A Lady's Honor Book Review



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About the Book

Society is concerned about her honor, but Elizabeth must realize her worth doesn't lie in her inheritance.

In order to avoid a forced marriage to a dangerous man, Elizabeth Trelawney flees London. An unexpected stranger arrives to help her, and as they elude her pursuers across Cornwall in the night, Elizabeth realizes her rescuer, Rouan Curnow, is familiar.

Their differences in social status kept Rouan from pursuing a courtship with the lady his heart wouldn't let him forget. Now because of dangerous smugglers and local murders, the two are plunged into a reckless alliance that rattles Rouan's fledgling faith in God.

The closer they get to Bastian Point-Elizabeth's true home-the more she realizes it is the only place she longs to be. Even the sight of its solid structure perched on the cliffs makes her feel safe. Elizabeth is the most likely to inherit Bastian Point if Grandfather never learns she spent the night, however innocently, with a near stranger.

As spring warms into summer, Elizabeth finds herself torn between wanting to be the perfect grandchild and her growing love for a man of whom no one will approve as a match for her, a man she knows she shouldn't entirely trust. Unsure whether she is being foolish or following the right path, she sets out with Rouan on a quest to find the true culprit behind the local violence.

Their quest leads them to danger, and she must choose whether to follow the man she loves or cling to the safety of her family home. (Goodreads)

My Review

To be honest this was a very disappointing read. The first few chapters were intriguing but as the story continued on it was difficult for me to really get into the story. Elizabeth (the main character) was not my favorite, her attitude and how the characters interacted I did not enjoy. I wish I could say otherwise but this is my honest opinion. I had high hopes and the first part of the book is great with mystery but the story line was not as well developed as I would have liked.

I rate three stars. 

Look for this book in stores April 22, 2014.

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

Lip Reading Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself

She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Lip Reading, go HERE.

My Review

This is the first book I have read by Harry Kraus. I really enjoyed the overall story line and the characters. There were many twists that I was not expecting which kept the story moving. Rebecca's character had so much depth and it takes a talented writer to create such a character. Around the middle of the book things got a bit slow and wordy but I still enjoyed the rest of the book. There are a ton of science/medical terms that went right over my head but it added to the story. I rate four stars. 

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

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lip Reading David C. Cook (March 1, 2014) by Harry Kraus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Harry:

I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

Mark of Distinction Book Review

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About the Book

 London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

When Julia discovers that Lord Roy Pierson, her guardian and one of most influential men in England, is the father she has never met, she begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan. (Goodreads)

 My Review

I loved the first book in this series. It was in my top ten last year and I have been anxiously awaiting this second book. The first book is most definitely better but this book was good to tie the stories together. In the middle I thought it got a bit wordy and drawn out but I enjoyed the characters and the setting just like the first. Julia grows and comes so far from the first book, I wanted to jump into the book at times. Like in the first, this book has a ton of detail which I do like with Jessica's writing. While this book had a finality in the end I am still excited about the next book!

 You must read the first book before starting this, nothing will make any sense if you do not start with book one. 

I rate this book four stars but I still highly recommend this series. 

This book releases May 1, 2014.

Stop by Jessica's Website. 

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

Worship Book Revew

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About the Book

Worship is so much more than what is sung or played in church on Sunday morning. John MacArthur takes you step by step in a discovery of who and how to worship. From the existence of God and His attributes, to instruction on the right and wrong ways to worship God, MacArthur never strays from teaching and explaining what the Bible says. This book makes it Biblically clear that worship is all about how we prioritize and live our daily lives to honor and glorify God. Make worship your ultimate priority!

 My Review

The concept of worship is intriguing to me as I once had a friend ask me what I thought the word meant. Is it just singing? Is it your life? Is it just in church on Sundays? What is worship? This book goes into a lot of depth on what worship really means and how others have portrayed it over the years. Every aspect of worship is discussed fully with verses backing up thoughts. I enjoyed this book but at times I thought it got a bit wordy. I knew what he was saying, it didn't need to be repeated. I agree for the most part of what worship should be and how I have looked at the majority of my life. Honestly, I haven't thought much about it the meaning itself or how others view it. If you are looking for an in depth look into worship this book is really very interesting.

 "I received this book from MP Newsroom for free in exchange for an honest review."

A Spring Trip

A Table by the Window Book Review

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About the Book

The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.

Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way? (Goodreads)

My Review

What a beautifully written story. Any book about food is bound to be good but this book really is in the top ten for the year. I love the characters and how the author writes. It's unique and fun with a mix of recipes at the end of each chapter. The start of each chapter starts with a food type quote which I loved every time I turned that page! 

Here is my favorite: "No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers. -Laurie Colwin" (A Table by the Window)

There is a pinch of romance but what really fills the pages is a close knit family who come together no matter what is happening. Food is their lives and I loved reading about how they ran the restaurant and made food. The mystery keeps the book flowing with Juliette's grandmother's trunk and it's hidden treasures. The ending is rather abrupt and I found there is to be a sequel!

 This book has a great feel to it and I ate every page up. (Pun intended) 

I highly recommend this book!

