Jerusalem's Queen by Angela Hunt

From Amazon:
Born in the small village of Modein, a town made famous by the warrior Maccabees, Salome Alexandra knows better than to harbor grand dreams for her future. She pales in comparison to her beautiful older sister, and though she learns to read at an early age, girls are not valued for their intellectual ability. But when her father and sister are killed, John Hyrcanus, a distant relative, invites Salome and her mother to live with his family in Jerusalem, where her thirst for knowledge is noticed and indulged.

When her guardian betroths her to a pagan prince, she questions HaShem's plan. When Hyrcanus finally marries her to a boy half her age, she questions her guardian's sanity. But though Salome spends much of her life as a pawn ordered about by powerful men, she learns that a woman committed to HaShem can change the world.

Shelamzion. The peace of Zion. With her father and eldest sister killed in an accident, and a mother who grieves that it wasn't her second-born daughter taken from her, Shelamzion begins a new life in Jerusalem at her uncle John Hyrcanus's household. Her handmaid, Kissa, quickly becomes her confidant even though Kissa is five years older. Thrown into a world of battle strategy and politics, Shelamzion navigates the servant-slave relationship beautifully. Abandoned at heart by her mother, she learns from Alena, John's wife, and Shelamzion's role model. The household quickly realizes that she is clever and intelligent, even if they recognize that she's not particularly beautiful. Little does she know that her devotion to HaShem and her study of the Torah will prepare her for a different life than she ever imagined, even though she is beginning to see how little she is valued by her own family.

Hunt once again tells a compelling story during the 400-year silence between the old and new covenant of Scripture. In a world where the wealth of a man was demonstrated by the number of his wife's himations (a colorful mantle) and the age of 20 was too old to be considered a beautiful bride, Salome Alexandra watches her life unfold in mysterious ways when she is required to marry a man about 15 years younger. HaShem, however, has a plan for her as a judge in Galilee, and a queen in Jerusalem.

Salome Alexandra's marriage and country are soon unstable, but she remains faithful to HaShem. Teaching her sons faithfully, worshiping with other citizens of faith, and acting on the Torah in ways that she can, she helps her husband rule during a rugged time of history. She find friends in place of family, courage despite unfaithfulness and immorality, life in the faith of death, and even lives through the golden age of Jerusalem after massacre and apostasy. Shelamzion, the peace of Zion, brings temporary peace and prosperity to Judea as she yearns and waits for the promised Messiah who would bring eternal peace to a world of turmoil.

Happy New Year to all my readers. Here's to many more good books in 2019!


*I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions expressed are my own. 

Wayfarer by K.M. Wyland

From Amazon:
In this heroic gaslamp fantasy, superhuman abilities bring an adventurous new dimension to 1820 London, where an outlaw speedster and a master of illusion do battle to decide who will own the city.

Think being a superhero is hard? Try being the first one.

Will’s life is a proper muddle—and all because he was “accidentally” inflicted with the ability to run faster and leap higher than any human ever. One minute he’s a blacksmith’s apprentice trying to save his master from debtor’s prison. The next he’s accused of murder and hunted as a black-hearted highwayman.

A vengeful politician with dark secrets and powers even more magical than Will’s has duped all of London into blaming Will for the chilling imprisonments of the city’s poor. The harder Will tries to use his abilities to fight crime, the deeper he is entangled in a dark underworld belonging to some of Georgian England’s most colorful characters.

Only Will stands a chance of stopping this powerful madman bent on “reforming” London by any means necessary. Unfortunately, Will is beginning to realize becoming a legend might mean sacrificing everything that matters.

Wayfarer begins with Will as a young apprentice seeking to rid his master of debt. He's heart-warming, if not a bit foolish at times. While trying to find better paying work, he stumbles across men who believed "the plague" was real. Gossip about unusually gifted or changed people who lived through miracles, it seemed. But Will denies that it exists...until he falls deeper into adventure than he ever dreamed. Adventure called Dr. Silas and Mr. Fitzroy.

Will's family died in the workhouse because his master only managed to save one, Will Hardy. He has plans and goals, but by the end of the book his life has taken on a new purpose and vision, even if it takes a whole adventure to refresh his mind. Will learns that sometimes people beneath your level in life can provide sweet friendship, and sometimes people above his station can give him vision and greater goals. And there are evil people in all ranks of life.

I love Will's relationship with Tom. Because Will grew up with no parents or siblings, Tom was his family and did his best to provide for Will like a father, while also training his apprentice. Indeed it was a task at times and would soon become more overwhelming than Tom probably imagined. Will's friendship with Rose teaches him to care for another in the way he would a younger sister. His protectiveness and Rose's independent ways creates an amusing bond at times. In Will's relationship with Mr. Fitzroy and Mr. Monarch, Will learns how people can be taken advantage of, what loss is, and how at the end of all things your social rank means nothing except that you treat all as equal in God's eyes.

Will unintentionally takes on the qualities of Spiderman (with a few limitations ;), and though charged with murder, he matures into a wiser young man and a good friend and brother. I love the friendship themes throughout this book and the sacrifices made and the character growth of Will were encouraging to read.

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

From Amazon:
Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart's latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.

I requested this book because the description sounded a little like Uncle Tom's Cabin which I read a long time ago. As one who loves to hear about the abolition of slavery, this book brought other such stories back to mind.

Louis finds Adria at the height of her childhood trauma. As a seven year old, she escaped the death clutches of cholera herself, but was left an orphan. Louis and Matilda were slaves, but they too also escaped cholera and were left to run the hotel when the owner fled. Louis has a memory for faces and takes on the grief-ridden task of burying those who died of the plague. Aunt Tilda and Louis do their best to provide for Adria, but eventually come to the conclusion that racial barriers are still too strong.

Ruth Harmon has her own story in this book. Her husband, the school teacher, dies from cholera and she is left mourning. However, she's asked to step into her husband's shoes and give educational guidance to the town's children. And in the next weeks and months that follow, she's asked by Adria herself to become family to her.

I love the way Louis and Aunt Tilda teach Adria about Jesus, death, and life. It's gentle, but it's real because they've all faced hardship and trauma together. Ruth didn't really know how to be a mother, and perhaps Adria grew up differently than the average family, but they had one another and they made it work. The story fast forwards 12 years in chapter 8 and Adria is making the important decision about marriage. But the death of George Sanderson, the hotel owner, brings life changes to them all once again. Adria is left wondering she can do and how to pursue her passion for the abolition of slavery. Ruth has her own questions about romance, and Louis is a slave in a chaotic and changing time.

This is the fictional story of a real account. Louis dug graves to bury the victims of cholera, and in the end...well, you'll have to read the story and author's note for the conclusion. ;) It's a happily ever after ending, but all the characters learn that weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.



*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Movie Review | God Bless the Broken Road

Synopsis: 
God Bless the Broken Road tells the story of a young mother who loses her husband in Afghanistan and struggles to raise their young daughter in his absence. The film combines elements of faith, country music, and stock car racing while paying tribute to those who serve in the United States Military.

Bless the Broken Road has always been a special song for me. Some of my first sweet memories are from teaching a friend to play the accompaniment for this song on her harp. And now they've made a movie based on the song's theme. 

