Missing Isaac

     BOOK REVIEW:   When Pete McLean loses his father in the summer of 1962, his friend Isaac is one of the few people he can lean on. Though their worlds are as different as black and white, friendship knows no color. So when Isaac suddenly goes missing, Pete is determined to find out what happened----no matter what it costs him. His quest will lead him into parts of town that he knows only through rumors and introduce him to a girl who will change his life. What they discover together will change the small Southern town of Glory, Alabama----forever.
     With vivid descriptions, palpable atmosphere, and unforgettable characters, debut novelist Valerie Fraser Luesse breathes life into the rural South of the 1960's----a place where ordinary people struggle to find their footing in a social landscape that is shifting beneath their feet.

     MY REVIEW:   This book----where to begin? For starters, it is a novel. A romance novel, even. A contradiction really, because it is a good romance novel, and that's next to impossible to find. I don't like the term romance novel because it embarrasses me to admit I read them, but I do. Maybe if I say romance novel often enough I'll get over it...... Bother.
     But still, there is something about this book..... I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'll try my best. It has Southern charm. It is warm and inviting. And it has life. And morals. And characters you'd wish to see in real life. And though I can't exactly tell you why, it will find a home near my Francine Rivers and Cathy Gohlke books on that coveted "you simply MUST read this book" shelf.
     Isaac wasn't in the story long, but he affected the whole book. His disappearance brought Pete to Dovey's neighborhood. The mystery of it is kept alive til the end, and is the force behind Pete's never-quite-settled soul. The characters remaining are some blacks, some backwoods country folk, some well-to-do, kindly cotton farmers. The whole atmosphere of the book is one of unity amongst a divided people, peace in troubled days, and love despite fear. It bothers me that I can't describe what I liked about it! Maybe part of it is while it's a romance, it is the meeting and growing together of two authentic, sensible people in comparison to the often irritating, clinging-to-the-unimportant-always-running-on-feelings characters we usually read about. These are characters I wish we would see more of.
     And now I have to stop or I'll completely run it up in my mind and be disappointed next time I read it, not to mention give a false review of what it's actually like. Dear me....

     I received a copy of this book from REVELL. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

   

   

   

Until We Find Home

     BOOK REVIEW:   For American Claire Stewart, joining the French Resistance sounded as romantic as the storylines she hopes will one day grace the novels she wants to write. But when she finds herself stranded on English shores with five French Jewish children she smuggled across the channel before Nazis stormed Paris, reality feels more akin to fear.
     With nowhere to go, Claire throws herself on the mercy of an estranged aunt, begging Lady Miranda Langford to take the children into her magnificent estate. Heavily weighted with grief of her own, Miranda reluctantly agrees. . . .if Claire will stay to help. Though desperate to return to France and the man she loves, Claire has few options. But her tumultuous upbringing---spent in the refuge of novels with fictional friends---has ill prepared her for the daily dramas of raising children, or for the way David Campbell, a fellow American boarder, challenges her notions of love. Nor could she foresee how the threat of war will invade their quiet haven, threatening all who have come to call Bluebell Wood home, the people who have become her family.
     Set in England's lush and storied Lake District in the early days of World War II, and featuring cameos from beloved literary icons Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, Until We Find Home is an unforgettable portrait of life on the British home front, challenging us to remember that bravery and family come in many forms.

