by admin | Jul 21, 2015 | Adventure, Books, Romance, Speculative, Suspense, Teen, Young Adult
MY REVIEW:
When I agreed to review “The Stonekeepers”, I was unfamiliar with the author and took a chance because I thought the book might be interesting. I did not realize that teens and young adults seem to be its targeted audience. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
From the very beginning the author sets the perfect tone with a mysterious old house that seems to reach out to Lexi Christensen. When she learns that the house is scheduled to be torn down by the city, she and her two best friends set out to stop it. Along the way, she discovers some secrets that actually do connect her to the old home. Little does she realize the adventure and danger she, her friends, and family will encounter before summer is over.
The story itself is so imaginative yet keeps its characters and their relationships very realistic. I liked that Lexi was a typical teen who had conflicts with her parents, a crush on the same guy her best friend claimed, yet she was always determined to practice her faith and to follow the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.
I believe this is a book that would be enjoyed by most teens and even some adults. I enjoyed it and these days I am far from young.
This book was provided for review by The Bookclub Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For the past eighteen years, Lexi Christensen has been sheltered from the truth, protected by a soft-cushioned life of normalcy, until the contents of an envelope link her to an ancient vow. All Lexi wants is to get out from between the vise grips of her suddenly protective parents, rescue an historic mansion before she leaves for college, and stop herself from falling in love with the man her best friend claims to love. But finding the envelope thrusts her into new choices . . . and new danger. Someone knows more about Lexi’s heritage than she does, wants what she’s found, and will risk her life to get it. As her future twists into an incredible mission that propels her from her sand-ringed island home to a foreign mountaintop, she’s in a race against both time and danger. Her faith may be strong, but is God asking too much?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sally Chambers lives in warmth and sunshine among palm fronds, revels in sea breezes, loves the feel of sand between her toes, and braces for hurricanes annually. She, her husband, and two married children call Florida home. Sally writes for young adults, new adults, and women of all ages who enjoy contemporary inspirational fiction that’s a blend of easy drama, suspense, and light romance.
by admin | Jul 7, 2015 | Books, Giveaways, Historical, Regency, Romance, Shakers, Speculative, Supernatural
MY REVIEW:
Ann Gabhart takes her readers back for another visit to Harmony Hill where they are treated to an intimate glimpse of life in the Shaker village. The peace-loving residents of Harmony Hill are hard-working folks and many go about their business in a loving manner. Others enjoy forcing their strict rules on new residents with a controlling hand. Still others hide secrets that threaten those who discover them.
I enjoyed Carlyn and Luke’s story even though it was sometimes filled with difficulties and seeming roadblocks. The author painted a portrait of the Shakers in a matter-of-fact way that allows readers to make up their own minds about their unorthodox practices. I came away from the story with the realization that many residents of Harmony Hill were possibly there for similar reasons as Carlyn – they had nowhere else to go but did not necessarily buy into the odd theology. Others may have been deceived but were not actually bad people.
I always find historical fiction of interest and usually learn from it. I liked how well Gabhart seems to have researched her subject matter. I also thought she told Carlyn’s story well with plenty of insight into her thoughts plus enough action, suspense, and romance to hold my attention.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She longs for peace–for her land and her heart–but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.
The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?
Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart.
Read an excerpt from THE INNOCENT.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Feb 24, 2015 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingSeek and HideDavid C. Cook (September 15, 2014)byAmanda Stevens
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda’s first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.
Learn more about Amanda and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment–including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent. Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help. When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Although Seek and Hide is obviously fiction, it is a story that could very easily predict our future if we allow American society to progress is the direction it is so rapidly going. This novel depicts a United States that allows only a government sanctioned Christianity with a stripped down “official” version of the Bible. It is illegal to possess a true Bible and the Constabulary is determined to see everyone found with one put behind bars for reprogramming.
Several primary characters are featured in Seek and Hide with Marcus Brenner most prominent. Both Marcus and Aubrey Weston wrestle with strong feelings of guilt that influences everything they do and how they react to their circumstances. Lee is still haunted by an event from her past that has left her emotionally unable to trust others, especially men. Each of these well-defined characters plays a pivotal role in the novel and it was easy to become involved in their story.
Seek and Hide is a somewhat dystopian story that forecasts a potentially real nightmare life in the near future. With plenty of drama, danger, and soul-searching, the story contains unexpected twists and surprises that should hold the reader’s interest until the end. I liked how spiritual truth was woven through the story and the way Marcus and Aubrey were able to let go of their guilt and allow God to guide their way. The book reached a somewhat satisfying conclusion but some threads were left hanging – obviously to be continued in the next installment of the series.
by admin | Jun 16, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Speculative, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
What an exciting and eye-opening adventure Rubart’s Well Spring series has been! Each installment has been filled with fantastical exploits into the spiritual realm as the Warriors Riding have fought against the forces of spiritual darkness. With each mission some ground was gained and a bit more truth was revealed but the battle was not over and the greatest challenge was yet to come. Simon’s increased visibility and the introduction of Miyo added an extra spark to the tale.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in the Well Spring series but of the all, I believe “Spirit Bridge” has to be my favorite. Not only was it a wonderful story but I was personally challenged along with each of the characters as they learned how their own pride, unforgiveness, and need for affirmation opened them to the lies of their enemy.
I shared triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow along with the Warriors Riding. At one point near the end, I was so touched that I wanted to stand up and cheer (but my husband was sleeping). There are not enough words to relate my feelings about events in “Spirit Bridge” but I would recommend it and the entire series to anyone who ever enjoyed a Frank Peretti novel and to those who haven’t. At this point I would like to go back and read through all three novels to glean any nuggets of truth that I missed the first time.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this entire series.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge.
Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.
But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he’s just set it loose.
The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon’s alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there’s Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn’t know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.
If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on. If only they knew how to fight against Zennon’s final assault.
The Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart’s Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of five novels, including the best-seller “Rooms” and award-winning “Soul’s Gate,” the book that precedes “Memory’s Door” in the Well Spring series. Rubart and his wife have two sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about James L. at http://jameslrubart.com.
by admin | Jun 3, 2014 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Again” is a book for those who enjoy plenty of action, improbable situations that stretch the imagination, a strong dose of humor, and some mystery and suspense. This new ebook by John Leatherman has all of that and more in its nearly 400 pages.
Imagine if you will that for every day on the calendar, you get two bonus “preview” days with the third day the only one that will have permanent history. Some would think that would be a fantastic life with plenty of chances for do-overs and maybe even to cash in on knowledge gained during the first two days. Well, that is how Chance Trifle has lived his entire life but he has not found it to be quite the dream life he would like. In fact, at times it could be like living a nightmare. The story chronicles Chance’s first few days as an intern for a television station following his attempt to prevent the murder of a well-known rock star.
I found that I had to stay on my toes to keep up with everything that happened since there were three versions of each day. Sometimes it seemed that even Chance was confused. Overall, this book was quite entertaining with many laughable moments and some perfect opportunities for reflection.Despite his proclivity for trouble, Chance was a likeable character and I was happy that everything turned out well for him in the end.
This book was provided for review by Glass Road Public Relations.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the incredibly intricate storyteller John Leatherman comes a tale with more twists and turns than any episode of Sherlock.For television news intern Chance Trifle, the third time really is the charm. He experiences every day three times, and only what happens on the third version is permanent. The rest of the world seems unaware that each day has two unofficial versions.
Chance’s foreknowledge allows him to get what he thinks is his ticket to journalistic stardom – video of the murder of pop star Prima by record producer Sam Mason. But each unofficial attempt to release the sensational video goes horribly wrong, so on the official days, Chance keeps it secret. Meanwhile, he juggles relationships with two female interns, Danielle Arbusto and Trish Villanova-both captivated by his apparent cleverness.
With every moment Chance sits on the video, he feels more and more in league with a criminal. Obsessed with finding the right way to protect himself, profit from the video, and keep his girlfriends from finding out about each other, Chance misses hearing about the abduction of five-year-old Wendy Starnes until after his last chance to prevent it. Then as he struggles to help find Starnes, the video goes missing and turns up anonymously on the Web. It’s only a matter of time before someone links it to him-and realizes he could have saved Prima and brought a murderer to justice if he hadn’t been so focused on himself.
On the run from conniving coworkers, spurned lovers, determined detectives, bloodthirsty thugs, and fierce mercenaries, can Chance take his mind off personal gain long enough to realize the right way to use his gift?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John Leatherman is a freelance writer, editor, cartoonist, blogger, and cruciverbalist. His fiction has won awards from Word Weavers International, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Guild, Southern Writers, and Florida Christian Writers. When not writing, drawing, editing, puzzling, and fighting crime, Mr. Leatherman maintains a secret identity as a Central Florida software consultant with two kids.
by admin | Sep 1, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Speculative, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
The second book in Rubart’s Well Spring series, “Memory’s Door” continues the story of the Warriors Riding as they continue to seek the Lord and fight spiritual battles as directed by the Holy Spirit. As the team prepares to “go deeper” they are warned that each of them will face greater resistance from the enemy. They soon discover that it is not always easy to identify the enemy’s distractions and must rely on the Spirit’s leading to stay on track.
As in “Soul’s Gate”, the first novel of this series, I found “Memory’s Door” to be brilliant. While it has a fast paced plot with riveting and sometimes amazing action, there is so much more to this story. More than one scene illustrated how the enemy of our soul can appear to us as an angel of light and the entire story draws our attention to how oblivious we are to much of what is going on in the spiritual realm that surrounds us. And what healing could take place in our emotions if we could grasp just a bit of what the team learned about letting go of regrets and walking in forgiveness.
I very much enjoyed both books in this series so far and have recommended them to friends. I am looking forward to the next installment and it cannot be published soon enough as far as I am concerned.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The prophecy brought them together—to fight for the hearts of others and set them free.
But the Wolf has risen, and now their greatest battle begins.
The four members of Warriors Riding have learned to wage war in the supernatural, to send their spirits inside people’s souls, to battle demonic forces, and to bring deep healing to those around them.
But their leader Reece is struggling with the loss of his sight. Brandon is being stalked at his concerts by a man in the shadows. Dana’s career is threatening to bury her. And Marcus questions his sanity as he seems to be slipping in and out of alternate realities.
And now the second part of the prophecy has come true. The Wolf is hunting them, and has set his trap. He circles, feeding on his supernatural hate of all they stand for. And he won’t stop until he brings utter destruction to their bodies . . . and their souls.
Purchase a copy here.
Visit Jim’s website for more.
Watch the trailers:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of five novels, including the best-seller “Rooms” and award-winning “Soul’s Gate,” the book that precedes “Memory’s Door” in the Well Spring series. Rubart and his wife have two sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about James L. at http://jameslrubart.com.
James is celebrating the Memory’s Door release with a fantastic Kindle Fire HD giveaway.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD
- Soul’s Gate and Memory’s Door by James L. Rubart
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 7th. All winners will be announced September 9th at James’ blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit James’ blog on the 9th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to his blog (enter your email in the blog sidebar) and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at 