Amber Hill leads the choir at church and focuses on raising her young daughter while waiting for her husband to return home from fighting in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, devastating news is brought to her and Bri, and they must learn to live life differently. Bri's loving Sunday school teacher plants the seeds of faith in her students and Bri's childlike trust is beautiful to watch. Amber's faith, however, is tested, and though others around her love her and protect her, ultimately she will have to find her own way along the broken road. 

The church friends, the mother-in-law (however different she may be to Amber), the race car kids' leader, the US military men, a car repair man (and his apprentice ;) show their support for Amber in various ways. It was so amazing to watch the community of the church gather around her and provide for her in physical, mental, and emotional ways. And they continued doing so even when she tried to make life work for herself. 

Though Amber believed in God, she doubted His goodness, and it takes more challenges in Amber's life to bring her back to a full relationship with God. This movie wasn't shallow or casual in it's approach to faith in God, and the little quotes and vulnerable moments bring theology to a practical level. Sometimes it is a broken road that God takes us along to make us understand knew things or to show us the old things we've forgotten. And in the end, Amber finds that those around her were instrumental in holding her up when she couldn't stand. 

I believe God Bless the Broken Road is already in theaters, so go check it out and support those who bring us Christian content through the art of film!





*Film has been provided courtesy of Pacific Northwest Pictures and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Return by Lacey Sturm

Back Cover: 
Have you ever asked yourself, "What's the point?" of this life. Of the same everydayness that can weigh on us. Is life really a gift from a loving God? If so, shouldn't our souls burn to love him back with our lives? What does that look like? 

In The Return, bestselling author Lacey Sturm offers a collection of thoughts on how Jesus helps us see the world with new eyes and makes the mundane things in life beautiful. It's a guidebook from a fellow traveler on how grace helps us--to overcome darkness, to release our empty rituals, to shine with his light. Not so God will love us more but because we long to love him back. And a life lived loving God back is a life that shines with heaven's glory. 

Are you striving to make life happen? Waiting to get to the real purpose of it all? Coasting in limbo or heading down the wrong path? Then may this openhearted take on responding to God's love give you hope and direction. 

This book is a mixture of art, stories, journaling, song-writing, poems, and thoughts. As one who journals frequently, I loved reading through Lacey's prayers, songs, and thoughts as she grew in her responses to God's love for her. Throughout the book's chapters you'll find two pages alongside one another that record a short personal Bible study, a prayer, a to-do list (or RAK: random acts of kindness), a new song, a recipe, and the evening Bible reading.

I love the practical way Lacey writes and records her thoughts. They stem from a solid foundation of Scripture and thought-patterns, so I would only recommend this to a mature believer. She doesn't necessarily include Scripture references for all her thoughts, and if taken too far, one could reach conclusions that she never meant.

Her past is a story of redemption, and she references it here and there throughout her mental and written journey. She has learned to live in worship, and she was born to sing and worship through it. Some find their strength in prayer or Scripture reading or meditation, but it seems like Lacey finds it through singing and composing music.

Lacey's chapters cover all parts of life including plans, opportunities, sacrifices, works, judgments, hospitality, and her body (to name a few). Each of these she writes about whether song, story, poem, or diary form and gently shares her personal thoughts and journey as she returns each of these parts of life to the Lord. It's a book about surrender really. How to return our bodies, thoughts, emotions, and actions to the Lord instead of hoping for the best or following rules to achieve what we want. It's about dealing with sin in the love of Jesus--not lingering in it because of the passion and communion we share in the Lord. It's about seeing grace and mercy--because it was first shown us at the cross. It's about making our lives shine with the glory of the Trinity.

While I thought some parts were more emotional and leaned toward the charismatic side of our faith, I could not find error in it, though I may not have the same practical lifestyle. I love Lacey's heart for the Lord and if we could all be in her place in her journey, perhaps we would love the Lord more and fellowship better.

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

Back Cover:
Before Christ called her daughter . . .

Before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment . . .

Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father’s textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left.

No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body, heart, and soul?

I rescued this book from the shelves of Value Village here and wondered what the story would be, since Tessa Afshar is a new author to me. I wasn't disappointed and I'm happy to add her pages to my bookshelves now.

Elianna means "My God has favored me", and thus was she named because her birth was seen as a blessing from God to her parents. Two siblings would later be added to her Jewish family--the second being a boy whom her parents loved especially. But tragedy soon strikes Elianna's family, and her father wrongfully lays the blame at her feet. Ethan, her betrothed, gives her space and time, loving her all the while. I love the relationship she and Ethan share--hers of doubting and sorrowing in her family, but Ethan choosing to share her pain and giving her the comfort and advice that he can.

With the passing of time, she watches her younger sister fall in love and lives through the horror of a bandit attack along with her father. Elianna finds purpose and meaning in taking over her father's wool and weaving business and she keeps the family alive when her father passes away. And despite this Ethan still is faithful to her and brings security to her life in a way she doesn't realize. Because of the guilt and oppression she lives with regarding their family tragedy, she pushes Ethan away, thinking that he deserves a better wife and life. She throws herself harder into weaving and selling, finding new dyes and material and using her connections to learn what the people desire to buy.

Once again tragedy strikes, this time her business in the way of a house fire. It seems as though her life as been filled with sorrow, and yet it will take personal physical uncleanliness to bring Elianna to Jesus' feet--literally. Keziah, her servant, and Joanna, her sister, remain constant and faithful friends to her as she spends her living on physicians, attempting to find a cure for her sickness, and yet she is never completely healed. Viriato and Claudia provide humor and relief from the Gentile side of Elianna's Jewish life, and I'm so glad Afshar created characters who found companionship in those outside their own culture and religion. Keziah and Joanna encourage Elianna's faith in God (sometimes with tough love) and tell her of a Prophet from Nazareth who heals. After spending her living on physicians, she doesn't readily agree with them, but as a last resort goes to hear Him speak.

This story is historical fiction regarding the woman with the issue of blood, and Afshar drew her story from the way Jesus called her daughter. Obviously, we know little of this lady, but we know she was healed physically and spiritually, and Afshar does an amazing job placing Elianna with real-life characters and scenarios. Whether or not the Biblical story had a woman behind it like Elianna, we won't know, but either way the story is one of tragedy and love, sorrow and hope, and pain and healing. And in the land of silence that surrounds Elianna, she learns to love and forgive and trust the God of Israel anew.

The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life by Erica and Jonathan Catherman

From Amazon: 
There's a lot a girl needs to know as she grows up and makes her way in the world. Having a reference guide of practical how-to life skills and character traits can empower her to become a confident and capable woman. Coauthors Erica and Jonathan Catherman offer this collection of step-by-step instructions on 100 things girls need to succeed, including how to
- introduce yourself
- change a flat tire
- respectfully break up with a guy
- leave a tip
- apply for a job
- ask for a promotion
- behave during a police stop
- create a personal budget
- calculate square footage
- wash your face
- clear a clogged drain
- iron a shirt
- wear a scarf
- shoot a basketball
- sharpen kitchen knives
- and much more

In fact, if it's in here, it's an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident women. With great illustrations and sidebars of advice from world-class experts, this all-in-one reference tool for young women in the making is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion.