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"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

Maybelle In Stiches Book Review

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 About the Book

Maybelle Kazinzki can't sew. She was after all, the only girl in the seventh grade Home Economics class to sew the zipper in the neck hole of the A-Line dress they were supposed to make. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother s house she gets the crazy idea to finish it somehow, come heck or high water. She thinks it will help fill the lonely nights while her husband, Holden, is serving overseas during World War II. Her recently departed mother s quilt is made from scraps of material Maybelle traces back to her mother s childhood, her grandmother s childhood and her own childhood. She tries to add one of Holden s stripes to it but the sewing is not going well and neither is her life.After receiving some harsh news, Maybelle's faith falters and she puts the quilt away and stops trusting God. But God is faithful- no matter what. And it'll take a group of neighborhood women armed with quilting needles to help Maybelle believe that. (Goodreads)

 My Review

I love the cover for this book, I love old trunks! This book, while fairly predictable, took an interesting look into life on the home front during World War II. The thing I enjoyed the most is how the women went to work, welding no less, and they were serious about ending the war. Even though they were far away they wanted to do their part and help. I enjoyed the details of their work day. The story line is about "Dear John" letters and remaining hopeful that Maybelle's one love will return home. The sewing process is interesting but was not that part I enjoyed the most. If you have read the other Quilts of Love books or if you enjoy World War II stories you will enjoy this read.

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

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Maybelle in Stitches, by Joyce Magnin. Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it.
Joyce is celebrating the release with a $200 Modcloth giveaway. Enter today for a chance to spruce up your spring wardrobe!

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 ModCloth.com gift card
• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
• A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare
• Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced on April 21st on the Quilts of Love blog!

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER.

How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World Book Review

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 About the Book

 Has it just been one of those days? Or months? Or years? I was once in a yoga class (a rare yoga class, I’ll admit), where the teacher had us all exhale again and again and again, until—as she put it—we’d let go of today, the last month and, by the end, “the whole of last year.” We all collapsed in very non-yogic giggling. But we knew what she meant. Exhale. Let it all go.     To exhale, I stop “doing Life” and start to wind down and engage in soothing rituals like lighting a candle.     And then I take to my bed.     Perhaps you need to do the same? . . .     Gather up your pillows and a box of Kleenex, a novel and some tea . . . sink back against those soft pillows and dream. It’s time to rest, rejuvenate, and appreciate just how glorious life really is.

My Review

This is a perfect book for fresh ideas. Short and simple the most any one page has is a paragraph with a unique picture. The book is split up between morning, afternoon, and evening. I enjoyed the pictures and I thought many of the ideas where creative if you need a "pick me up" or fresh perspective. I really loved the back of the book where the author puts some of her favorite books, movies, songs, etc. Also, I think the start of the book where the author talks about a diagnoses with cancer changes the viewpoint on the book and makes it more personable. I recommend if you want a small go to uplifting book. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review."

A Perfect Pet for Peyton Book Review

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About the Book

 This wonderfully imaginative children's hardcover book by bestselling authors Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, featuring four-color illustrations (with hidden details!) by Wilson Williams, Jr., will help children learn the importance of love. Based on Gary's highly successful The 5 Love Languages®, A Perfect Pet for Peyton tells an entertaining and playful story of five children who each, with the help of Mr. Chapman and the unique pets at his special emporium, discover their own personal love language. Children and parents alike will experience firsthand the power of the love languages as they cuddle up and spend precious time together reading this book over and over again.

The cast of child characters in this whimsical story include: 

Peyton, one of the birthday celebrants, loves to help others, and appreciates it when others do little things for him.
Penny, Peyton's twin sister, who receives love best when others spend quality time with her.

Jayla, one of Penny's close friends, is always saying nice things about people. Her love language is words of affirmation.

Kevin, one of Peyton's close friends, enjoys giving things to people.

Sofia loves to pet the animals, and to show her love for others with special hugs. (Goodreads)

 My Review

  I love children's books and I enjoy watching my nephews learning how to read. This book was much better than I had anticipated. The pictures are great as is the main story line. My seven year old nephew would love this book mainly because on each page it has the reader try to find something in the picture. Think I Spy only interwoven with the story line. Also at the end of the book is when all the children in the book figure out what Love Language they have. I am married and have read Gary's 5 Love Languages. I had no idea how he would fit this into a children's book but it was actually well done. Each person is unique and in the book each child got a pet that fit with their love language. Also, at the very back of the book is a section to find your own love language. 

This is one of the best kids books that I have read in a while, I highly recommend!! 

"I received this book from Moody Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review."

Through the Deep Waters Book Review

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About the Book

Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn't old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive. (Goodreads)

My Review

I picked this book because I like to read about characters who struggle and find hope because it is reality. Books take me out of my own reality but I do enjoy books that speak truth and this book is set in the truth of prostitution and the hard life for a young woman in 1883. I enjoyed Dinah's character and her growth throughout the book. The pages skip between three different people but I liked reading from Dinah's perspective the most. The middle of the book got a bit slow for me but I loved the history about the Harvey Girls and working at the Clifton Hotel. The end of the book is really very good and Amos' character shines through. 

For those who like redeeming story lines with God's love throughout you will like this book. 

Find out more about Kim. 

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Look for this book May 6, 2014!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

Reading the Bible Without Getting Lost Book Review

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About the Book

"Scripture did not spring from the imaginations of ancient men, but holy men spoke and wrote as they were carried along by the Spirit of God" (2 Pet. 1:21). This simple handbook serves as a guide to help beginning readers of the Bible arrive where the Spirit intended.

 My Review

I really enjoyed the first part of the this book because it gave an overview of the Bible. I have been reading my Bible a lot more because I realized that I really haven't read much. I honestly thought this book would be a bit more in depth. Granted this is a small book to cover the main topics in the Bible. For what it is, this book did a great job on the main topics in each chapter of the Bible. The first part talks a lot about who wrote the books and the history of the Bible and how it came about. I would highly recommend to those who are trying to read their Bible and want a quick overview. For the in depth people who are studying details this wouldn't be my first pick. 

 "I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review."