Surprise at Yorktown Book Review

About the Book

Travel two centuries back in time to the final battle of the American Revolution at Yorktown, Virginia. Cousins Patrick and Beth sneak through trenches and race across battlefields to warn General George Washington about a dangerous spy. The spy is stealing his secret plans and giving them to the British. Cannons roar and the ground shakes as the struggle reaches a climax. Washington's ragtag soldiers are up against the most powerful army in the world. Will Patrick and Beth witness the American Revolution come to an end? Or will they be caught in a dangerous trap they can't escape? (Goodreads)

My Review

I love this series! I was so excited to be able to review this book, not only is it in this great series, but it's focusing on one of my favorite times in history! The Revolutionary War has always interested me and I love reading stories like this. This book takes the cousins back through the Imagination Station and once again they are in the middle of a battle, Yorktown. Unsure about where they are they discover they are on the British side. They really just want to meet George Washington, but they can't seem to get where they want to be. They aren't sure who to trust, and while running they run into some animals that add a twist in their adventure.

This book is great because it really shows how God was faithful and answered prayer.

This is a wonderful book for readers age 7 and up.

Highly recommend!

"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."

Danger on a Silent Night Book Review

via

About the Book

Beth and Patrick travel to the Holy Land. Patrick joins the wise men as they travel toward Jerusalem. Beth winds up at Herod's palace and sees the king's reaction when he finds out about the newly born King of the Jews. The cousins meet up at the palace. Devout Simeon tells them where they can find the baby Jesus. Beth and Patrick set out with the wise men only to discover they've been followed by one of Herod's soldiers. Knowing that death is in store for the Baby Jesus if the soldier finds Him, Beth and Patrick carry out a plan to keep the baby safe. (Goodreads)

My Review

I was excited to read this book because I knew it would bring a unique twist into the Christmas story of Jesus' birth. This book does an excellent job in showing young kids the Biblical account, for example, the Bible says nothing about there being only 3 wise men. We get these ideas from tradition and songs yet many of the things are made up. Beth learns more about gift giving and what it should mean during the holidays. Patrick learns more about the Biblical story and they both get an insider look into Herod's palace. The point of view in this book is from the Wise Men and Herod's palace.

This is a great book for any time of year and perfect for young children who are curious about the birth of Jesus.

Highly recommend five stars!

Check out Tyndale Publishing to find more books in this series! 

Voyage With the Vikings Book Review

via

About the Book

While visiting Mr. Whittaker at Whit's Soda Shoppe, Beth and Patrick find a mysterious letter in the Imagination Station requesting a Viking sunstone. The letter is old and says that someone named Albert will be imprisoned if the sunstone isn't found. Mr. Whittaker sends cousins Patrick and Beth to Greenland circa 1000. On their quest for the sunstone, the cousins meet Vikings Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson--and find the sunstone as they join Leif on his first voyage to North America. But the adventure is just beginning, for when they return to Mr. Whittaker's workshop with the sunstone, there is another note waiting for them, requesting a silver goblet. Join Patrick and Beth as they continue their travel to various lands and time in the Imagination Station book series. (Goodreads)

My Review

Finally! I read the first book almost last. My library had to order all of the books in and they couldn't get this book in until just now. I loved this book, as I have this series. I think I might end up buying the entire set for my nephew. 

This book introduces Beth and Patrick and takes them on their first trip in the Imagination Station. They land on a Viking ship and come very close to a polar bear. After meeting Leif and Erik the Red the two discover what life was like during that time and how Christianity was portrayed a bit differently. In search for the sunstone to take back to Whit, the kids experience their first near death experiences. 

Great story and great series!

Check out Tyndale Publishing and Tyndale Rewards!

Secret of the Prince's Tomb Book Review

via

About the Book

"The Egyptians believe that whoever opens a tomb will be cursed!" The hot sun and sand of ancient Egypt await Patrick and Beth in their next Imagination Station adventure. The cousins are caught between a terrible ruler and a nation bound for slavery. To help their new friend Tabitha, the cousins must seek out a great secret--one that will give hope to her family and future generations. Their search takes them to an ancient burial vault and . . . a mummy! But the vault is a confusing maze, filled with traps and mysterious symbols. Will the cousins ever get out again to share a life-changing hope? (Goodreads)

My Review

Egypt is holding a new adventure for Patrick and Beth in this 7th Imagination Station book! I really liked the point of view on this book. Usually all the stories are based upon things that happened before and after this time period but this books placed them between Joseph and Moses time. Very interesting to see how Egypt was after Joseph died, the Hebrews were free and taken care of. Now things are starting to get scary when the kids witness some people being beaten. This will start the time of when they become slaves and before Moses comes to save them and take them out of Egypt. The kids meet Pharaoh's son and Tabitha, a young Hebrew girl. They end up in a tomb but aren't sure whose and they are really surprised once they find out.

This is a great story and very well written about this time period.

Highly recommend!

*Check out Tyndale Rewards! This book is from Tyndale Publishing and they have great books that you can get for free! If you sign up following the link you will get an extra 25 points toward free items!

Attack at the Arena Book Review

via

 About the Book

Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker's fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison. At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor's slave; Patrick attends as a monk's apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything--even his life--to stop the killing. When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert's fate. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have gone backward in this series but this second book is really interesting! I don't know much about this time in history with the Roman Colosseum or gladiator battles but this book puts Patrick and Beth right in the middle of things again. I think my favorite part about this book is the strong stand of faith that Telemachus makes. While history blurs a little on what happened at that point in time, he stood up for his faith in God. 