I remember requesting this book while waiting in the barn at the farm where I work. I thought it would be neat to see how an author would break down different life skills into smaller steps. The Catherman husband and wife team cover many aspects of life in their chapters. Each chapter begins with a page long introduction on the topic. The authors are straight-forward and encouraging in their approaches to varying life skills, and while I loved their honesty, I was a bit bothered by the fact that their guidelines and points of view were merely backed by the idea of "being a strong woman". While I am completely for the equality of value in men and woman as humans created in the image of God, I can't seem to find a biblical backing for some of the statements Erica and Jonathan present. I love how they desire to instill leadership skills and empower the next generation to live well, but they do seem to root much of their thinking in feminism. (While I understand that non-Christian authors will write from a non-biblical point of view, I was quite surprised to see it published under a typically Christian publisher. I do not necessarily takes issues with reading specifically non-Christian material in and of itself.)

Some of their relationship styles may not be to everyone's taste, but I believe the underlying principles are generally helpful. Whether or not you'd invite a guy on a "date" or choose to use a credit card or decide to swing a golf club in your free time is up to you. Either way the basic instructions for a variety of life skills is laid out step by step. Some of these instructions could have greatly benefited from picture illustrations (ie: gift wrapping, budgeting, ironing a shirt, etc.). While detailed writing instructions are good, there were times when the task itself was quite a bit easier than attempting to understand the picture-less directions.

All that said, I think this book would be helpful for pre-teens and young teenagers. I think most of the topics in this book are covered by many families when raising their children (and most are simply common sense), but it's always good to hear a review of them and have a list of directions nearby. Plus you might learn a couple new things as well.


*I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. 

Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar

From Amazon:
Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.

After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.

Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.


I've been on a World War II phase for a bit now. I think it started with Kristy Cambron's Hidden Masterpiece books and Schuyler McConkey's War of Loyalties. The WWII era wasn't exactly a happy one, and a reader shouldn't expect stories to be quite as full of fun and life as other genres. However, I think the true stories and the true history is important--one that we shouldn't quickly forget. People matter. And that's why Mario Escobar wrote of Helene Hannemann. There are fictional aspects to the story which Escobar details at the end of the book, but I believe most of it is very real and very true.

For most people, the word and place of Auschwitz has the connotation of evil and horror. Rightly so. The stories that have been resurrected from that place have been anything but humane, though the heroes that lived through it sought to provide dignity and hope to those who lived their last hours amid the terror of human experiments and the filth of everyday living. Many of those who suffered in Auschwitz were Jewish. However, this story takes place through the eyes of someone in a different category (at least, in the governments' eyes she was different). Helene is German, but she married a Romani, sometimes known as Gypsy, and together in their happy family they had five children. I don't know if Helene considered herself a Christian or not, but there are several references to her praying or questioning different aspects of spiritual matters. She refuses to leave her children and husband on the day they are called to the camps, and thus gives the rest of her life searching for ways to provide hope and stability to the poor, desperate souls in Auschwitz.

Because of her courage and practicality, plus her nurse training, she gains a leadership position fairly quickly among the barracks of women prisoners. She learns how to interact with Dr. Mengele, who treats her a bit better than the rest and offers her the position of a teacher over a day care/school setting for children in the camp. She soon learns that Mengele always has reasons for what he does.

Written from Helene's point of view, she details the tortures of the work camps, the lifestyle of the prisoners, and the activities of her superiors, though not in inappropriate ways. However, I would still recommend this book from mature readers only, even though countless other children personally, emotionally, and physically experienced the pain of inequality and racism firsthand under Hitler's leadership.

Grateful for Helene's example of courage to us and sobered once again by the tragedy of man's depravity willingly performed on his fellow companions.



*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Miriam by Mesu Andrews

From Amazon:
"The Hebrews call me prophetess, the Egyptians a seer.
But I am neither. I am simply a watcher of Israel
and the messenger of El Shaddai.
When He speaks to me in dreams, I interpret. When He whispers a melody, I sing."

At eighty-six, Miriam had devoted her entire life to loving El Shaddai and serving His people as both midwife and messenger. Yet when her brother Moses returns to Egypt from exile, he brings a disruptive message. God has a new name – Yahweh – and has declared a radical deliverance for the Israelites.

Miriam and her beloved family face an impossible choice: cling to familiar bondage or embrace uncharted freedom at an unimaginable cost. Even if the Hebrews survive the plagues set to turn the Nile to blood and unleash a maelstrom of frogs and locusts, can they weather the resulting fury of the Pharaoh?

Enter an exotic land where a cruel Pharaoh reigns, pagan priests wield black arts, and the Israelites cry out to a God they only think they know.

Isaiah's Daughter introduced me this year to the fabulous author Mesu Andrews, and I was excited when I saw one of her other books on NetGalley. This book follows Miriam's story from physical slavery in Egypt, through the ten plagues, and forward to the future Promised Land. But Miram's story isn't just that of slavery to King Ramesses, but also that of doubts and the bondage in her own heart. As prophetess of the Lord, Miriam relies completely on the Lord for her skills in healing and in singing and prophesying. But soon she must come to know the Lord by faith and not just by hearing.

I loved how Eleazar and Taliah grew together in their relationship. Abba's kind and gentle counsel was so refreshing and it was always there when Miriam needed it. The plagues were all well done, and I didn't think that the "extras" in them distracted from Scripture at all, rather they gave life and meaning to the separation between Jew and Gentile, while also demonstrating that believing Gentiles were covered under the same blood of the Lamb. Andrews details the theological struggles of the Jews well. While we don't know for certain if Jews wondered if someone went to heaven if they weren't circumcised, but yet believed in Yahweh, the questions would have arisen because people doubt and wonder and wander. And our hearts today are no different from the hearts that clung to promises not knowing whether they would see their fulfillment. Andrews also deals with unanswered questions providing hope even when the unknown was before them.

The terror of the Passover was real, I believe, especially for all who were first born. And yet the obedience of the faithful provided relief and security amid the questions and chaos. While I don't know if Eleazar actually worked in the palace as a bodyguard, I loved his placement as a character. It gave him unique opportunities to fulfill little details in Scripture when we aren't told exactly how things happened.

Miriam's story, as well as the story of the Jews as they leave the bondage of Egypt is a true one, and one that Andrews did well in retelling. I love the fictional aspect of it, but even more, I believe good historical (Biblical) fiction makes you truly fall in love with the God of the Hebrews, who is also the God of the Gentiles and the nations. Join Miriam as she journeys out of Egypt to freedom, and come along side of her as she travels the road of faith, all the while healing hearts and relieving the pain of those around her.


*I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.

Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot by Mo Isom

Back of Book:
Sex. In a world overwhelmingly obsessed with it, why is the church so silent about it? While our secular culture twists, perverts, cheapens, and idolizes sex, there are gaping holes in the church's guidance of young people. The result is generations of sexually illiterate people drowning in the repercussions of overwhelming sin struggles.

Enough is enough, says Mo Isom. With raw vulnerability and a bold spirit, she shares her own sexual testimony, opening up the conversation about misguided rule-following, virginity, temptation, porn, promiscuity, false sex-pectations, sex in marriage, and more and calling readers back to God's original design for sex--a way to worship and glorify him. This book is for the young person tangled up in an addiction to pornography, for the girlfriend feeling pressured to go further, for the "good girl" who followed the rules and saved herself for marriage and then was confused and disappointed, for the married couple who use sex as a bargaining tool, for every person who casually watches sex play out in TV and movies and wonders why they're dissatisfied with the real thing, and for every confused or hurting person in-between.

