra Johnson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2009
Number of pages- 274
Age Group- Adult 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-0070-5

In One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, Natalie Pearce has been under a cloud of guilt for almost a year.  She blames herself for the stroke which put her mother in a nursing home.  She has put her entire life into caring for her mother and her job as a graphic designer.  She has put up barriers between herself and her family.  Her husband, Daniel, doesn’t know what to do anymore.  Lissa, their daughter, is going through a rebellious stage.

Will Natalie be able to rid herself of the guilt for the sake of her family.  Will she be able to make it through Christmas?

About the Author-  Myra Johnson currently lives in the Carolinas with her husband and two dogs.  She is a full-time writer and is active in her church.  She has written a number of other books as well. 

My Thoughts- I thought One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, was interesting.  This book is not a book I would have continued reading if I had not been reading it for a review.  I do not like reading books where the characters dwell in their own misery and guilt for the entire book.

This book could help a lot of people though, who are having a difficult time in their lives and are unable to cope with it.  Natalie Pearce was unable to cope with her mother’s stroke.  She blamed herself for it and shut everyone out, even her husband, Daniel.  I understand that everyone may not feel the extreme guilt Natalie did, but many may.  They may be able to use this book as a beginning point to help them recover.

While this was not my type of book, I thought it was well written.  You will have to decide for yourself if this is a good book or not.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman (Review)

The Christmas Quilt (Quilts of Love series)

by Vannetta Chapman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance / Amish 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 256
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-5277-3

In The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, Annie Yoder is preparing to make a quilt for one of the babies, her brother and his wife are expecting.  Unexpectedly the babies are in danger of coming early, so Annie spends time in the hospital with Leah.  She hopes to finish the quilt on time, but she may not be able to.

About the Author- Vannetta Chapman currently lives in the Texas hill country.  She is the author of five books about the Amish.

My Thoughts- The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, was a heartwarming Amish story.  I have always enjoyed reading about the Amish.  Chapman’s book was unique, because it included a lot about our own world.  Leah needed to be in the hospital to postpone the birth of her babies, so Annie stayed with her.

I thought the best part of the book was the different stories that Leah and Annie told while they worked on a quilt for one of the bopplin (babies).  The quilt would have nine Dutch children.  God showed nine fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Leah decided that they should tell one story per Dutch child square about a specific fruit of the spirit.  She thought that while she was in the hospital she would work on improving herself.  That is something I need to do in my daily life, so this was an inspiration to me.

I highly recommend this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller (Review)

God of the Underdogs: When the Odds are Against You, God is for You

by Matt Keller

(received for review purposes)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 190

Age Group- Adults and Teens

Description of Book- paperback, list price $16.99, ISBN 978-1-4002-0496-0

In God of the Underdogs, Matt Keller finds ordinary people in the Bible and shows how their excuses were not enough to stop God from doing extraordinary things in their lives.

Keller uses his experiences and those of David, Paul, Mephibosheth, Esther, and five others.  He shows how God worked in those lives and how it can work in your life.

There is a code you can scan with your phone and a website link at the end of each chapter, so you can experience more.

What are you waiting for?  Read this book!

Author- Matt Keller currently lives in Florida and is the founding pastor of Next Level Church.  He travels and speaks frequently.  His website is www.MattKellerOnline.com.

My Thoughts- God of the Underdogs, by Matt Keller, was well written and researched.

I will tell you right away what I did not like so I can share what I liked.  I know that many people have smartphones, so they could scan the code, but I do not.  I do not see the use of using a phone with a book.  There was also a website address, but I was reading the book, so I would have preferred the information to be in the book.

I liked how Keller found nine underdogs in the Bible and used their successes along with his own experiences to show how we can succeed with God at our side.  The table of contents was very helpful, because it listed the excuse and the person who had the excuse.  I thought it was great, because I could find my excuse and see how the person in the Bible was able to succeed.

I highly recommend. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God of the Underdogs, by Matt Keller, for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze Review Bloggers Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Blame it on the Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin (Review)

Blame it on the Mistletoe: A Novel of Bright's Pond (Book 4)

by Joyce Magnin

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 368
Age Group- Adult 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1162-6

Life is always exciting in Bright’s Pond and this Christmas is no different.  Griselda Sparrow has to decided if she wants to marry her longtime on and off again boyfriend, Zeb, or become involved with the man, Cliff, who is teaching her how to fly a plane. 