     MY REVIEW:   Cathy Gohlke is a favorite author of mine. She hasn't written many books, only about 6 or 7, but the three that I read---Promise Me This, Band of Sisters and Secrets She Kept---I absolutely loved. Her books have a rarely-found depth and meaning with a drawing story and amazing characters and plot. She is one of those authors whose name alone will make me grab her books without reading the back.
     But this book was really disappointing. It was really boring, until the last few chapters, and not really worth reading again. Her main character, Claire, was a selfish, shallow, pouting girl who couldn't function because life wasn't handing her the roses she thought she deserved. Her male character was good, being the logical head in the household, but not enough to combat Claire's character. Lady Miranda wasn't as bad, but not really good either. Unlike Cathy's other books, this one is a shallow romance, an uninteresting one at that.
     I did however, like the children's characters, though they were dampened by the others. Jews and Germans and Frenchmen were not liked among the English. These five children were French Jews, and not only that, but Miranda then took in 6ish German Jews. Needless to say, the children had to learn they were not enemies. I especially like Gaston, the eight or ten year old French lad. I will say, Cathy did a really good job incorporating their native language in a way we can understand. Mainly exclamations, please and thank you, yes and no. And I love the French language, and always enjoy reading it in a book. But Gaston's character was exceptionally well-done. Nearly as good is Josef, the German lad who is Gaston's age. There was one lass who didn't seem to be mentioned in the story. She was named in the end and I hadn't remembered about her.
     I could see there was a goal aimed for in this book, which, if accheived, would have been amazing. But I found it fell short.

   I received a copy of this book from TYNDALE PUBLISHERS. All opinions are my own. 

Be the Hands and Feet

     BOOK REVIEW:   Do you want to be a messenger of God, spreading the greatest news ever told---but you don't know where to start? Or maybe you are eager to share your faith with others, but you can't get past feeling a little awkward, or you fear being seen as pushy or uncool? Regardless of what might be holding you back, Nick Vujicic has written this inspirational and compelling book for you.

     As one of the world's foremost evangelists, who has overcome severe physical disabilities, Nick understands the hesitant feelings and has learned how to share Christ in ways that you will find comfortable and fulfilling. 

     Detailing never-before-told stories about his life's journey, including spiritual challenges and near-death experiences, Nick provides examples of ways he has shared his faith with others---from family members to strangers to presidents and prime ministers. In this engaging and motivating book, he offers innovative ways in which you can help others walk in faith, too.

     MY REVIEW:   This book is different from Nick's other books in that it focuses on his ministry and our own, instead of telling his own story. There is some telling of his life in this book, to be sure, but to a different end. In the last chapter he writes "My wish for you now as you complete the reading of this book is that you feel stronger as a Christian, and that you will be inspired to draw upon your faith when faced with challenges in life. I also hope you are encouraged to share your faith with those who've yet to join your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. In these pages, you've read many examples of ways you can do that, I hope some of them have inspired you to find your own so that you too can one day walk into the gates of Heaven surrounded by those you've recruited to join you in a joyful everlasting life." 
     I am at a bit of a loss what to write further. I really like this book. It was encouraging and practical. Nick has no "you should tell people about Jesus, but you know, I understand if you don't feel like it, you can just smile at them too, that works" message. We have GOOD NEWS to tell, and we have to tell it, regardless whether it makes us uncomfortable or conspicuous. Yet, as much as I enjoyed it, I don't quite know what to draw your attention to. All of it I guess. There you go----read this book people. Then you'll know what I read. :)
     One thing Nick emphasized was outreaches. Help a group of people who can't get help otherwhere's and be their light. It's a great opportunity to help them and minister to them. And support outreaches. Group together and reach people. Preaching here, but what better can we do with the time we've been given than to share our joy with others? As in the above quote, "walk into the gates of Heaven surrounded by those you've recruited to join you in a joyful everlasting life". How more profitable can you get?
     To find more books and information on Nick and his ministries, visit nickvujicic.com.

   I received a copy of this book from BLOGGING FOR BOOKS. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

     BOOK REVIEW:   A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she's inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once more broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.
     Rachel's hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in managing her girls school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what---or whom--- has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