This series is pretty good and great for kids. 

Highly recommend!

Problems in Plymouth Book Review

via

 About the Book

The Imagination Station Adventures continue Patrick and Beth's next adventure leads them to Plymouth Plantation in 1621. There they meet William Bradford, Miles Standish, and Chief Massasoit, who are trying to establish peace between the Pilgrims and the Indians. Things are anything but peaceful, however, when a musket is stolen and the Pilgrims conclude the Indians are planning war. Only Patrick and Beth know who the real thief is--the traitor Hugh--and it's up to the cousins to find him and stop him from causing trouble. When the cousins hear a gunshot during the first Thanksgiving feast, their worst fears are realized. They rush to the "Mayflower" and try to set right history, even as Hugh desperately tries to change it. (Goodreads)

My Review

Beth and Patrick are off again in search for a character from a previous book. There is a prologue so the reader knows what is happening. Plymouth Plantation and Pilgrims and Indians are where the kids land right in the thick of things! While some of the things in this book are silly it's still full of history. I liked how right from the start the Indians are portrayed differently to the kids and the entire book takes a different angle than what is in the history books. There was a lot more going on at this times and many parts are skipped. I really loved this story and it really makes you think about history differently. It's perfect for young adults seven and up!

Revenge of the Red Knight Book Review

via

About the Book

In this Imagination Station adventure, Patrick and Beth find themselves as guests in a beautiful castle in 15th-century England. Through a series of events, the steward of Lord Darkthorn's castle finds the cousins with three artifacts collected in their previous adventures: the stone, the cup, and the golden tablet. They are accused of being thieves and locked in jail. Beth escapes and discovers the identity of the real thief, leading to a jousting contest with a surprising outcome. Set during the War of the Roses in England, "Revenge of the Red Knight" will teach readers about the Crusades, the integrity of knights and the vows they took, and why men would choose to risk their lives to fight for Christianity. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have completely read all of these books out of order. I have been reading them as they come in from the library so for this book in particular I think it would have been better to read the previous book. But at the start of the book it has a prologue that talks about what happened before in the story. This book was not as fun for me but still a good story. Beth and Patrick are on an adventure where there are jousting contests and knights! As usual the two are right in the middle of the action. 

I love this series and can't wait to read the rest!

Escape to the Hiding Place Book Review

via

About the Book

Patrick and Beth arrive in World War II Holland in the farm country. They must smuggle a baby (by bicycle) into the capable hands of Corrie ten Boom at her home in Haarlem. Along the way they hide from Nazi soliders, meet a Russian surgeon forced into service by the Germans, and encourage two Jewish children who haven't been outside in over three years. The children learn to appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of everyday people who helped the Jews. (Goodreads)

My Review

I loved this book. Once again, this series is a delight to read and I think I will need to buy the set for my nephew. These books are perfect for him and full of accurate history. This book takes the reader into World War II where Beth and Patrick risk their lives to save a baby. The main plot of the book is the children traveling to Corrie's home in Haarlem. Packed full of adventure, the kids are right in the thick of things. Thanks to the Imagination Station they were able to hop back in time to experience all the adventure and see the reality of war.

Great book, great series.

Highly recommend!

Hunt for the Devil's Dragon Book Review

via

About the Book

If you're brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it's a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice--a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius's plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene--the dragon isn't its worst enemy. (Goodreads)

My Review

This book was not as interesting as others in the series but I'm sure young boys would love it. This adventure takes Patrick and Beth to Libya where is conflict and debate about Christos (Jesus) and panic because of a dragon. The kids end up right in the middle of things as usual and end up coming face to face with the creature that has been harming livestock, no it's not the dragon!

Little do they realize that there really is a dragon who breathes fire and they end up in it's cave with no way out.

This is an action packed adventure tied in with a bit of history. At the end of the book there is a page that talks about the fact that dragons really didn't exist for sure that we know of and didn't breathe fire. Though there were dinosaurs which could have been like a type of dragon.

This is still a fun book just not my favorite out of this series.

The Redcoats Are Coming Book Review

via

About the Book

The first of a three-book story arc about the American Revolution, "The Redcoats Are Coming" follows Patrick and Beth as they assist the revolutionaries by waking up the sleeping citizens of 1775 Concord before the Redcoats come. In this adventure, the cousins meet Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. They help smuggle musket balls, sound the alarm that the Redcoats are coming, and deliver a secret message to Paul Revere. Along the way they learn that most of the revolutionaries leaned on God's direction and even pastors helped in the cause.Christian parents and teachers will appreciate the historical facts as well as the biblical worldview training their kids and students will absorb. The kids will appreciate the excitement and tension of an America at war with England, and in some ways, with itself. A curriculum for Christian schools and homeschool families will be available. (Goodreads)

My Review

Here we go on another adventure with Beth and Patrick on the Imagination Station! I was actually really excited about this book because I love stories about the Revolutionary War era. This book takes the kids right into the thick of conflict and they haul musket balls secretly for the Patriot cause. While learning the secret code between Patriots, Patrick also has a letter for Paul Revere that happens to disappear. Some men start poking around and it comes down to who is the spy for the Loyalists.

This book is so fun while being action packed. This is a great book to get young adults into history, it doesn't have to be boring!

I highly recommend!