by admin | Nov 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHand Me Down PrincessCANDID Publications (August 31, 2015)byCarol MoncadoABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When she’s not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle, or Girl Meets World with her kids. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids – and the dog – race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she’s teaching American Government at a local community college. She’s a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Prince Malachi Van Renssalaer of Mevendia is getting married. The problem? He’s never even met his bride. His father arranged everything, right down to the marriage contract. Malachi swears to himself that he will be nothing like his father in the ways that count – including his fidelity to his wife.
Jessabelle Keller would happily spend her entire life in obscurity, but her father once saved the life of a future king. Before he dies, her father is committed to seeing that king make good on his promise to have one of his sons marry her so she would be taken care of for life.
No sooner than Prince Malachi and Jessabelle return from their honeymoon, they find themselves dealing with both private trauma and the very public drama of groundless accusations from the press. Just as they begin to weave their fragile trust back together, a ghost from the king’s past arrives and threatens everything they’ve ever held dear.
Secrets have a funny way of coming out and this one could rip the faith of the country in their leaders to shreds. Malachi is determined to protect Jessabelle no matter what it takes, but will it ever be enough for her to not feel like a Hand-Me-Down Princess?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hand Me Down Princess, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Hand Me Down Princess is a fantastical tale of a young woman who considers herself an ugly duckling who finds herself in an arranged marriage to a prince. Fortunately Jessabelle’s new husband has a strong faith and wants his marriage to succeed. Under his patient and tender care, Jessabelle is slowly transformed into a confidant and beautiful princess whose caring heart wins over even those who were first against her.
This book was a bit of a surprise to me. Expecting the usual royal romance, I soon found that there was much more to Hand Me Down Princess. Life as a royal was depicted with its downside as well as the glamour involved. And then there was mystery, danger, intrigue, and suspense. Prince Malichi and Jessabelle’s story line wrapped up quite nicely but there were a couple of unresolved situations that I am hoping will be continued in a future book.
by admin | Nov 18, 2015 | Contemporary Fiction, Speculative
MY REVIEW:
I had mixed feeling about “The Five Times I Met Myself”. On one hand, it was a fairly interesting tale and the primary character was a fairly strong Christian who claimed to depend on God’s guidance. On the other hand, I had a few misgivings about Brock’s belief that God wanted him to use lucid dreaming to encounter his younger self in order to influence his future. Overall, I liked the story okay but might have enjoyed a bit more dialogue and action. It did not move along as quickly and smoothly as I might have liked.
I often grew frustrated with Brock and his determination to keep trying to change the future when it was apparent that things kept going from bad to worse every time he tried. I also had a bit of difficulty keeping it all sorted out – whether Brock was in the present, in a dream, or reliving old memories. Despite any of my frustrations, I was quite happy with the way things ended and all the truths that Brock learned through his experience led to restoration and reconciliation within his family. There is much a reader can learn from this story and it will most likely come back to my mind at odd times in the future.
As with all books by James Rubart, “The Five Times I Met Myself” is one that should appeal to fans of speculative fiction – those who always ask the question “what if?” If you are one of those people, don’t hesitate to pick up a copy for yourself.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if you met your twenty-three-year-old self in a dream? What would you say?
Brock Matthews’ once promising life is unraveling. His coffee company. His marriage.
So when he discovers his vivid dreams—where he encounters his younger self—might let him change his past mistakes, he jumps at the chance. The results are astonishing, but also disturbing.
Because getting what Brock wants most in the world will force him to give up the one thing he doesn’t know how to let go . . . and his greatest fear is that it’s already too late.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel “Rooms” as well as “Book of Days,” “The Chair,” “Soul’s Gate,” “Memory’s Door,” and “Spirit Bridge.” He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about James L. at http://jameslrubart.com.
by admin | Nov 16, 2015 | Bibles, Books
MY REVIEW:
The new ESV Journaling Bible is an attractive package that should make many happy. In fact it would be the perfect Christmas gift for someone in your life who likes to write or create word art in their Bible. This edition is packaged in a slipcase for extra protection. Its hard cover is surrounded with an imitation suede type fabric that is pleasing to the touch. Outer margins on each page are wide enough to write or draw on and the pages are printed on high quality paper.
Readers with older eyes may not be happy with this particular edition because the print is very small. In fact, the Bible itself comes in at just under 7 x 8 inches in size. I personally fall into the group with older eyes and even with my glasses, the print is difficult for me to read. I plan to pass on my copy to a younger friend who has been wanting a journaling Bible for awhile.
Except for the smallish print, I give this Bible a hearty thumbs up. Be sure to consider it for someone on your Christmas list.
For a chance to win a copy for yourself, please check out my giveaway HERE.
This book was provided for review by FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network.
About the ESV Journaling Bible:
The ESV Journaling Bible provides the perfect way for you to keep a journal of your spiritual life right inside the Bible that you read and study each day. With covers and formats that look like the finest journals, the Journaling Bible features two-inch ruled margins for writing observations, reflections, prayers, praises, notes, and journal entries. This unique Bible makes a great gift and lasting keepsake for anyone who values God’s Word.
Features:
- Black letter text
- Double-column, paragraph format
- Cream-colored paper
- 2″ ruled margins
- One-Year Bible Reading Plan
- Introductions and section headings for each Bible book
Retail Price: $37.99
About Crossway:
The purpose of Crossway has been, from its founding as a not-for-profit ministry in 1938, to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. They seek to help people understand the massive implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word, for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God.
by admin | Nov 16, 2015 | Bibles, Giveaways
For a chance to win a copy of the ESV Journaling Bible, please leave a comment on this post no later than Friday, November 20. One winner will be selected and will have a copy mailed to them directly from the promoter.
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
A winner has been chosen using the random.org number generator. Mindy is the lucky winner. I will be contacting her immediately to make arrangements for getting her new Bible to her.