     MY REVIEW:   This book is the second in Julie Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series, the first being The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. I must say, I expected this book to close a few doors from the other one, but not so. Rather, a whole new story is opened up, only eventually closing a door or two toward the end. And leaving ever so many more open. Now we shall have to wait for the next book and hope it finishes everything off.
     The society of the portrayed time did not allow for women to be ought but lovely eligible fawns, sitting primly in their parlors and socializing with only just the right people. So when Rachel Ashford's family loses their fortune and she is forced to provide for herself she is swept from top tier to bottom rung of society. And of course in this book she is pursued by two very eligible men, but disdained by each of their mothers, which just breaks her poor heart and she has a time trying to decide which man makes her heart pitter patter fastest---the one she has loved forever or the one who has proposed and lives in her childhood home.
     Mercy Grove has troubles of her own. Her parents have decided to deed her house to her brother if Mercy does not agree to marry their suitor. Either way she will lose her precious school and the young lass who's to become her charge. What to choose, dreams or means? Either way she loses.
     As far as historical fiction novels go, this is a nice fireplace story. I liked it better than the first book simply because I didn't have as many expectations, though I still like others of Julie's books better. I did like the idea of the circulating library. Basically what we have today but with a membership fee. And Mercy's school for girls is such a lovely idea, as girls weren't typically schooled in those days. These girls also tended to be lower class, with few opportunities.
     On a different note, if you are familiar with Pride and Prejudice, you will recognize several references to it (my favorite coming from Lady Catherine DeBourgh's rant to Lizzy), which, if you are a fan of that book, is rather neat.
     More books by Julie can be found at julieklassen.com. To find more about Ivy Hill, visit talesfromivyhill.com.

I received a copy of this book from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 
   

So Great A Love

     Children's books are tricky. There are some really good ones out there (Berenstain Bears; Golden Books; Winnie the Pooh; Curious George). Then we have, not so good ones. Not to mention there are many varying classes of "good" and many varying classes of "bad". And when reviewing a children's book, you are not only rating the book itself, but also putting it up against your favorites and worst.

     So, this book. 

     I like it. It is hand drawn, which is really neat. Kristie Wilde has a degree in Forestry and is a very talented artist (she was commissioned to "illustrate interpretive signage...along the Highway 108 corridor through the Sierra Nevada mountains"!!), both of which serve her well with this book's illustrations. I'll give an example:

This is a spread, minus the words.

     This is definitely a child's book. The words are very simple ("He wants to gather you as a hen gathers her chicks.") but very true. There are ten spreads, each a different expression of His Love. At the end there is a bible verse for each picture.
     This book is the second book in Kristie's "Joyful Creation" series. The first one is "Made for a Purpose", reviewed here.
     More can be found of Kristie Wilde at wilde-art.com and wildeartpress.com.

    I received a copy of this book from BOOKCRASH. All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Unexplainable Church

     BOOK REVIEW:   God wants to astonish the world with His Grace. And when we study the book of Acts, we see that He does it by transforming ordinary people to do extraordinary things in Jesus' name. Are you ready to be used by Him? 

     The Unexplainable Church is an in-depth study of the power of grace to change lives, starting with our own and moving out to those we influence. It features:

• a verse-by-verse study of Acts 13-28 (50 lessons over 10 weeks)
• Many biblical, theological, and historical insights
• Text-based discussion questions that truly provoke thought

     Erica is a masterful Bible teacher with infectious passion. Through strategic observation questions she guides you deep into the text and challenges you to apply it honestly. 

     Do this study and you'll learn a life-changing lesson about how the kingdom grows. It's not about gifted people, but about God transforming average people and gathering them into a mighty force. It's all grace, and it's an invitation to each of us. The question is, Will you except it?

     MY REVIEW:   This book is the second in a series. The first is An Unexplainable Life, which I am currently going through. 

     I haven't finished the first book, therefore I haven't even started this one, but it looks like the first one, taking up where it left off at Acts 13. If anything, the lessons look a little shorter, but they're still 3-5 pages long. The cosmetics of the book are the same--watercolor cover and chapter headings. The questions are written in blue font with plenty of space to answer the questions. 

     One thing I especially like about these books is that they plunge straight through Acts, every verse. If nothing else, it's a good way to read through Acts. It's different than just reading through the book, because you're stopping every several verses or so to study what you read and what it means and why it's there. 

    Another thing I like is the accounts Erica includes of her own experiences, etc. They really lend common ground to the books.
     Erica Wiggenhorn is a women's author and speaker. As I understand, these are her only two solo books, but you can find more about her at ericawiggenhorn.com.

    I received a copy of this book from MOODY PUBLISHERS. All thoughts and intents are my own.