BookLook – Page 4

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest: A BookLook Blogger Review

June 3, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

Fairy tales are my new favorite genre since discovering Melanie Dickerson’s books. I never really thought about fairy tales for adults even though some of my favorite movies are these classic stories. I was eagerly anticipating her newest installment and was not a bit disappointed!

This story centers around Odette, the orphaned daughter of a wealthy merchant being raised by her uncle and burdened in her heart for the other poor children and orphans of her village. During the day Odette teaches and trains the littlest ones ignored by most of society. At night she illegally poaches from the King’s forest to help feed the destitute. She remembers very well the pain of losing her parents as well as what it was like to beg, steal, and live without while she waited for her uncle to come claim her.

Odette is passionate and beautiful, desired by many men in her village, but her uncle has allowed her the freedom to choose whom she will marry rather than force an unwanted man upon her. Enter Jorgan: The forester to the Margrave who is out to seek revenge for his adopted father’s death by a poacher. Circumstance brings them together and attraction keeps them seeking one another’s company, but the complicated matter of Odette’s nighttime occupations presents a very real problem, not to mention danger.

As usual with Dickerson’s novels I was drawn into the story within just the first few paragraphs. I loved that Odette was more than just a pretty face and in fact is irritated by those who only see her outward appearance and nothing more. She is more super hero than fair maiden as her one desire is to provide for the poor orphans in her community. This retelling of Swan Lake with overtones of Robin Hood will capture your interest and heart and pull you into its medieval backdrop.

Read this and you will fall in love with the fairy tale all over again.

Disclaimer: I received The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest as part of the Booklook Blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. These opinions are my own.

Fairy Tale Romance Collection by Melanie Dickerson: A BookLook Blogger Review

April 4, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

Like most girls, I love a good princess story. Some of my favorite stories growing up were fairy tale stories. Good versus evil, conflict, good wins…it doesn’t get much better than that! At least I thought it didn’t.

Melanie Dickerson is an author I only recently discovered. I had the chance to review The Princess Spy. At the time I had no idea this was part of a series of princess novels written by her! I was delighted to have the chance to review the entire collection. This collection includes all of the previously published titles in the Fairy Tale Romance Collection: The Healer’s Apprentice, The Merchant’s Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, and The Princess Spy.

Only after I began reading more from this series did I realize that these are actually loosely based on well-known fairy tales. This made them that much more fun for me! I’ve always loved the classic fairy tales and reading these updated versions have been simply delightful. I’m so glad I had a few days without a lot to do so I could read to my hearts content. Whether you fancy Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella, the Princess and the Frog or Sleeping Beauty or perhaps even Snow White, you will find a heroine in one of these brilliantly crafted novels.

The best part of this series is that woven throughout these classics are stories of faith. I’ve never before read fairy tale stories which made me feel closer to God. The journey the characters take with their faith is never forced or tossed in as an after thought. I love how even in the fairy tale setting I can relate to the struggles the heroines and heroes face. These stories were excellent reminders that God sees us all as individuals, no matter our status, and pursues us relentlessly.

While these are classified as young adult novels, which I definitely no longer am, I thoroughly enjoyed each story. My daughters are still too young for young adult literature, but in the not to distant future I’m going to very much enjoy sharing this collection with them.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Deception on Sable Hill: A Booklook Blogger Review

April 1, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

Last year I read one of the best fiction books I’ve come across in a very long time. Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray was one of those novels you lose sleep over as you convince yourself that just one more chapter won’t hurt your sleep any. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and my delight was doubled when I discovered the second book in the Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series!

As much as I loved the first book in this series, I think this second one may be even better! I love a good historical novel, especially when the history is intertwined seamlessly as it is in Shelley Gray’s novels. I never feel like I’m reading a textbook as I do with some author’s and I’m always drawn to learn more about the time period presented.

The story opens where Secrets of Sloane House left off. The main characters were introduced towards the end of the previous novel and I was excited to see them more fully developed. Eloisa is a socialite, the woman every man desires to have on his arm, and the victim of rape. This secret which she guards very closely threatens to tear her apart as news begins to increase of the Society Slasher who is attacking women of her social standing all over the city.

In the midst of the turmoil Eloisa is drawn to an unlikely man for comfort and refuge. Sean Ryan, an Irish policeman from a very poor background, becomes the one person with whom she feels safe. Their social differences are enough, however, to give pause to even a friendship. As their relationship grows, so does the fear and danger gripping Chicago’s elite.

Intrigue, romance, and faith are woven together into a beautiful novel. I had to force myself to set this aside and not simply read it in one setting. Although I love to read, there have been few books in recent memory which have captivated me as Shelly Gray’s have. I hope there are more novels to come in this excellent series!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Plague of Unicorns: A BookLook Blogger Review

March 28, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

I remember getting the list of books I would read for my adolescent literature class in college and anxiously perusing the list of authors. I recognized most of the names, but Jane Yolen was one I had never read. After the one required book by Yolen I was soon checking out one after the other from the library knowing each would be an excellent read. I was over-the-moon excited when I saw her name appear with an opportunity to read another of her novels!