Sex was God's idea. It's time we invited him back into the bedroom.

Sometimes I request books for review simply because I know they're written on controversial topics and I want to see where the author is coming from. This author writes from deep personal experiences, past and present. It's an easy-to-read style, and while the material is thoughtful and challenging, it's not difficult to understand.

Mo Isom introduces the book by discussing that sex isn't a topic discussed much in churches. While the culture around us revels in sexual immorality and makes cheap sexual comments every other sentence, the church is largely silent on the issue. Not because we want to live like society around us, but because leaders don't know how to preach guidelines without preaching legalism, or because they don't know that boundaries can be set without harming the hurting or guilty.

Isom wants to speak up for those who are struggling sexually, but also to point out to believers world-wide that sex is a God-glorifying act without the sanctity of marriage. Not something to be shunned or embarrassed by just because our culture desecrates it. Isom willingly admits that she doesn't have all the answers, but from experiences she is able to trace the pathway to godly sexual identity and share her testimony as it led her from perversion and pain to purpose and purity.

Because of the details and topics addressed, I would recommend this for mature thinkers, and not for children. Isom begins at the root of what sex is and what God meant it to be while including personal stories and moments, as well as statistics and data where helpful. She helps us to understand that purity isn't simply virginity, and that even those who are not sexually pure can find their purity in Christ. She discusses the downfalls of her upbringing in that many churches and families assume that covering the basics and laying the foundation for purity is enough and that once you're married everything will fall into place perfectly. However, they didn't cover topics for those who have "messed up" or for those who are married and continually feel guilty for the intimacy they rightly share with a spouse when all their life they've been taught to hold back those feelings.

Isom covers pornography and it's addiction and results in our personal lives as well as sharing her experiences when she finally understood purity and the mercy of God. She realized her identity was in Christ and that the satisfaction she received from sex was temporary and cheap.

It was interesting to see the connections between the foundation for this book and a book I recently finished Beloved Mess. Kimm Crandell (author of Beloved Mess) and Mo Isom continually lace their words with where our identity and purpose are found. That we are known, seen, purposed, loved, and designed by a King. This is where our identity comes from, and once we have grasped this knowledge we begin to live in the grace of God and the purposefulness of our sexuality and spirituality. Isom also covers topics just as healing from sexual sin, her personal story of fasting from intimacy, and unrealistic expectations in the married life. She ends the book once again focusing on the Scriptural fact that sex is not a sin (though people use it to sin), but rather an act of worship when expressed in the right context. It's something we should learn to delight in and see as a gift from God. It requires self-control and surrender and submission to one another, but it's powerful, purposeful, and pure in its design.

Whether or not you've been trapped by the lies of sex, this book is a refreshing testimony of redemption through intimacy. Ultimately though we may have suffered from the hands of our church, family, or society, sexual struggles result from within. Mo Isom shows how even the deepest, most secret sins can find light, purity, and redemption when laid at Jesus' feet.



*I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Refugees by R.A. Denny

From Amazon:
"An epic journey of a lifetime." That's what three young individuals from three different corners of the world have dreamed about. They were destined for greatness since the moment they were born. But what if they don't want it? What if they're not ready? What if their desires no longer align with the prophecy?

The problem is, they have no choice. The star has appeared. Their destiny has already begun to unfold.

It's not the send-off that they've been dreaming of. Forced out. Banished. Raided. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Now they must discover who they really are while embarking on the most exciting journey of their lives. One star. One impossible task. One chance to save the world they love.

About one month ago I received an email from R.A Denny herself. I have never had a personal request to review a book from someone before and I wasn't sure what to think (well, at first I thought it was just spam because that's all I typically get on my blog email address). However, I took a second read-through, and was pleasantly surprised that she read my reviews and took the time to explain her book and comment on what I had read and reviewed. Then I got a bit excited. ;)

This book is the first in a series of six Mud, Rocks, and Trees fantasy novels. Each landscape has it's own story and characters. And because it's fantasy, the author can make the land and people as she likes. I love the creativity R.A. Denny uses in designing her book: Webbies, humans, Gliders, Samalitans, fliers, Armored, hydois, chamois, Sparaggi, and many more such names live and act in the city of Tzoladia.

Refugees tells the personal stories of Amanki, Brina, and Moshoi as they each realize from the certain star that appears one night that they have predetermined plans to fulfill. From the start, their journeys are filled with friendship and challenges. Their families may or may not agree with the call placed upon them. They have limited information as to how to get where they're going, and sometimes they even lack supplies. But they end up realizing that while they appear to be refugees from the start, they have the most important task of their time. And they don't even know each other, but their paths will lead to one fulfillment of one star and one prophecy. And each three characters are joined together somehow through the influence of Baskrod.

Though subtle, the themes of Scripture run throughout these intertwined stories. I'll let you see if you can find them yourself. ;) Amanki, Brina, and Moshoi learn something of the evil that desires to take over their world, and of the spiritual promptings of those who guide their steps. And throughout the days they even find out more of their personal history than they even dream of. Even the star they follow sometimes takes different forms.

I'm glad this author contacted me and asked for a review, and perhaps one day I'll buy all the rest of the series and finish what I started. Well done, R.A. Denny! 

Book Release and Review! | Crowning Heaven by Emily Hayse

From Amazon: 
Heaven Cassidy has only ever wanted one thing: a family. But when she opens a letter from her long-lost mother, she finds herself running for her life. Swept into a world of proud queens and ancient feuds, Heaven must decide whether her dream is worth taking on the responsibility of two kingdoms, one of which wants to crown her and the other to kill her.

It's finally here!

I was so privileged to receive an ARC ebook of Crowning Heaven, and I've decided that the cover is quite perfect. The stormy blue background studded with stars and a flash of light is just like the story itself. Crowning Heaven is actually about placing a crown on the head of a girl named Heaven. I have to say that because I had heard and read the title for a while before I actually realized that it wasn't some doctrinal book about heaven and the crowns in it. (Yes, I know, not everyone's mind goes there, but mine does. :P)

There are a few books that have been or are being released currently, and some of them you just must have. This is a must have. The characters are beautifully portrayed and I love how they grow and change. Two worlds intersect when Heaven is born, though she doesn't even know it yet. She knows little of her parents, but the few things she finds out change her world completely. The first few lines of the story set the time period and capture the scene immediately. Heaven learns to love her new family and take up the role Rodhacar and Castellan give to her. Not many people can bridge the gap between these two nations, but there are a few who do, and Heaven finds out how just very important she is to the uniting of the warring countries.

Emily Hayse excels in writing and portraying emotion. I sorrowed when characters died, but the joy among friendships was well worth it. Heaven finds out she needs to pursue marriage as a way to give her strength, finances, and armies. While I was surprised at the way she chose her suitors, I loved how Emily brought about romance in countries that typically married for convenience, rather than love.

