Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Review of Divergent

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent Series
 
Pages: 487

Genre: Dystopia fiction, Teen fiction

Rating: 5 stars

     Beatrice Prior lives in a dystopia future Chicago in which each citizen is divided in to five fractions Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) however there is one group that is feared by other fractions the Divergent. Divergent’s are those who do not fit into other fractions.  Beatrice on choosing day chooses to become Dauntless.  This is because she doesn’t fill like she fits into the fraction that she was born into. Once at the Dauntless compound Beatrice meets Four who has his own secrets and changes her name to Tris.
     I read Divergent because my co worker at the library where I work suggested it. She said that if I liked The Hunger Games I would like Divergent. She was right. However you cannot compare the two.  They are two different types of dystopia, but each great in their own way.  While Tris might be small in size her strength comes not only from being brave but more importantly from her selflessness that she does have even it she doesn’t see it. Four does.  Tris cares about her friends and wants to protect them.
     I enjoyed reading Divergent more that I thought I would. From the first page I was hooked.  I times it felt like I was in dystopia Chicago. Even though things in the book are different the reader will still recognize important landmarks from Chicago.  For mainstream teen fiction Divergent is relatively clean and a great book that I don’t mind suggesting to most teens as long as their parents approve. 

Monday, May 27, 2013

Review of Things I Can't Forget


Title: Things I Can’t Forget

Author: Miranda Kenneally

Series: Hundred Oaks # 3

Pages: 320

Genre: Teen Chick lit, real life issues

Rating: 3 stars

     I hadn’t planned on writing a review for  Things I Can’t Forget after reading it. However after thinking it over for a few days I decided to give it a try.  Even though there were things in the book that I do not approve of. It was still a good book.   Kate feels like she made a few mistakes and just wants to be forgiven and for life to go back to normal.
     She ends up being at the same camp as a employee that she attended as a child and runs into her first crush Matt again. Needless to say sparks fly.  While Things I Can’t Forget was a good book it was not as good as the first two books in the Hundred Oaks series at least in my view. Catching Jordan was still my favorite. I would say that this book would have to be for older teens sixteen and up and young adults. 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Reading this week


Finished
Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
A Place for Family by Mia Ross
Jesus was a Country Boy: Life Lessons on Faith, Fishing, and Forgiveness by Clay Walker
The Bride wore spurs by Janet Dean
Though My Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof
How my summer went up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
Pandemonium by Laruen Oliver

Currently reading
Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
The Preacher’s Bride by Laurie Kingery
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Sweetheart Bride by Lenora Worth
Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman
Talon by Ronie Kendig
Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
Instructions for a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson
Non-fiction reading

Getting ready to read
The Rancher Next Door by Betsy St. Amant
His Mountain Miss by Karen Kirst
A Texas-Made Match by Noelle Marchand
Beauty in Disguise by Mary Moore
Hometown Fireman by Lissa Manley
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Alaskan Hero by Terri Wilson
The Marshal Meets His Match by Clari Dees
Towering by Alex Flinn
Courting Hope by Jenna Mindel
The Broke of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
For school 
Not till August
On My Kindle


Reviewing
Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujici
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar
Devotional reading
1Thess

Reviews Posted this week


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Review of The Fairest Beauty



Title:  The Fairest Beauty

 Author:  Melanie Dickerson

Chapters:  29 plus Epilogue

Pages: 335

Genre:  Christian Teen Historical Fiction, retold fairy tales

Rating: 5 stars

          The Fairest Beauty is the sequel in many senses to The Healer’s Apprentice Gabehart or Gabe is Rose and Wihelm’s son. He decides against his parents’ wishes to go recue Duke Baldwin’s daughter Sophie who just happens to be his brother’s bride to be.
          The Fairest Beauty is a retelling of Snow White. That I enjoyed more the actual fairy tale I love that Melanie focuses on faith in God and Jesus as the ones who help to fight off evil. Not the magic that is in the fairy tales that her novels are based on.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Review of The Healer's Apprentice



