All God's Children by Anna Schmidt ~ Review

Review:
Beth has lived in Germany for eight years, and she has learned to blend in speaking and dressing like a German, but the one thing that hasn't change is her American way of thinking and her tender heart. Beth cannot leave the country because she gave away her visa to a friend who needed to leave the country.
Beth has been living with her uncle and aunt, helping to care for Liesl, her beloved niece. One day her uncle brings home a former student, Josef, to come an live in their attic while he finishes medical school. Josef is fluent in English because he attended college in Boston, but he serves the Germans now as a medic.
Beth and Josef grow close, and join a resistance group known as the "White Rose." When Josef is arrested for his anti-Nazi activities, Beth does the unthinkable, marrying him and sharing in his concentration camp sentence.

This was a wonderful book, that accurately portrayed life in Germany during WWII, with meticulously done research that enriched the book. This story told the story of the bravery and sacrifice of heroes, who endured the unimaginable in the concentration camps. This book did a good job of accurately telling of the horrors and inhumane treatment that the prisoners of the centration camps suffered, yet it was described in a way where I got a full sense of the levity of the situation, yet it wasn't too overwhelming.

So much of this book is based on true historical events, I feel like I learned so much. The author took such a sad, horrific time in history and told a compelling story glistening with rays of hope that kept me reading. The story was so much more inspiring because it was based on true events.

Josef was a good honorable, intelligent man, who doesn't just stand by but was willing to take action to save his country. There was depth and internal struggle to his character, because he wanted more than anything to protect Beth and keep her safe, even though she insisted upon staying at his side.

Beth was a beautiful woman inside and out, willing to make large sacrifices with no second thought to her own safety, putting others first. At first I thought she was insane for staying by Josef's side and into the concentration camp, but at the same time I immensely admired her loyalty. Their relationship was truly tested and refined by fire till it rang true.

One thing that was interesting was that Beth and her family were Quakers, and that backround made her good at being still before God and seeking his guidance. Her faith saw her through so much. But because Quakers focus on looking "in" rather than looking to God's word I felt that a very important foundation of faith was missing.

Faith, hope & love are strong themes in this book, as Josef and Beth were tested to the brink. There was a full cast of characters who added color and depth to the story. When I picked this book up I was afraid that it would be terribly depressing but instead it was utterly engaging full of action, suspense, danger, drama, and touches of humor, as well as a realistic view of what the German's did in Germany and elsewhere. Definitely a book that I would highly recommend.

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, through Netgalley.
 

One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul ~ Review

 Leo's Review:

Cantor is one of the gift realm walkers, blessed and cursed with the gift to walk the line between realms. But through the years the Realm Walkers Guild has become corrupt and there are those who masquerade about as if they were realm walkers.
One of the first things Cantor must do is find a dragon constant to help him on his quests. Cantor finds a young dragon, Bridger who desperately wants to be Cantors constant.
With the help of his new friends, Bixby and Dumkee, and his dragon constant Bridger, Cantor prepares to embark on the greatest adventure of his life.

An action filled adventure, with engaging characters. One of my favorites was Bridger the dragon, who was so gifted just like Cantor with ever helpful spirit and a charmingly determined attitude.

Overall this was a great start to what is sure to be a great adventure, and a great book for fans of Donita K. Paul!

Disclosure of Material Connection:I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Strait of Hormuz by Davis Bunn ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Global tensions are high, and the threat of an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz hovers over their heads.
Marc Royce and Kitra Korban team up to get to the bottom of it, but with Iran on the brink of nuclear weapon capability, time is running out.

Filled with intrigue and fast pacing this was the third in a series, yet I was able to jump right in even though I hadn't read the previous books. Though it was a bit hard to figure out where he stood in his relationship to Kitra without having read the first few books.

This was a terrific military thriller with plenty of adventure written in a hard to put down style. Now that I am finished with this one I fully intend to go back and read the first two!

Every chapter was filled with action, adventure, and plenty of explosions! Definitely a great read, especially if you HAVE read the first books in the series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Claiming the Cowboy's Heart by Linda Ford ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Jayne is determined to learn how to shoot a gun, but there is nobody willing to help her, she decides to go and try it on her own. But her shooting adventure goes wrong when she accidently hits a cowboy who was minding his own business, called Seth.
Seth believes someone is out to get him, so he gets on his horse and rides away, but can only make it so far. Later Jayne's brother finds Seth and brings him home with him.
And one of the first things he is determined to do while he is stuck in Eden Valley is teach Jayne how to shoot properly!

