Book Review: Unspoken

You hear a lot about what a great suspense writer Dee Henderson is, and after reading the prequel to the O'Malley series, which was well written, I was ready to start a suspense novel from her. 

The first portion droned on and on about antique coins, how to date them, sell them, and all about them. At first learning about the coins was interesting but after a while it really was quite tedious. Throughout the story I was constantly waiting for that bombshell of mystery, suspense and action, but sadly it never came. The story plot held real promise, but it was not executed properly. The rest of the story was showing how Charlotte closed one chapter of her life to begin a new one. I never really bonded well with Charlotte, leaving little room for sympathy from my part.  Though the writing in itself was great, the dialogue very natural, and the details well researched, the story seemed lacking. 

I received this book for free, from Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Music Review: Our God Comes by Antioch Live

The album Our God Comes by Antioch Live debuted Sept. 19, 2013 reaching #2 on iTunes in the Christian charts. The album's genre is classified under Christian pop, however it is not limited to that. There were slow and instrumental songs that could easily be listened to during your prayer time. The fourteen soul stirring songs are each unique and for the most part written by the same group of people. The different instruments presented in the CD were well orchestrated throughout adding tremendously to all the songs. The rich baritones and sopranos were pleasing to the ears and clearly conveyed the message of their songs. The lyrics were clean and purely Godly portraying Him in his goodness, etc all the while praising only Him. 

I greatly enjoyed this CD and will continue to listen to it! You may visit their website cleardaymediagroup.com or visit AntiochCC.com to learn more about Antioch Live and the Antioch Church Movement.

I received this CD for free, from BB Media, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review: Beyond These Hills

In the year 1934, the government starts purchasing property in the Cades Cove to establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of the families have already sold and moved out, but the Martin's and Jackson's are determined to save their land. 

In this book we find a group of firm believers learning to trust God with their future. They learn to show love to others, even when it seems hard. Each character holds such rich christian morals that were very edifying to the reader. I enjoyed reading all three books in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series. Each book focused on the next generation of woman in the Martin family, drawing one closer to the family. 

The only fault found in this book is the speed in which Laurel and Andrew fell in love. It did not feel genuine. With that said there romance was still sweet and God fearing. 

I received this book for free, from First Wild Cards, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.

Book Review: Truth Seekers

Twins, Jake and Jen, endure a move to Israel to stay with a father they barely know all-the-while mourning for their deceased mother.

Bill Myers creates an interesting book for teenagers to learn about trusting God for everything. Cool machines, quirky scientists, interesting facts, silly humor, and spiritual elements make their way creatively throughout the book. I love how the author makes references to the spiritual world of demons,  which most authors refrain from, and  shows how to handle them biblically.  

Whether it be when Jen learns to grow in her relationship with the Lord, getting over the fear of demons, and learning to love, each character's personal problems teaches the reader a lesson. 

The twins did some questionable actions including stealing a woman's wig, breaking and entering, and did not receive any consequences. The sometimes overplayed humor seemed to degrade the literary work, but no doubt younger children will love it. 

I received this book for free, from BH, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.

Book Review- Snow on the Tulips

Cornelia, a young woman who understands the cruel realities of war firsthand, waits patiently at home for the allies to deliver the Netherlands from Nazi rule. She loves her quiet routined life but that changes when she has to hide her younger brother Johan. Not content to sit on his hands, Johan seeks adventure and brings one home in the form of Gerrit, a Dutch Resistance member. While nursing Gerrit back to health, Cornelia and her family learn invaluable lessons of true courage, love, faith, and lasting hope. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The author crafted her characters so thoroughly they resonated with my soul. Each character, even the secondary characters, added a unique dimension to the story. They each faced personal trials that made for many personal reflections. 

Liz kept the book very spiritual aligned. She portrayed many conflicting dilemmas like what is true obedience? Is it Ok to lie to save someone's life? She evenly portrayed different peoples point of view of the war, giving the reader a full picture.

Liza Tolsma crafted a wonderful WW2 novel including a gripping plot, endearing characters, and a well researched setting. The book being based on the authors family history makes the story all the more valuable and interesting. 

I received this book for free, from Litfuse, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- Last Night

Last Light, is the first book to the Restoration Series. Terri Blackstock creates a wonderful what if tale of the possibility of the power leaving the whole country. Cars are stalled in the middle of the road, brand-new generators fail to work, even watches stop working and the modern world is thrust in utter darkness of the 1800's. The Branning family witnesses firsthand the desperation the lack of electricity 

induces. While battling thoughts of hoarding their possessions versus sharing them they learn how to work as a family, trust in God, and live without electricity. 

I enjoyed the authors unique story line. I was immediately drawn to the many hardships the different characters faced. The book allowed for many thoughts of reflection. What would I do without electricity? How would I survive? I loved how the everything in the story tied together in the end. My only complaint was the fact that the Branning family was presented as a christian family. They did not act very Christ-like before the power outage, but they did receive a Christ intervention in their lives. 

I cannot wait to continue my journey with the Branning family in the next books of the series. I

received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.