The fantasy elements were also intriguing. I enjoyed the portal between the worlds, and how technology spanned Earth and Rodhacar. Also, because I love horses and riding, I quite enjoyed the fact that everyone rode horses instead of cars. ;) Heaven journals, too, and because her character is similar to me in many ways, Heaven's writing and life desires were something I could quickly identify with and see how they molded her thoughts and actions. My favorite characters would be (besides Heaven) Tyr, Athen, and Breac. Thrasi, Lysander, and Nic also hold special places in my heart.

I wish I could do justice to this story with a review, but you will just have to read it yourself now that it has been released!! Heaven's story and the people who live with her and die for her will stay with you even when you close the last page. And for my fellow Christian readers, I believe this book will provide a glimpse into what it means to fight alongside your brothers and sisters in unity, while also living or dying for truth. Fantasy books typically parallel that of our physical or spiritual world, and this one is no different. Heaven's quiet courage, Athen's steadfastness, Breac's sacrifice, and Nic's protection are just a few of the people and character qualities that we would do well to emulate in our lives.

Well done, Emily! :) 

Paul: Apostle of Christ by Angela Hunt

Back Cover: 
His Story Will Change the World, But Only If It's Shared in Time

Paul, Apostle of Christ is the story of two men. Luke, as a friend and physician, risks his life every time he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul, who is held captive in Nero's bleakest prison cell. Before Paul's execution, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of "the Way" and the birth of what will come to be known as the church. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians.

Paul has survived so much--floggings, shipwreck, starvation, stoning, hunger and thirst, cold and exposure--yet as he waits for his appointment with death, he is haunted by the shadows of his past. He wonders if he has been forgotten . . . and if he has the strength to finish well.

Two men struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to bequeath the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

The movie Paul: Apostle of Christ released mid-February, and while I haven't watched the movie yet, I was eager to read the novel based on it by Angela Hunt. I was first introduced to her through the  ebook Egypt's Sister and recently just reviewed the second book in the series, Judah's Wife. She writes persuasively and compellingly while documenting history. I also appreciate that the fictional parts of her books are realistic and not over- or under-done. 

While indeed a life account of Paul, this book is written more from Luke's perspective, and as he was a doctor, I loved how he saw the details of life and the medical sides of issues. And perhaps, he was the most fitted to interact with Paul, in that, he could offer healing and aid physically while also giving encouragement and stability through Paul's hardships. 

Paul remains in prison throughout most of the story, but he and Luke work together to write the book of Acts: a record of much of Paul's activities. The Roman life is described as the horror it could be with the torture of Christians and the imprisonment of Paul, but it is not extremely graphic. 

I didn't know whether I liked the frequent introspection of Paul. While I realize that a man like himself, with a past of persecuting Christians, could undoubtedly bring guilt and sorrow to his mind, I don't know that it was consistent with his teaching in Scripture on forgiveness and pressing towards the calling of Christ. Obviously, I don't know everything about what went on in Paul's mind, as most of his stories and books are history and doctrine, but if Hunt intended to gain empathy for Paul from the reader, she certainly did. Luke, too, struggled with anger, and I wasn't sure that I agreed with that either, but she did do it well to make the characters more human. I think sometimes we can forget that people like Paul and Luke were also like we are and do struggle with certain sins. 

Aside from those points, I just loved reading all the words that Paul spoke knowing that now I hold (many) completed Scripture in my hands with the words he was inspired with so long ago. It makes Scripture come alive in many ways. Hunt also did well with portraying Roman believers (or those sympathetic to Christians) and other believers who ended up responding in wrong ways to Nero's persecution. Witnessing is frequent and believers challenge those outside Christ to evaluate their faith and eternal well-being. Hospitality is the mission of Aquila and Priscilla's life, and I loved their role in the book--that of being a harbor and safe place for Christians. Paul's gospel and the message to the world was proclaimed further than he would have ever thought, and throughout this book I was encouraged in my own personal faith. 

*I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. 

Cover Reveal | Crowning Heaven by Emily Hayse

Hello, friends!
I'm back to announce the cover reveal of Crowning Heaven! Emily's been hard at work on this book ever since I started following her on social media, and I'm so happy to announce that her book is almost here!!! The snippets I've read and seen have been amazing, and I really hope to read it soon.

Isn't the cover just amazing? The burst of light against the dark starry background is just perfect and it gives the right incentive to open up the pages and dive into another world.

Here's a little bit about the book and some of Emily's social media profiles. Check her out and order her book if you can. :)

Author: Emily Hayse

Release Date: May 15th, 2018

Synopsis: Heaven Cassidy has only ever wanted one thing: a family. But when she opens a letter from her long-lost mother, she finds herself running for her life. Swept into a world of proud queens and ancient feuds, Heaven must decide whether her dream is worth taking on the responsibility of two kingdoms, one of which wants to crown her and the other to kill her.

Twitter: @theherosinger
Instagram: @songsofheroes
Website: emilyhayse.com

I'll be back soon this month with some more book reviews! What have you been reading lately? 

On Pills and Needles by Rick Van Warner

Back Cover:

How could this have happened? How could this sixteen-year-old, who less than a week earlier had left home on a typical Friday morning for school, now be flirting with death by overdose?

When Rick Van Warner found himself searching abandoned buildings for his missing son, he had no idea that the synthetic, pill-form heroin that had snared his teen was already killing so many. In the years of pain and heartache that followed as he tried to save his son from addiction, Van Warner discovered what the public has just recently become aware of: prescription opioids are so addictive that even short-term use can create dependency, igniting an epidemic that now claims nearly 100 American lives each day.

On Pills and Needles is one family's story, but it is also a wake-up call and crash course in opioid addiction. Through his harrowing personal journey, Van Warner exposes the common causes of opioid addiction, effective and ineffective ways it has been treated, and how families can walk alongside loved ones who are dealing with the daily agony of addiction.

I took a course on Substance Abuse for my BA, and my counseling courses also dealt a bit with drug abuse as well. But I never got the chance to see inside a family life that was plagued by the recurrence of drugs. We hear of the fatality rate from drugs. We see statistics and rehab programs. Maybe we even see the victims on the sidewalks. 

But until we enter their world, we don't know. 

Rick Van Warner writes honestly through the struggles of drug abuse in his son, Tommy. He recognizes his failings, but learns not to succumb to guilt of them. He learns boundaries, and sees the wisdom of his younger children. He hears wisdom and opinions, and because of or in spite of them he doesn't give up on his child. 

I learned a little more about opioids than I thought I would. How national death statistics can be the result of Big Pharma and marketing skills. How rehab fails. How each victim's rehab may be different than the last person. How parents and siblings cope. How mental breakdowns can cause physical addictions. How it's not always the person's fault for addiction, but also that they choose to fight it or not. How sometimes family relationships can be the only cause of healing. 

I don't agree with all their family lifestyle choices, and I would have liked to hear about church involvement or support for Rick, Tommy, and their family if there was any. They do profess to be Christians, and Rick does mention that Tommy seemed to lack the awareness and stability of knowing there was a high spiritual power, but I didn't see their faith playing a main role in their challenges. 