Title:  The Healer’s Apprentice

 Author:  Melanie Dickerson

Chapters: 28

Pages: 261

Genre: Christian Historical teen fiction fairy tales retold

Rating:  5 stars

          The Healer’s Apprentice is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty that I loved more than the actual fairy tale. Just like with The Merchant’s Daughter Melanie Dickerson makes sure that faith is at the center of the story.  Who needs fairy tales when you can have a story that it full of God’s love.
          Rose is a healer’s apprentice  who doesn’t realize that she is a princess.  A quote at the end that Rose makes sums it up, that regardless of who her parents were she was God’s daughter and a princess all along. I loved that quote and I loved The Healer’s Apprentice. 

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Reading this week


Currently reading
Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
A Place for Family by Mia Ross
Pandemonium by Laruen Oliver
Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
The Preacher’s Bride by Laurie Kingery
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Non-fiction reading
Jesus was a Country Boy: Life Lessons on Faith, Fishing, and Forgiveness by Clay Walker

Getting ready to read
Talon by Ronie Kendig
Below Stairs by Margaret Powell
Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock
Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman
How my summer went up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
The Rancher Next Door by Betsy St. Amant
Sweetheart Bride by Lenora Worth
His Mountain Miss by Karen Kirst
However Long the Night by Aimee Molloy
Taylor’s Gift by Todd Storch
A Texas-Made Match by Noelle Marchand
Adoring Addie by Leslie Gould
Nantucket Blue by Lelia Howland
Life after Theft by Aprillynee Pike
Beauty in Disguise by Mary Moore
Hometown Fireman by Lissa Manley
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Though My Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof
Alaskan Hero by Terri Wilson
The Marshal Meets His Match by Clari Dees
The Bride wore spurs by Janet Dean


For school 
Not till August
On My Kindle


Reviewing
Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujici
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar
Devotional reading
1Thess


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Review of Finally and Forever


Title:  Finally and Forever

 Author:  Robin Jones Gunn

Series: Katie Weldon

Chapters: 21

Pages: 259

Genre:  Christian Teen Fiction

Rating:  5 Stars

          Growing up I loved the Christy Miller series. However Christy wasn’t my character, her best friend Katie Weldon was my favorite. I felt like I related to Katie more than I did to Christy.  Katie likes to do things without thinking things through.
          In Finally and Forever the fourth book in the Katie Weldon and possibly the last book. Though I would love to see more of Katie’s story to find out what happens with her an Eli.  Katie has graduated from college she prayed for a sign of what to do with the whole Eli and Africa thing. She has gotten plenty of signs that point towards going to Africa.
          Katie takes the plunge and follows Eli to Africa. Finally and Forever is pretty much about Katie’s life adjusting to life in Africa and the Adventures in Africa. One of my favorite quotes from the whole series is in this book and it is a quote that Eli says to Katie.

 “I told them that when you were born, God was so delighted that He sent a hundred angels to kiss you while you were in your mother's arms. Every place where the angels kissed you, they left a tiny dot. That way, if you ever forget how greatly you are loved by God, all you have to do is look at your skin, and you will remember.” Robin Jones Gunn

          Even though I don’t want the Katie Weldon series to end, Finally and Forever does give a conclusion to the series.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Review of A Promise to Love



Title: A Promise to Love

 Author:  Serena B Miller

Chapters:  29 plus Epilogue

Pages: 332

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

     Ingrid Larsen is a Swedish Immigrant who wants a better life than that of a servant. Joshua Hunter is a widower father who is at risk of losing his children.  Ingrid in a shock to all asks Joshua to marry her in a marriage of convenience in order for him to keep his children.  Ingrid is a woman with a strong faith who loves his children.  Joshua can’t keep from noticing that she is the complete opposite of his first wife.
     I loved A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller it is the second book that I have read by Serena B. Miller.  The first being The Measure of Katie Ca read my review here. This book is different from the first book, but also the similar in many ways.  Serena said that she based this book on one of her great great grandmother’s life. I guess it is true that fact is stranger than fiction. Serena makes it easy to fall in love with her characters. 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Reading this week