Another addition to the popular Cowboys of Eden Valley, brings back many of the wonderful side characters like the hugging cook and her preacher husband.

This was a good read, though not quite hooking me the way I would have liked, and I don't really know why because I typically love these kind of books.

Overall this was good book, and while it didn't quite hook me it would be a good one to read if you are a fan of the series. It had positive themes of faith, and it really picked up near the end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Anna's grandfather is the strictest bishop the district has ever had, and that strictness begins at home.
Jacob's family has just moved from their home district to get away from any lingering memories that remind them of their loss.
Anna likes Jacob right away, but she overhears the other young men of the community warning him off, and telling him that Anna is "undateable" because of her overbearing grandfather. Anna is determined to change that perception, so she asks Jacob to the next singing, but because of unforeseen circumstances they never quite make it to the singing, and as a result Anna is forbidden from ever seeing Jacob again.

Plain Peace brings back many familiar faces and introduces us to new ones as well, I liked Marianne, Anna's grandmother who has the kindest of hearts, and more than a few secrets as well.

This book has mystery, and romance with many intertwining plotlines that join and pull apart, weaving a rich tale of depth and community. The setting is realistic, and the dialogue brings that characters to life!

Overall, this was a heartwarming read that brings the message of forgiveness and the great gift of God's forgiveness. A terrific book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

His Ideal Match by Arlene James ~ Review

Review:

Phillip Chatam had spent his life going from one job to another. He is always looking for the next big adventure, never staying in one place for long. But he knows that he can always return to Chatam house, if he needs to take a break and a place to stay.
Carissa Hopper has always lived paycheck to paycheck trying to support her three children after the loss of her husband, the house, and now her business. She has nowhere to go, but Chatam house where her aunt and uncle work.

I liked Phillip from the very beginning because he was willing to just jump in and help Carissa in anyway that he could, and quickly befriends her children, Tucker and Grace, even though it takes awhile for her oldest, Nathan to warm to him.

Carissa and Phillip have an elastic relationship, they are drawn to one another, but then one pulls back, causing the other to pull back as well. And they both struggle with their insecurities and not feeling "good enough."

There are plenty of wonderful side characters, that really brought the story to life and if you have read any of the previous books in the series you will love and recognize them. I especially loved Phillip's dear Aunt Odelia.

This was a great book, with great distinctly individual characters that worm their way into your heart.
This book captures both the grief-filled moments and the joyous ones alike, making for a well balanced heart-warming read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Pioneer Christmas by Kathleen Fuller, Vickie McDonough, Lauraine Snelling, Margaret Brownley, Marcia Gruver, Cynthia Hickey, Shannon McNear, Michelle Ule, and Anna Carrie Urquhart ~ Review

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Lucie's Review:

This collection of heartwarming Christmas love stories span a wide range of time and place, from the Revolutionary War and the Alaska Gold Rush, to homesteads in Dakota Territory to a ranch in Arizona. This collection has both fast-paced stories, and a wide variety, making it a book sure to please!

All of the stories have strong themes of faith, love, and Christmas, interwoven throughout as well as other messages of loving your enemies and holding onto faith in the midst of loss.

The Calling was one of the most symbolic about a young couple making their way to an inn for Christmas. One of my favorite stories was A Pony Express Christmas!

The Christmas Castle, The Cowboy's Angel, A Badland's Christmas are all stories with strong, honorable cowboys. The Buckskin Bride also had a fantastic and persistent hero, who could really pull on the charm by pulling out his Irish accent!

Another of my favorite's was The Gold Rush Bride, about twins Samantha and Peter, and their friend Miles who travel to Alaska to find Samantha and Peter's father. The setting was beautiful and dangerous, and very realistic to what they would have had to face.