My oldest daughter, Rose who is 9, read this as part of her school work, but I can honestly say I know it didn’t feel like school when she read it! More than once I caught her taking the book away from the schoolroom to read just one more chapter as she couldn’t wait to get to the end!

The reading level was probably at 3rd-4th grade and while Rose’s ability is a few grades above that, she thoroughly enjoyed the story and quality of writing. I had planned for her to read this over the course of two weeks but I was pushing it to make her stretch it throughout the week!

When I asked her what her favorite part was she told me she liked how they made up a plan to get rid of the unicorns. She really liked the adventure aspects of of this story. She really enjoys fantasy and I liked how the unicorns were given a different role than most stories. Instead of being a good thing in this land, the unicorns are actually like a plague which must be overcome. This coming-of-age story will delight all ages is a great introduction to the genre of fantasy.

I highly recommend this book and Rose has already loaned it out to her cousin to read with a glowing review!

I Can Learn the Bible: A BookLook Blogger Review

March 28, 2015 Grace-Filled Writer

Ever since my oldest daughter was just an infant we have made an effort to teach our children biblical truth. Rose was barely old enough to sit on her own when we started having family devotions with her. I remember clearly the sweet little board book devotional I picked out from a Christian Bookstore which was going out of business. It had just a few sentences on each page and a song to go with each of the devotions. It was great for tiny tots and we enjoyed starting out with this. We also have multiple children’s Bibles with pictures and stories and questions that we have used as they grew.

I have loved these previous resources, but I am ready for something more. Each of my girls has professed their faith in Christ and I have wanted something for our devotional time as a family which addressed more areas of discipleship.

I was so very excited to have the opportunity to review I Can Learn the Bible by Holly Hawkins Shivers. This children’s version of the Joshua Code has been exactly what my husband and I have been looking for to use with our girls. The cover of the book struck me as being adorable, but I wasn’t sure if it was going to really challenge my girls or grow them further in their relationship with Christ. They already know most of the Bible history by heart and I really wanted them to begin to engage more personally with Scripture. This sweet cover does not even begin to express the depth of truth my girls are gaining from it!

Subjects ranging from world view to your purpose as Christian are covered in a very real, yet understandable way for elementary children. Many of the topics were not ones I had really thought about addressing with my daughters who are 9, 7, and 5. I love answering their questions, but with this devotional we have been able to have a more direct, proactive approach to discussing certain topics. A key Scripture verse is included for each week as well as discussion questions and challenges for you as a family. It also ends with a suggested prayer to help you guide your children to know how to pray about what they are learning.

We are at war with our culture for the hearts of our children. I need as many weapons, both defensive and offensive as possible. Through resources like this we are more prepared for the battle and are preparing these sweet little hearts to know how to live godly lives.

Moses Leads the People: A BookLook Blogger Review

December 18, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

My girls are always excited when I get new books for them to review. This time I received Moses Leads the People, an I Can Read book from Zonderkids. This book is part of the Adventure Bible series. She also reviewed the bigger kids full version of the Bible which she absolutely loved. This shorter version of the history of Moses is perfect for her and right on her reading level.

This is a great series of books to use with early readers because for many kids they are already familiar with what happened. Grace was so proud of herself to be able to read this on her own. She was quite giddy as she ran off to her room to read during her afternoon quiet time. She returned about 20 minutes later and said, “Mommy! I read all the words by myself!”

The beautiful pictures only add to the loveliness of this book. The artistry engaged my daughter as well. She spent quite a bit of time gazing at all the lovely illustrations while she was reading. I loved watching her because she would turn a page and take in the entire illustration before starting to read the words. She was so sweet about it!

I highly recommend any books from this series for your early readers. There are several in this series from the Adventure Bible. You can find these books at Christian bookstores and online retailers. If you’re looking for a last minute Christmas gift for young readers, look no further!

Secrets of Sloane House: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 16, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Shelley Gray takes her readers into the world of Chicago, 1893, through a mystery filled with suspense in Secrets of Sloane House: A Chicago World’s Fair Mystery. Both the social elite and those who served them play a role in the dramatic mystery. The opulence of the wealthy during this era is highlighted as Rosalind Perry searches for the truth about her missing sister. Her hunt takes her on an unexpected journey as she looks for answers to a fearful question.

Gray is a new author to me and I appreciated her attention to historical detail of this time period. I didn’t have trouble placing where we were historically and thoroughly enjoyed all that the novel provided by way of information about the Chicago World’s Fair. I knew a little about it, but not very much and this backdrop was a fun and interesting setting I’d never read about in this way.

I was taken by surprise with this novel and honestly didn’t know how it would end until the last chapter. I don’t typically gravitate towards mystery novels, but this one was a lot of fun for me. I shy away from anything too suspenseful because they typically affect my sleep. While there was suspense, it was not so much that I disliked the book.