The Greenbrier Nursing Home, where Griselda’s sister, Agnes, lives, has something strange happening.  The residents are behaving as if they were decades younger.  Leon Fontaine could be the reason.  Nobody is sure.

Will the residents stay safe?  Who will Griselda chose?  Will she marry him?

About the Author-  Joyce Magnin currently lives in Pennsylvania.  She is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship and frequently is a workshop leader.  She has written three other Bright’s Pond novels.

My Thoughts- I am pretty sure this is my first time reading one of the books in the Bright’s Pond Tales series.  I thought Blame it on the Mistletoe was interesting.

Now that I have read the book, I don’t understand how it could have that title.  The book had nothing to do with mistletoe.  I don’t even remember mistletoe being mentioned.

I thought there could have been more faith in God embedded in this novel.  To me it was simply a feel-good-story with everyday problems people face.  I think if a book has Christian written on the back, then there needs to be more of a message about God and faith.

The characters were described very well.  I could close my eyes and imagine what Agnes looked like or see Haddie Grace riding her tricycle in the hallway at the Greenbrier Nursing Home.

You don’t need to read the other books in the series to enjoy and understand this one.  If you enjoyed the other books in the series, then I am sure you will enjoy this one too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Blame it on the Mistletoe, by Joyce Magnin, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins (Review)

The Christmas Star

by Ace Collins

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2012
Number of pages- 226
Age Group- Adult and Older Teen 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1468-9

In The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, Jimmy Reed is on the fence between a life God would like him to lead and the other kind of life.  It is due to his father’s passing away in the early part of World War II and the Congressional Medal of Honor that hangs on their Christmas tree.  For Jimmy, that medal doesn’t represent honor and sacrifice, but pain and loss.

Through the grace of God and a man named Calvin, Jimmy is able to feel hope, but is it too late for him?  Will he lead the life of a criminal?

About the Author-  Ace Collins currently lives in Arkansas.  He has written more than fifty books and sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Some of his books have become movies and he has appeared on t.v.

My Thoughts- The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, was one of the most captivating and memorable Christmas stories I have ever read. 

The best part for me was the last half of the book, when I was really able to see the hand of God working in Jimmy’s life.  It began with a man named Calvin and Matthew 25:35-40.  Jimmy knew then how much trouble he would be in if he continued on the path he was taking.  He knew he wanted a way out, but he didn’t think he would be able to do it.

I learned a lot about hope and listening to what God is telling you.  Some of the other people who were going to participate in the criminal activity were able to change, because God was talking to them and changing their lives.  They all also knew there was always hope.

I think every adult and older teen should read this book.  It could help turn their lives around.  Please find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Prayer of the Week- Thank You for Your Patience

Dearest Lord,

Thank you for the sunshine today.  It is always nice to be able to see the light and feel the warmth You have given us here on earth.

Your words and thoughts have really spoken to me, especially that of Your patience.  Thank you for being so long-suffering with me and all people.  We would never be able to persist in our lives if You were not so patient with us.

Thank you for the verses in the Bible which show us how we know You are patient and long-suffering: 1 Timothy 1, Ephesians 3:20, Exodus 34:6, Nahum 1:13, Titus 2:11-12, and 2 Peter 3:9.  We know You sent Your Son to died for us, so we need to remember you would never leave us.  You have a job for us to do on this earth.  Please help us to remember that and put us in the service area You want us to be.

In Jesus’s name we pray.  Amen.

Thank you for reading this prayer.  I hope it helps you on this day.  There are other verses in the Bible about God’s patience.  Please search for them and let me know the ones you have found.  Thank you.  Have a wonderful week!

The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion (Review)

The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, A Historiographical Approach to Origins

By James Stroud

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Philosophy / General

Published by- Tate Publishing and ENTERPRISES, LLC

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 328

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-62854-480-0, $22.99)

 The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, by James Stroud, shows how Naturalism is false and why it should not be used to influence how history is studied.    The book discusses four different historic events:

• “Origins of the Universe and Cosmological Constants.”
• “Origin of Life- Cambrian Explosion and Human Origins.”
• “Origin of Civilization before the Common Era.”
• “The Common of Era of the Historical Jesus.”