Overall a terrific collection of wonderful stories. I enjoyed every single one. A terrific Christmas gift for you or a friend :)


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Glittering Promises by Lisa Tawn Bergren ~ Review

Cora Kensington has travelled Europe with her newfound family, but as their journey draws to a close, Cora must make a decision about who she really is and what path she will choose for her future. All the while she is being pursued by journalists who want to know everything about her because they believe they have found the story of the century with Cora's real life Cinderella story. Cora must come to terms with who she truly is, and where she came from, while trying to protect those who have become dear to her, while not hurting the friend who has stood by her side through it all.

A thrilling conclusion to Ms. Bergren's fantastic Grand Tour Series, with many hidden and unexpected twists along the way. Glittering Promises weaves an intriguing web, that comes together beautifully in unexpected ways.

I would definitely recommend reading the entire series in order, because this book picks up right where the second book left off making it perfect for someone who has read the whole series. but a tougher start for someone who hasn't read the whole story from the beginning.

Cora is a strong heroine, with tough decisions ahead of her. She is easy to connect with and the kind of heroine that you immediately cheer for and continue to cheer for throughout. And I have adored Will from the very beginning, he is steady and loyal, yet strong and even his flaws make him a better hero.

I loved how this book told the story not just through Cora's eyes, but every once in a while I was shown the story from Will's angle which added a depth to the story, and added a believable objectiveness of sorts to it.

Overall this is an excellent conclusion to a terrific series as Cora finds where her true identity lies, and comes to terms with her father and the past. A thrilling story filled with romance, adventure, in a way that evokes Downton Upstairs Downstairs, or the Forsytes but in a much more positive light!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it in a review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Sadie's Secret by Kathleen Y'Barbo ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Sadie Callum is good at what she does. In her job with the Pinkerton Agency she uses her education and training to solve cases, and see justice dealt. That's what she did for Will Tucker. However it has come to the attention of the Pinkertons that the Will Tucker behind bars is not the same one initially arrested, so it is up to Sadie to find out which Will Tucker is which.
Jefferson Tucker is a man of faith who works for the London Bureau of Investigation, and has been wrongfully imprisoned in the place of his identical twin, Will Tucker.
Jefferson and Sadie must work together to get everything straightened out.

This story is both a mystery and a romance, but it does take awhile to get there. Sadie and Jefferson interact well with each other, their communication is natural. And many of the characters from the previous books return, as this adventure takes Sadie and Jefferson across the country, with a very realistic setting.

Overall, this is a winding adventure full of secrets that are slowly revealed over the course of the story, and this book provides a good conclusion to the lives of Will Tucker.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Treacherous Slopes by Terri Reed ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Nick Walsh is gearing up for the Ski Jump competition of his life, with one thing in mind to win gold for his late brother. But when reporter Julie Frost insists on writing a story on him, it complicates things. Nick has never liked reporters since his brother's death when reporters made his brother out to be a drug addict, and falsely smeared his brother's name on every newspaper sports section.
But suddenly new evidence comes to light that could clear and Nick's brother and lead them to an even more frightening truth.

Full of suspense and mystery, Treacherous Slopes makes for a hard to put down read with two great main characters that were very well developed.

Nick struggles with coming to terms with his brother's death and the aftermath in the media. And in Julie he meets his match.

I don't want to give too much away, but this was a terrific read, perfect for getting you excited for the upcoming Sochi 2014 Olympics! I would definitely recommend this book because of it's great message and plot that made it nearly impossible to put down!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Sugarplum Homecoming by Linda Goodnight ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Lana Ross grew up in Whisper Falls, and left as soon as she could never planning to return, but now she needs a safe place for her and her niece Sydney to start over. Sydney is the daughter of Lana's twin sister Tess, but Lana is raising her as her own, and Lana will do whatever it takes to give Sydney a better life, even if it means returning to her hometown where many painful memories lie.

I loved Lana's story because it showed a drastic change in her choices and how giving her life over to Christ had a real, lasting impact on her lifestyle and choices. Lana still struggles with the consequences of her past, and she is still learning, but her faith is genuine and strong, and she looks to God for courage. Lana owns up to her past, maybe too much, but her journey felt real and compelling.

I really like Davis too, he is widower with 2 children, Nathan and Paige, who have decided that they need a mother.