I loved reading the scenes where family members specifically chose to reach out to one another. This broke through Tommy's mental instability and gave him encouragement and a reason to keep on fighting. His dad begins to approach him in a way that he was lacking and needing before and Tommy ultimately finds freedom because his dad doesn't give up. There were many let downs and set backs. Never knowing if the ninth rehab program would work. Never knowing if you could trust Tommy. Never knowing if he was coming back in a couple hours or a couple days. Never knowing if you were seeing him for the last time. But they fought and helped Tommy fight. They took risks and decided that they were worth it if unconditional love was the basis for their actions. 

If you want something to read about, or another world to enter, or if you need a reason to be passionate or show compassion for the victims of drug use and abuse, then read this book. (Recommended for 18 and older.)

*I was given a free copy of this book from Baker Books Publishing. This review is my honest opinion and I was not required to write a positive review. 

A Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

From Amazon: 
Broken-down walls and crumbling stones seemed to possess a secret language all their own.

What stories would they tell, if she finally listened?

Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman begins speaking. Of a secret past and castle ruins forgotten by time. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret . . .

Each piece that unlocks the story seems to unlock part of Ellie too—where she came from and who she is becoming. But her grandmother is quickly disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer’s and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family’s history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty—a castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale—Ellie embarks on a journey to France’s Loire Valley in hopes that she can unearth its secrets before time silences them forever.

Bridging the past to the present in three time periods—the French Revolution, World War II, and present day—The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost, of battles waged in the hearts of men, and of an enchanted castle that stood witness to it all, inspiring a legacy of faith through the generations.

This book was an interesting one. I was excited to receive it because the cover was just beautiful and I had seen social media posts about it in several places.

First off, I love how Kristy begins the Prologue with Isaiah 58:12. Just a special passage of mine that is meant to bring hope to the Israelites in a desperate time.

I appreciate the effort Cambron went into in order to write a detailed story spanning the French Revolution, WWII, and present day. She combines several different eras and weaves them all into one story with all the loose ends tied up. I love Aveline's character. She's brought up royally, but doesn't allow that to impede her courtesy and love for others, along with practicality for herself. Robert's relationship with her is one that I love as well. He cares for her when she comes into danger and treats her respectfully, allowing to find her own interests and desires whether or not they coincide with his. Quinn, also, with Ellie, causes her to think, yet enables her to grow her trust of him in small and practical ways. Really, I think the world needs a few more men like Cambron creates in her stories.

One thing Kristy does well is creating good male characters to contrast or compliment her female characters. Robert, Julien, and Quinn all bring out the best in their relationships with female characters and they bring hope and humor (sometimes both) to the story.

I wasn't sure exactly how to write a review of this book because for some reason I didn't connect well with it. I've read both her books in the Hidden Masterpiece series and I loved them and the characters, plot, and depth resonated with me deeply. I feel like Cambron tried to cover too much history in a short amount of time and it didn't come out quite so deeply. It was a bit disappointing as I wanted to love this book, and I still haven't detailed all the reasons why I didn't quite love it (maybe some of it was the French language and lifestyle :P), but I'm happy to say that it's not because of her writing style or character development. She writes with high quality and her characters are well done. I can say that of each of the three books I've read by her. And if you love good romances and history, this is one of many books for you.


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

From Amazon:
In this epic Biblical narrative, ideal for fans of The Bible miniseries, a young woman taken into the prophet Isaiah's household rises to capture the heart of the future king.

Isaiah adopts Ishma, giving her a new name--Zibah, delight of the Lord--thereby ensuring her royal pedigree. Ishma came to the prophet's home, devastated after watching her family destroyed and living as a captive. But as the years pass, Zibah's lively spirit wins Prince Hezekiah's favor, a boy determined to rebuild the kingdom his father has nearly destroyed. But loving this man will awake in her all the fears and pain of her past and she must turn to the only One who can give life, calm her fears, and deliver a nation.

From the first few words of this book, the reader enters the whirlwind of activity that might not be too inaccurate from the Israelites' long past. Andrews relates the story of Ishma. Perhaps she was named for the past, present, or future desolation that she and the nation of Israel experienced, for that is what Ishma means--"desolation". And yet, though her new master, Isaiah, gives her a new name meaning "delight of the Lord", she still struggles with the desolation inside herself and throughout her nation.

There are so many things to love about this book...and to learn as well. I love Yaira's unwavering commitment to the Lord's will through her life, despite the tragic events. I love Hezi's devotion to God even when he lived in the center of wicked palace life. I love Isaiah’s perseverance and courage to prophecy even though it might take his life. And Ishma…I love her for who she is and who she becomes.

Andrews weaves an incredible story surrounding the period of King Ahaz and King Hezekiah, while creating fictional characters to emphasize the humanity of men and the awesomeness of God. I’m still not quite sure I appreciated the portrayal of Isaiah as a righteous prophet yet often misinterpreting prophecies based on his opinion, but I suppose some things are an author’s liberty. ;) And at times I thought Queen Abijah was a bit too fictional, but in no way did either of these elements detract from the message of this book. I loved Isaiah's prophecy because it showed how people could misinterpret God's word at that time, but also it showed how greatly they longed for the coming Messiah and how they lived in the expectation of that hope.

The history that was well-written and included throughout the chapters. Each chapters opens with a passage of Scripture—often from Isaiah and it’s amazing to see how some of the culture and Jewish history would be present in such scenes. Often we read our Bibles with our 21st century mindset and because we know the stories so well, we forget the nation of Israel and its customs and its people. What they wore, how they lived, what they ate and sold, and what they did for work. And sometimes we even forget that they had feelings too. They were fearful for their future, being surrounded by enemies, receiving warnings and prophecies that were uncertain and not always able to be interpreted right away. They had to wait too. They suffered persecution and judgment and yet in the end still remained the beloved people of God. Hephzibah’s title reminds Isaiah and the king (and yes, herself) that God does turn mourning into gladness, and that, after the darkest of nights, joy comes at dawn.

Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt

From Amazon: 
Seeking peace and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long?

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice.

Continuing in my search for good historical fiction, I found another amazing book by Angela Hunt. The first book I read and reviewed was the first in the Silent Year series called Egypt’s Sister, and because of her vivid writing and descriptive characters there are certain points of the story that still stick in my mind. Judah’s Wife is no different, and I was thrilled to receive it as a review copy.

The Silent Years are, well, silent, and we don’t know much about them, but Hunt takes the life of Judah Maccabees and surrounds it with courage, passion, and sacrifice through the eyes of his wife and himself. While many of the female characters were fictional (in the sense that we don’t know anything about them), Leah was a beautiful picture of redemption and hope throughout the story. Raised in an abusive household, Leah’s mental and spiritual thoughts are twisted by a father who beats his wife but appears righteous in public. Leah also struggles to understand her role as a wife since all she saw in her home was her mother submitting to the abuse from her father.

Through the turmoil and political unrest in Judea and surrounding Israel, Leah desperately wants peace, and finally finds some measure of security and rest in her marriage. But that is about to change. Hunt write this book alternating points of views for each chapter between Leah and Judah, and I love reading the different perspectives. Judah isn’t a particularly ambitious man in the sense of leading a nation of men, but he’s courageous and is willing to die for his faith. He doesn’t seek a fight, but yet will give his all when HaShem’s glory is blasphemed. I also love that once Judah finds his purpose, he waits for God’s moving in his heart before he acts, and nothing dissuades him from doing HaShem’s will.