Finished
When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
Assaulted Pretzel by Laura Bradford
Mind over Murder by Allison Kingsley
Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
A Crafty Killing by Lorraine Bartlett

Double-booked for death by Ali Brandon

Currently reading
Trinity: Military War dog by Ronie Kendig
Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Heart of A Rancher by Renee Andrews
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber
Sandwich, with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips 

Non-fiction reading
Jesus was a Country Boy: Life Lessons on Faith, Fishing, and Forgiveness by Clay Walker

Getting ready to read
Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle
Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson
Beauty in Disguise by Mary Moore
The Marshall meets his Match by Clari Dees
A Place for Family by Mia Ross
Talon by Ronie Kendig

The Preacher’s Bride by Laurie Kingery

For school 
Not till August
On My Kindle


Reviewing
Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujici
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
No way Out by Susan Sleeman

Devotional reading
1Thess

Reviews Posted this week

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Prayer request

My mom has to have a surgical biopsy tomorrow at 7AM and would appreciate it if my followers who pray would pray for her, the doctor doing the surgery and  I as I am going to be the only one at the hospital with her.

Thanks 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Review of When a Heart Stops



Title: When a Heart stops

 Author: Lynette Eason

Series:  Deadly Reunions Series

Chapters:  39

Pages:  330

Genre:  Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating:  4 ½ stars

     When a Heart Stops is the second book in the Deadly Reunions series Serena Hopkins is a medical examiners that finds herself the target of a serial killer. They only one who can protect her is FBI Dominic Allen. Who just happens to be her teenage crush. 
     I didn't like The Deadly Reunions Series as much as I like her first series. Though I hope the final book in the series will help to wrap everything up. I did enjoy When A Heart Stops. Lynette’s books have the right balance of romance and suspense. 

Monday, May 6, 2013

May is Military Appreciation Month

Just stopping in to Say that May is Military Appreciation Month.  Not only does the Military service member rather in the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marines need  the appreciation  but so does the family members left at home that allow them to do it. 

Review of No Way Out



Title:  No Way Out

 Author: Susan Sleeman


Series: Love Inspired Suspense, The Justice Agency

Chapters:  18 plus epilogue

Pages: 218

Genre:  Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating:  4 ½ stars

     No Way Out by Susan Sleeman is the first book that I have read by her and it will not be the last.  It is a book in the Justice Agency series. An Agency founded by siblings who have law enforcement backgrounds in order to help others.
     I enjoyed reading this novel. I like romantic suspense that has a balance between the suspense and romance, and Susan Sleeman’s books have the right balance.  I highly suggest.  No way Out and the rest of The Justice Agency books as well as others by Susan Sleeman.

     I received  a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. 


You can find more information about Susan Sleeman and her books at http://www.susansleeman.com/books/by-series/the-justice-agency/ 



Sunday, May 5, 2013

Reading this week


Finished
Bound to the Warrior by Barbara Phinney
StarStruck by Rachel Shukert
Bluegrass Bachelors by Jennifer Johnson
Starting Now by Debbie Macomber
Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd
A Promise to Love by Serena Miller
Hearse and Buggy by Laura Bradford
Courting Cate by Leslie Gould 


Currently reading
Trinity: Military War dog by Ronie Kendig
Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Heart of A Rancher by Renee Andrews
Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell
When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
Ashton Park by Murray Pura
Assaulted Pretzel by Laura Bradford
Knot What it Seams by Elizabeth Craig
Non-fiction reading


Getting ready to read
Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle
Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson
Beauty in Disguise by Mary Moore
The Marshall meets his Match by Clari Dees
Dark Triumph by R.L. LaRevers
A Place for Family by Mia Ross
Jane Austen Goes to Holly Wood by Abby McDonald

For school 
Not till August
On My Kindle


Reviewing
Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujici
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
No way Out by Susan Sleeman

Devotional reading
1Thess

Reviews Posted this week