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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul (Review)

One Realm Beyond (Book One of the Realm Walkers)

by Donita K. Paul

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 18250383

Genre- Teen Fiction

Publisher- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of Pages- 416

Age Group- Young Adult and Adult 

Description of Book- paperback, $12.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73580-9 

In One Realm Beyond, by Donita K. Paul, Cantor D’Ahma is ready to become a realm walker.  He leaves his mentor and goes through the portal to the realm where he will find the dragon who will help him on his adventures.

A mor dragon named Bridger finds Cantor and is determined to stay with him.  Cantor wants to find a different dragon.  They find that the realm is unlike what his mentor taught him.  It is a lot more dangerous and most of the Walkers Guild had become corrupt. 

He makes friends with Bixby and Dukmee, but will they be able to help Cantor?  Are they to be trusted?

About the Author- Donita K. Paul currently lives in Colorado.  She is a former teacher and has won multiple awards.

My Thoughts- One Realm Beyond, by Donita K. Paul, was an awesome book!  I could not stop reading it.  The dialogue were very well done.  I was able to laugh and cry with them.  With the seriousness of their various situations, it was great to have a comedian like Bridger. 

Bridger was not only an extremely talented shape shifting mor dragon, but he was very funny.  He would use his humor to diffuse situations and draw people to him, especially Cantor.  Cantor did not want Bridger as his constant.

Paul did a wonderful job of including the idea of God and the spiritual world as C.S. Lewis and Chuck Black did in their series.  There were many times that I would come across phrases about character and strength that really struck me.  They made me want to be stronger in the Lord, read His word, and be more like Him.  Paul has written a book which will be a classic for many generations.  The Lord has blessed her with a gift that she has fortunately shared with us, the readers.

I highly recommend that both teens and adults read One Realm Beyond, Book One in the Realm Walkers.  You won’t be disappointed.

Informational and Purchasing Links-

Participants’ links:

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of One Realm Beyond, by Donita K. Paul, to review from Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour and 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.

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Sunday, February 16, 2014

Prophet on the Run by Baruch Maoz (Review)

Prophet on the Run: A Devotional Commentary on the Book of Jonah

By Baruch Maoz

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian  / JonahProphet On The Run by Baruch Maoz

Published by- Shepherd Press

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 96

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-936908-844, $5.99)

Can anyone escape God?  No.  Jonah is a perfect example of a person who tried to escape and failed, because God caught up to him. 

Prophet on the Run, by Baruch Maoz, was written as a devotional commentary for Christen who want to apply the lessons learned in the book of Jonah.  This book has seven chapters which contain Bible verses, information, a summary, prayer, and discussion questions.

My thoughts- I thought Prophet on the Run, by Baruch Maoz was a thought provoking book and I learned how important it is to listen when God speaks to me.  There were many times when God spoke to Jonah and he failed to listen.  It was only when he listened that God was able to help him learn and see the errors of his ways. 

There were many great parts to Prophet on the Run.  The ones I liked the best were the very involved summaries and thought provoking questions.  The summaries were so helpful when when I came to the end of each chapter.  I could really take away the most important parts of the chapter and spend time thinking about how they applied to my life.  After I spent time on the summaries, I could then answer the questions.  There were prayers in each chapter as well, so I spent time on them after I finished everything else in the chapter.  I learned that I should never turn down what God asks of me.

This is an important book for everyone to read and learn from.  I highly recommend it. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Prophet on the Run: A Devotional Commentary on the Book of Jonah, by Baruch Maoz, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.
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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Outcasts by Jill Williamson (Review)

Outcasts (Book Two of the Safe Lands Series)

by Jill Williamson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Publisher- Blink (Zondervan)

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of Pages- 416

Age Group- Young Adult and Adult 

Description of Book- paperback, $9.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72424-7 

In Outcasts, by Jill Williamson, things are coming to a head.  Everybody has their own agenda and they think they’re.  This book focuses less on Mason and more on his brother, Omar, and their friend, Shaylinn.  They are younger than everyone else and they want to show that they can help everyone too.  Levi and Jordan disagree with them and everyone else.  They just want to save the rest of the Glenrock people from the government, then leave the area.

What is going to happen?  Will Omar and Shaylinn have a say in what happens?

About the Author- Jill Williamson currently lives in Oregon with her husband and children.  She has written other books and has won the 2010 Christy Award and the Epic Award for By Darkness Hid.

My Thoughts- Outcasts, by Jill Williamson, was a book I would usually begin reading and then put down and not finish.  It wouldn’t be because it wasn’t well written.  It would be because of the subject matter.

There were two people who really stood out to me, Shaylinn and Omar.  They were both young adults and were facing some tough situations, but their spiritual gifts began to shine through.  Shaylinn had the gifts of writing and encouragement.  She used those gifts to write notes to different people in the Safe Lands.  She gave some of those notes to Omar and they helped him.  He had also been sending messages, it was to the general public via the ColorCast.  I was impressed that the youngest people in the group who were the ones trying to make a positive impact. 

I enjoyed all the references to God and faith.  It showed me how important they are and how I can apply my faith in my life.  I highly recommend Outcasts. 

Informational and Purchasing Links-

Participants’ links:

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Outcasts, by Jill Williamson, 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.

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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

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:

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.

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

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.
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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.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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.

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