I’m guessing that the research and history necessary to flesh out Judah and Leah’s life must have been fascination. I knew the name of Judah Maccabees and the political unrest during that time was somewhat familiar to me, but to finally see a glimpse inside a potential family’s life was so insightful.

Angela Hunt writes for older minds and includes war and romance scenes. They are real (and war includes death), but neither are overdone. I appreciate finally seeing good romance between husband and wife, as I have always been uncomfortable reading intimate scenes between non-married couples or just flirtatious behavior in general. 

This book is powerful as it recounts Hebrew history as it intertwines with the struggles and battles that it will always face. Judah faces his calling and gives his all for it and Leah finds purpose in a God who loves her perfectly. A well written book with detailed history among fiction and non-fictional characters. Can't wait to read more from Angela Hunt! 

*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

From Amazon:
Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.

Ever since I heard about Nadine Brandes and the Out of Time series, I have wanted to read them. Well, I haven't read that trilogy yet because some country's (*coughCanadacough*) shipping is ridiculous, but I just got a review copy of Fawkes--Nadine's latest novel. And, oh my goodness, it's beautiful. The cover is captivating and intriguing, and I really didn't read anything about the book before plunging in. After reading the book, I just sat back and marveled at the way Nadine placed history and fantasy in the same book and how skillfully they were woven together. And yes, there is a deeper meaning to this story, than just the Keeper-Igniter war.

Thomas character was special. He struggles with the Stone Plague, but even more so with his purpose, mission, and loyalties. He seeks to love his father and be worthy of him even though he's been hurt badly by him. And when he finally makes his own decisions about right and wrong, he realizes that it may cost some people their lives.

I love the idea of color masks as a way of showing people's unique gifts and talents. The characters of England each have a color power, granted to them only by the color test and by a individual mask created and formed by a parent. The child is raised to learn to mold with his mask and use the colors he/she has bonded with to bring peace (and war where necessary) in the world. Thomas doesn't have a mask yet, and to gain one will take more courage, risk, and sacrifice than he imagined. But he has the strange advice of the White light, along with Emma's counsel and his father's experience to guide him.

I love the relationship between Thomas and Emma. It's definitely not forced and it grows and strengthens because of challenges. And in the end, both Thomas and Emma see that being vulnerable and honest with each other leads to love in a way they didn't expect.

This book is packed with meaning for the Christian, and is captivating and full of history. But looking back at history, we can also learn something for today and for our futures.

Thank you, Nadine! Now I really want to read the Out of Time series. ;)

Movie Review: Samson

Storyline from MovieInsider:

A Hebrew with an unusual gift of strength must respond properly to the call of God on his life in order to lead his people out of enslavement. After his youthful ambition leads to a tragic marriage, his acts of revenge thrust him into direct conflict with the Philistine army. As his brother mounts a tribal rebellion, only Samson's relationship with a Philistine temptress and his final surrender - both to the Philistines and to God - turns imprisonment and blindness into final victory.

So I requested this movie, not realizing that I would only be able to view a few scenes within a 26-minute span. If I had understood that, I wouldn't have requested it because I'm not sure I can give it a fair review without the whole picture. 

Based on what I can see, the acting is well done and the couple scenery shots are amazing. I have always dreamed of seeing Israel, so movies and stories set in that period are special to me. In Scripture, we aren't told of many emotions or thought-processes of the characters, so viewers will be cautioned that there are dialogues and conversations that are definitely added in. From what I could see, I thought the main parts were true to Scriptural events, so that was encouraging. 

Samson has never been a favorite character of mine. I always thought he was too flawed, though I recognized that God mightily used him to bring the Israelites to repentance. In my judgment of him, these movie clips showed me that as an Israelite himself, Samson would have recognized the One true God and would have prayed to God. One scene I especially loved was Samson's anointing as a judge. 

Judges were often given supernatural power and this movie also portrays that. It also demonstrates some of the judgment that God's people went through due to their rebellion and unbelief in God's power. The Philistines were not kind masters and it is likely that they suffered as the movie portrays. I'm not sure I liked the relationship between Delilah and Samson, only because they portray her as one compelled and forced into a relationship with him in order to trap and catch him, but then actually ends up loving him in the end. While there is no indication in Scripture for or against Delilah's love for Samson, it throws a somewhat unneeded emotional aspect into the scenes I previewed. But I cannot say for certain what my entire opinion is on that, as I did not see the entire show. 

One thing I had trouble comprehending was the fact that Samson was indeed powerful. While I have read his account in Scripture and mentally realized that he was strong, the movie demonstrates that visually. For me, it's easy to say "Oh, that's just the movie" or "Oh, that's just graphics". But no, Samson's strength was probably demonstrated in similar ways as the movie actually shows. So that was indeed a good reminder. 

The movie is rated PG-13 due to the fighting scenes, and as I have no seen the entire movie, I cannot say for sure what my opinion is, but I am interested in seeing the finished product. This movie releases February 16th.


*Film montage has been provided courtesy of Pure Flix and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Where We Belong by Lynn Austin

From Amazon:
In the city of Chicago in 1892, the rules for Victorian women are strict, their roles limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies. Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given talents has brought them to the Sinai Desert--and into a sandstorm.

Accompanied by Soren Petersen, their somber young butler, and Kate Rafferty, a street urchin who is learning to be their ladies' maid, the two women are on a quest to find an important biblical manuscript. As the journey becomes more dangerous and uncertain, the four travelers sift through memories of their past, recalling the events that shaped them and the circumstances that brought them to this time and place.

I have a Lynn Austin book on my shelf that's been sitting there for several years now. But I haven't read it yet. See, I'm one of those people who doesn't read a series unless she has all the books and has done research to make sure they're worth reading. And since that book is the first in the series, I still haven't read it yet. Thank goodness Nuts for Books decided to put a stand alone book up for review, otherwise I might not have discovered some good, deep historical fiction. 

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect of Austin's writing...after all, how could two rich girls who have no memory of their mother, go off running about the world, ending up in the Sinai desert...how could that be managed from a writer's point of view without compromising Christianity? Well, I'm not sure yet that I like the way all the ethics and morals are handled in this book, but even when situations are handled in a questionable manner, the characters' focus is on God and what His purpose is for them and mankind. 

Rebecca and Flora have been born wealthy. That's all they know really, but that doesn't stop them from finding adventure and begging their father for international trips. They have little recollection of a mother in their life, but their father does a decent job of caring for the young girls. I really appreciated the way he interacted with them and reared them. Some readers might think he's distant and uninvolved and to a certain extent he is, but he is always willing to listen to them and provide them with whatever he can to broaden their education and mature them. In plain, he treats them as adults, and while the sisters may not always act like adults, the father's training does more to influence them and teach them than they probably know. 

Later on the father remarries, much to the girls dislike. I don't appreciate that the "evil stepmother" character is used, because I think there are some good stepmothers out there, but Mrs. Worthington's character is needed to point the girls in the direction of  their future. Rebecca is a thinker and knows that God has a plan for her even though she doesn't know what it is yet. Flora is gentle and sweet and doesn't want to offend or hurt anyone. But she's a follower and often allows her sister to lead. Mrs. Worthington brings with her all the ideals of the wealthy and precious little about faith in God. Flora acquiesces to her demands and decrees, but Rebecca notes that none of it is important for finding God's will for your life. And yet despite the fact, that the girls' lives are order about (for a time) by a proud stepmother, they don't allowed the fact that they are wealthy to turn them into snobs. In fact, one time they dress up as if from part of the slum area of town and get hired in a factory to see what the conditions are like, in order to attempt to understand how to help the poor people better. 