This was such a sweet book, with great characters who interacted well with each other and formed natural bonds. If you have read the previous books in this series you will recognize the town and the side characters like Miss Evelyn and Uncle Digger. A wonderful book to get you ready and roaring for Christmas!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Return of the Cowboy Doctor by Lacy Williams ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Maxwell White is a man with great potential, the one thing that he doesn't have is money, two years shy of a medical degree. So he returns home to his family's ranch in Wyoming, but on the first day back in town a man gets shot and Max offers to help him, and that is how he meets the doctor's daughter, Hattie.
Hattie has been assisting her father since she was a little girl, and longed to become a doctor herself, but when her father asks Max to help out at the clinic she becomes jealous and sees him as a rival. But can their healing talents bring them together instead?

Max is a terrific hero, with a wonderful family that always sets him straight. I loved how Max was willing to fight for his love's dreams even if she didn't see him in it, and he never gave up.

This was a great story that moved at a steady pace, with great dialogue. The setting was well done and realistic. I always love revisiting the White family to see how they've grown. By the end I think my favorite character was Max, because he never gave up! Great book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

Review:

When poor lawyer Benjamin Ross finds Susanna in a the library reading, during a party he can't help but be impressed at her intelligence, even though he remembers her as a stuck up rich girl. He soon finds that she is a smart woman, with a heart for the less fortunate who runs a school for the daughters of widows.
Though at first they seem an unlikely team, Ben and Susanna come to admire and respect the other as they work together to prove a man everyone believes to be guilty, and innocent man.

Both Susanna and Ben are strong, compassionate, and God-fearing. They both are well developed and admirable characters. Susanna was more concerned about what she could do to help others, than other people thought of her. Ben was an honorable man with a keen mind, who was willing to listen to counsel from the mentors in his life.

This book had so much going on, full of mystery, suspense, and drama.  The dialogue between Susanna and Ben was one of my favorite things because it was so natural and showed rather than told the slow but steady growth of their relationship. I also loved how they wrote letters to each other with code names.

The setting was well researched, and I felt that this book did a great job of showing the social and political tensions leading up to the Revolutionary War.

Overall this was a terrific novel, in which the historical setting was brought to live before my eyes. Furthermore, Ben and Susanna were definitely the kind of heroes that I could cheer for, totally worth knowing and emulating. A wonderful book that celebrates the faith, courage, and intelligence that this country was founded on.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Promise by Glorious Films Review + Giveaway!

My Review:

 

A well written musical that so accurately brings to life the events surrounding Jesus' birth. Some of the songs were taken word for word from scripture! I could tell that the makers of this film paid close attention to detail really thought about what it would have been like back then going through what they did.

 

Zacharias was portrayed in a fun way, because he couldn't speak for quite some time, and I liked how they had fun with that in a tasteful way.

 

Overall this was a lovely production that did a fantastic job portraying Christ's birth and with well written melodies song in beautiful melding harmonies that evoked the emotion of Christmas. My favorite part was when the angels appeared to the shepherds and then they went to sing to Jesus and tell the town.

I would definitely say that this would be a movie worth seeing.

 

 

 

THE PROMISE

The Promise: The Birth of the Messiah is an animated musical celebration of one of the most pivotal events in all human history, the birth of Jesus Christ.

This beautifully crafted musical is a faithful adaptation of the birth narrative from the Gospel of Luke in both story and song. The animated production leverages optical motion technology to blend traditional animation techniques with the performance talents of ballet dancers and dramatic stage actors. The result is a unique and worshipful story experience that will inspire audiences young and old for years to come.

SYNOPSIS

In ancient Israel, during the days of King Herod, a young couple’s world is turned upside down when the prophecy of a long-awaited deliverer unfolds upon their lives. They must trust in God’s promise in the midst of rising challenges, and their faithfulness is rewarded as they witness the most surprising and glorious event of all human history – the promise fulfilled in the birth of the Messiah.

 

ABOUT GLORIOUS FILMS

Glorious Films is the home of high quality entertainment products created from a strong biblical worldview. The creative and technical teams are world-class and have come to from all over the globe. Their first film, The Promise, is an animated musical about the nativity story that will be released in 2013. The second film, The Prodigal, an animated musical based on the parable of the prodigal son, is in production for a Spring 2014 release.

 

Website: http://www.gloriousfilms.com/thepromise/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GloriousFilms

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gloriousfilms

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/gloriousfilms/

Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQBjkkF1ddU

 

Giveaway time! US Residents only please.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."