About the author-

James Stroud currently lives with his wife in the Midwest.  He has a MA in Ancient & Classical History and BA of Philosophy of Religion.  He is a member of the Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Association of Ancient Historians, Society for Historical Archeology, and the Philosophical Research Society.  His website is www.ThePhilosophyOfHistory.org.

My thoughts- The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, by James Stroud, was very interesting and I agree with what he said in his book. 

The only negative that I saw when I read this book was, that since it was originally written for the academic setting it would be difficult for the average person to understand.  I think though that this book is important for everyone to read and understand, because naturalism is false and we should not use it to learn about ancient history.  This book can be very technical, so it would be a wonderful college text.  I also think this book would needs to be read by the experts in the media.  It is the media who will help change the way people think.

Everybody deserves to a chance to know how the world really began and what happened in ancient history.  This book will help spread the truth.  Please find a copy, read it, and pass it along to someone who would enjoy it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, A Historiographical Approach to Origins, by James Stroud, for free from the author and publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman (Review)

A Simple Amish Christmas

by Vannetta Chapman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance / Amish 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 288
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1066-7

In A Simple Amish Christmas, by Vannetta Chapman, Annie Weaver’s rumschpringe has come to an end, because her father was hurt in a buggy accident.  She will need to take care of him for her family.  She isn’t sure if she should tell the others in her family that she is a registered nurse.

Samuel Yoder is the person who has been watching Annie’s father since he came home from the hospital.  Samuel is suspicious of Annie.  He doesn’t think she can do the job.  He is sure in for a surprise. 

Will they have a good working relationship?  Will she tell him what she has been doing in Philadelphia?

About the Author- Vannetta Chapman currently lives in the Texas hill country.  This book is her debut novel. 

My Thoughts- I really enjoyed reading Vannetta Chapman’s debut novel, A Simple Amish Christmas.  It was the first book I have read about the Amish where somebody’s rumschpringe actually had a major impact on their community.

I was impressed with Annie Weaver.  She was strong when she was faced with all of the negativity from Samuel Yoder.  Samuel never realized how strong Annie’s dedication was to her father, family, and her community.  He was still thinking of her as someone with an eighth-grade education, a child.  She was so much more than that.  As a romantic, I’m glad they came to an understanding and were able to work with each other.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the end, because of the glossary of Amish words and the interview with Chapman.  An interview is a great way to learn more about the author and the book.

I recommend reading A Simple Amish Christmas.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Simple Amish Christmas, by Vannetta Chapman, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer Allee (Review)

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

by Jennifer Allee

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2012
Number of pages- 224
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-5249-0

In A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, Grandma Isabella has recently passed away and now Izzy Fontaine has a mystery to solve.

Grandma Isabella’s friend, Virgil, gives Izzy her grandma’s Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt.  It’s supposed to lead her to a treasure.  Virgil’s grandson, Max Logan, a curator, says the quilt is supposed to go to him at the museum.  There is a lot of disagreement, especially when Izzy’s family thinks it leads to a real treasure.

What will happen to everyone’s relationships, will they strengthen or fail?  Will Grandma Isabella’s plan succeed? 

About the Author- Jennifer Allee currently lives in Los Vegas with her family.  She has written other novels.

My Thoughts- I thought A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, was both touching and funny.

Izzy Fontaine’s grandmother was really smart when she made a treasure map, of sorts, for the family to use after she passed away.  Grandma Isabella knew her idea would bring her family closer together and mend what was broken between them.

Virgil and his grandson, Max Logan, were excellent additions to the mystery behind the Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt.  Grandma knew how much the quilt and it’s historical story would bring everyone together, even those who didn’t know one another.  It was even better when different people held the clues to solve the mystery behind the quilt.

If you like a fun mystery with a little romance, you will really enjoy this book.  I did.  Find a copy to read, then pass it on to others who would enjoy the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, for free from Abingdon Press.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.