This book is divided into four parts, each written from the view of one of the main characters: Rebecca, Flora, and then their two servants, Peterson and Kate. It tells all of their faith journeys and includes a bit of their past history, but this doesn't interfere at all with the natural flow of the story. 

I could tell immediately that some of the refutes for Christianity and research of the Scriptures came from Lee Strobel's books The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith, as Austin notes in her Author's note. It brought a refreshing reminder of the truth of Scripture to the whole book and an example of how to witness to the unsaved. 

There are some elements of lying in the book that I don't agree with, and some other ideals that I'm not sure I'd practice in my own life, but they are not big situations, and all in all Where We Belong is a book of growing in the Lord and seeking His will for your life despite what authority and society might desire. Join Rebecca and Flora through their adventures as girls and later as grown women as they navigate marriage, relationships, the Lord's will, and personal safety in order to mature into the women that God would have them be. 

*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Seeds by Rachel Starr Thomson

Book Description:
In the fantasy world of Kepos Gé, a young woman flees her past by joining a frontier settlement on the edge of the wilderness. But she can’t escape the threats abroad in this new world — or the wild things growing in her own heart.

Something is deeply wrong in Jerusalem Valley, where the persecuted religious faction called Tremblers are trying to create a new society. As Linette Cole struggles toward acceptance and newfound faith, friends turn to enemies and enemies become friends.
Soon Linette will face the greatest challenge of her life:
Because words have been spoken.
And words grow.
SEEDS is page-turning Christian fantasy — a novel about a wild frontier, monsters in the shadows, and a world trying to hold onto a fragile peace even as dark forces conspire against them.

It's another book, friends!! So very excited to review this book before it releases on the 18th, Lord willing! Rachel Starr Thomson is publishing again and this is an amazing story. 

The prologue introduces us to two differing factions, Sacramenti and Puritani (Pure People), who were each convinced in their own minds that they were following the Truth about the Kaion and all mankind. The Kaion consisted of Father, Son, and Fire Within. From the main factions of Sacramenti and Puritani, smaller divisions broke out and the Imitators and Luminaris (Tremblers) were born. 

In the New World, Herman Melrose, a Trembler, was weighted with the responsibility for raising up a new order in the unknown land. The Imitators also had their own plans however. Linette Cole opens the first chapter while she embarks into this new land, not knowing who friends or enemies are, and still not yet ready to face her past. And Herman struggles to lead a colony in peacefully welcoming and accepting anyone despite their faction or belief. Serena, too, being lit by the Fire Within receives her own task--one that will take courage, bravery, and sacrifice. 

I love this book because I can see how it parallels the truth divisions today. I have personally experienced the difficulty in witnessing to people simply because of their misunderstandings of the different beliefs that all Christians hold. In this book and in the series that will come later, I believe Rachel is trying to address that in Kepos Ge and its citizens. While each of the characters is human having hearts and veins, they also have seeds and vines, showing how they differ and also bringing them a special gift that they can use to benefit others. Of course, like in our real world here and now, there is much darkness and evil to be fought against. There is terror and pain. There is the threatening past and sorrow. But in it all, despite the prisons, the inquisitions, the death, and betrayal, characters learn to love, to sacrifice, and to accept. Rachel also paints a beautiful picture of salvation, and also of renewal in a Christian's life. 

The book closes with challenges ahead, with more pain and sorrow, yes, but also with the promise that the Father, Son, and Fire Within would guide and help those who sought to live the Truth of the Kaion. 

Another must read from Rachel, and I can't wait to hold the completed series in my hands one day. Well done!

While I haven't reviewed many of Rachel's books yet, she is one of my favorite authors, and you can find out more about her and her books and Lifetime Readers' Club HERE. I think there are also a few free books on her website as well. So go take a look! :) 

The Trust Protocol by Mac Richard

From Amazon:
Trust makes everything better. It's the glue that binds people together. From our families and friendships to our companies and communities, we know that trust is the fuel that drives long-term success and impact. But we also know what betrayal feels like. We know that trust is a fragile, vulnerable gift that can be abused, broken, and exploited with devastating consequences.

In The Trust Protocol, Mac Richard challenges conventional wisdom with biblical insights, humor, and passion as he explains how to

· process the pain of betrayal
· prioritize relationships and work
· discern who to trust
· decide when and how to move on
· deploy trust in even the harshest environments
· develop active integrity

The Trust Protocol provides a clear path not just to manage these tensions but to embrace them in order to experience the genuine connectedness and effectiveness we're created for.

Before I started this review I scanned the last two chapters and the table of contents again to refresh my memory. I was surprised to find that I could remember at least one example or story from each of the chapters just by reading the title again. Mac Richard writes in a compelling informal lecture style, as if you were sitting there at a coffee table with him and he's sharing his passion with you. The Trust Protocol opens with a catching Forward and a heart-warming Acknowledgements. In contrast, the Introduction recaps a mind-blowing account of deceit and lies...all in preparation for chapter one. The trust protocol can't be defined in one single definition (which is why a whole book was written ;), but Richard tells us three things right off the bat: it works, it's hard work, and it will get messy. Oh, and a fourth, it's "absolutely worth it".

He takes us in the next few chapters through his own life examples or accounts of friends, coworkers, or other acquaintances, and shows us how relationships and trust go together. How a specific set of behaviors, actions, and thoughts, lead to a certain result. "The more trust you build, the more influence you have." Many people have asked "why" regarding some situation in their life, and Richard shows us how our blind spots and Scripture and counsel lead us to a place where we come to our knees in worship.

He talks about accountability, pain, (the gift of) betrayal, and responsibility. One section I found most helpful was the latter on responsibility. Some of us tend to take responsibility for things we shouldn't: all of the problem, blame for things we didn't say (or could have said), and other people's choices. Speaking the truth, along with the section on grace and truth at the end of the book were also helpful in clarifying concepts that society in general and Christian circles like to redefine subconsciously, leading us to wrong ways of dealing with people. The chapter "How Many Can You Do When You're Tired?" reinforces the principle of grit, tenacity, and perseverance when relationships get tough. Richard uses Daniel as an example of his GRIT acronym (God-honoring, relentless, intentional, tenacity). And Richard also brings us the sense of community in chapter ten, while he exhorts us to unswervingly hold to the hope we possess--"no matter what".

He concludes this book with a chapter on Staying Power. Not the power to stay, but the power that comes from staying. It's powerful enough to survive suffering, pain, betrayal, and anything else that the real world might throw at you. The Trust Protocol works because it's a part of God's nature, and when we live life the way God intended us to, it works.

"The power of the Trust Protocol--credibility forged through integrity and action--grows through struggle. Rather than being stifled or stymied in challenging situations and environments, relationships grow deeper and get stronger when they're tested and survive to thrive. Every time."




*I received this book free from Baker Books Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.