I also liked that the main characters grew throughout the pages. My favorite novels are the ones in which a character or two grows and learns more about life, themselves, and God. This is an excellent example of spiritual and personal growth. I also liked that while God is evident throughout and the characters seek His guidance, it didn’t feel preachy at all.

Reading this novel has set me on a path to learn more about the World’s fair and I have been fascinated to see many pictures from it. I do hope another in this series is published soon because I will definitely pick it up to read!

Inseparable: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 10, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com

I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to review all of the titles in the Inscribed Bible Studies Series. While these studies are fresh and new, their message is the ageless truth of God’s holy Scriptures. Each is unique with it’s own author and presentation. They are a perfect way to engage my generation, both believers and seekers.

When we are made new in Christ at our rebirth, we are a new creation, but what does that look like? I was raised in the church and we have a heritage of faith stretching back generations. I’m overwhelmingly blessed by this, but because of this I didn’t have an overwhelming and dramatic conversion testimony and recognized my need for a savior at a very young age. I also didn’t feel a struggle with my identity in Christ growing up. It wasn’t until I was married and had my girls that I really started to struggle with my identity. I’m sure this is a common emotion wives and mothers go through as we serve and meet needs throughout the weeks and years. Being on call as Mommy can really be tough sometimes!

As I struggled with my own identity I came to realize I had never really placed my identity in Christ and that was all I really needed. Inseperable takes us through Romans to discover what our new identity really is. No matter where you are in you walk with Christ this is a great place to begin. Romans is full of such great stuff and Ashely Linne’s easy writing style makes it simple and down-to earth.

I really like how the sections are broken down into three main areas: Our initial transformation, how our lives should be changing, and what to expect for the future. This clearly written study is like a road-map for what happens after we follow the Savior. I need to be reminded of these things to make sure I am following Christ as fully as I can. I also think it would make a great study for new believers as a discipleship class.

No matter where you are in your journey with the Lord this study will challenge and exhort you to draw close to the Savior and find contentment in your identity as His child.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Just Rise Up!: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 10, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com

The cover of this study makes me feel energized! Full of energy and life Just Rise Up! calls us to live a life that proclaims Christ with every moment we live. Telling others about our relationship with the Savior can be a daunting proposition, but this wonderful Bible study will help you realize that there is so much more to sharing our faith than what we typically think of as evangelism.

Sarah Francis Martin breaks down each chapter into five shorter readings and includes a spot for journaling. I love how I was encouraged to really think about what I was reading, not just read to complete. Each section calls us to rise up, become the believer Christ intended us to be from the moment of our salvation.

I felt the main purpose of this study was to give the reader a mindset of eternity, to help us remember every action we take, every word we speak, can point others to Jesus. It is hard, really, really hard, to take a stand which sets us apart from the world. I get the feeling that as a pastor’s wife some people think it is easier for me but honestly, it isn’t. My role as pastor’s wife does not give me any magical super-power…oh wouldn’t that be awesome!?!?! No, I have to rely on the Holy Spirit and pray for courage just like everyone else I’ve ever met.

Most evangelism studies I have worked through give a lot of practical advice. While this study does include helpful insights, the whole point is to bring us so close to Christ that we can’t help but ooze out love and evangelism just sort of spills out as a result. If you are looking for the exhortation you need to push you onto courageously share your faith, this is the study for you!

Barren Among the Fruitful: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 10, 2014 Grace-Filled Writer

Photo Credit: Inscribedstudies.com

Barren Among the Fruitful is an honest look at the heartache of infertility and miscarriage surrounded with the truth of Scripture. Amanda Hope Haley gently guides the reader through the pain, heartache, questioning, grief, and loss through the Word of God. It is full of truth and and encouragement. The words don’t sugarcoat the pain, but provide hopefulness in the midst of the pain.

Something I didn’t expect from this study was the amount of medical information included. It may not seem important to include in a study like this, but this is sometimes a helpful way to process it all. It might seem a little strange to have mingled within this study to see what Scripture says about hurt and loss medical causes for what is going on, but I felt they were all handled delicately and with enough information to be helpful.

I also really liked the in-depth look at the many matriarchs of our faith who were also barren. Realizing you are not alone in this is so important. In addition to the biographical biblical studies are also personal stories and testimonies from real women. They are real and honest in a way that

This is a book I wish I had 10 years ago. While I have never walked the path of infertility, we did experience miscarriage with our first pregnancy. I had a miscarriage at 10 weeks, but didn’t discover the loss until 15 weeks. I actually learned through this study that it is called an incomplete miscarriage. It was an incredibly hard time for me. God in His graciousness blessed me with three precious daughters within 5 years following our heartache, but the pain is still there at times.

I love that the last chapter. It is so full of hope and encouragement, reminding us that God’s plan for us is not limited to whether or not we have children. Yes, they are an immeasurable blessing, but His plan for us is to fully and wholeheartedly embrace wholeness in Christ. Happy endings aren’t wrapped up in any one definitive moment. It feels that way in the midst of sorrow, but there are such greater things than we can ever imagine once we open ourselves to the healing God wants to bring us. This study is a huge step in that direction.