Amazon freebie: Faith through Fire

Last week's Top Ten Tuesday was settings you'd like to see more of and Africa came up frequently. Here is a true story about an American and his family in Rwanda before, during and after the 1994 Genocide. I have met the Bennett family and am looking forward to reading this book.

Faith Through Fire: Rwanda and Me

by Randall Bennett

Free on Amazon January 31, 2013

Book Description on Amazon:

Faith Through Fire is the inspirational story of people living out the faith that Christians profess, under some of the most difficult conditions imaginable.

It is the true story of the main protaganist's experiences living out his faith before, during, and after the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda. It is a compelling story that is beautifully told.

If you are looking for inspiration or a way to challenge your faith then this story is a must read!

The story is also about his Rwanda team during one of the most intensive killing campaigns in the history of the world! These are real people who, because of their love and understanding of who God is, acted decisively and heroically, with actions that saved lives. After the Genocide they went back. At great price they went back. Even after the death of his beloved wife, my brother still went back...

The world is in need of real stories of seemingly insignificant people from what seem like insignificant places who do extraordinary things by the power of faith in an extraordinary God. If you're not a person of faith, the story alone will grab you. If you are, you will be encouraged to stand strong even when things do not go the way you thought they should.

The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen. Bethany House, 2013. 412p. (9780764210693)

I have greatly enjoyed Julie Klassen’s books, especially The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. This one is a delightful mix of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters; all very intentional on the author’s part.

Goodreads Summary:

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame... and which brother to trust with her heart?

My review:

It’s been a while since I’ve read Northanger Abbey and I’ve never read Jane Eyre (though I’ve seen a movie version), it was lots of fun realizing I remembered ideas, scenes and settings from those books and Sense and Sensibility. As well as Emma (the main character’s name afterall…) and of course Jane Austen’s most famous work (which by the way was published 200 years ago on January 28^th).

Despite the fact that the story is heavily influenced by regency classics it is still its own story with its own plot twists and characters. Things wrapped up rather quickly at the end but the rest of the story was set up and played out very nicely.

Other than Emma and her father, the characters develop slowly – this is a good thing. It’s mainly the Weston boys and Lizzie that we get to know slowly and that drives the plot. Fathers should be involved in their sons’ lives. You never know what they might become if the dad is absent or disengaged.

I really enjoyed the story and if what I’ve written isn’t full of glowing praise it’s because reading this book was more like meeting someone new yet it seems like you’ve known them forever or visiting a new but yet familiar and comfortable place. And you’re just content. That’s a good word to describe the reading experience – contentedness.

Though really I'd say 4.5

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin

Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin. Roaring Brook Press, 2012. 266p. (9781596434875)

This was a fascinating book. I’ve read a fair amount about World War II but this is the first book I’ve read about the work that went into developing, building and testing the atomic bomb. This is also the first time I’ve read a complete account of how worried the Allied forces were that the Germans would develop the bomb first and how successful the Russians were at getting info from the Americans.

Which is what this book is all about. Steve Sheinkin does a great job weaving the stories of how scientists discover the possibilities of splitting atoms, how the Americans starting to build the bomb, how the British sabotaging the German efforts and how the Russians went about infiltrating the Manhattan Project.

You can always tell the quality of a nonfiction book by how many sources the author(s) consulted and the fullness of the index. And this book passes the test with flying colors. There are many quotes and at the end, in addition to the extensive list of sources, is a list of all the quotes and where they came from. At the beginning of each part is a two page spread of photos showing the people involved.

A massive amount of organization, recruitment and construction was needed to even begin the research and development of the atomic bomb. While this book focuses on the scientists figuring out how to control the fission (atom splitting) and the espionage, the reader gets a sense of much work was involved, of the stress felt by the Allies that the Germans would beat them to the bomb, of the rejoicing and then silence of the scientists after the successful test.

Bomb is a great book for any middle or high school student and for any adult interested in World War II.      

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Top Ten Tuesday: Settings I'd like to see more of

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Not sure I'll be able to come up with ten, but we'll see.

Top Ten Settings I'd Like To See More Of (Or At All)

1. Different African countries

2. Germany

3. Eastern Europe

4. Australia

5. Exploration and settlement of Canada
 (since there are so many, esp. Christian historical fiction, set in the American west)

6. The smaller royal houses of Europe

7. The late 1600s and early 1700s in Colonial America

8. About people with common jobs
Hospitals and court room make for tense drama, and waitresses meet all kinds of people, but teachers, janitors, grocery store managers, and welders can also lead interesting lives.

9. Cruise ship crew and other modern sailors
I recently read reviews on Amazon about a behind-the-scenes book written by a guy who works on a cruise ship, it sounded interesting except there was too much sleeping around and lewdness.

10. Which settings would you like to see more of?

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Reading and Fasting

One of the churches I've been attending has challenged the congregation to pray and fast for 40 days. The dictionary defines fasting as abstaining from food, but I decided that wasn't what I should give up.

Starting Monday, I won't read any fiction (other than the read-alouds at school). Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to finish the books I am reading and finish two review books.

There are a several non fiction books, such as Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Magnificent Obsession by Anne Graham Lotz that I'm looking forward to reading and sharing with you; as well as some books on science, history and some biographies.

You might be wondering how not reading a certain books can be considered fasting. Some of the articles about fasting on gotquestions.org were really helpful in explaining what I had already been thinking.

"Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast. ... Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. ... Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God." http://www.gotquestions.org/fasting-Christian.html

Have you ever fasted? What have you given up?

Ranger's Apprentice Series books 1-3

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. Puffin, 2006. 249p. (9780142406632) Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice, #1

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan. Puffin, 2006. 262p. (9780399244551) Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice, #2

The Icebound Land by John Flanagan. Puffin, 2007. 266p. (9780399244568) Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice, #3

Several middle school boys at my school asked repeatedly if we had the rest of the series and over Christmas I finally had the opportunity to buy books five through eleven. Also since some sixth graders wanted this to be the next read aloud I decided to read book one for myself. And I was hooked. I’ve read the first three books in three days and the only reason I’m not reading book four right now is because it’s checked out.

Goodreads Summaries:

The Ruins of Gorlan

They have always scared him in the past — the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied....

The Burning Bridge

Bracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoys to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn - the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle. He has found a way to bring his legions over the once impassible eastern mountains and is planning to ambush the king's army in a rout. Now with help many miles away, Will and Horace are the only ones standing in the way of the dark lord's plans. They have shown great skill and courage in their training, but how will they fare in the face of true evil?

The Icebound Land

Kidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise. Even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will’s friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia. On their way, they are challenged constantly by freelance knights, but Horace knows a thing or two about combat. Soon he begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. Even so, will they be in time to rescue Will from a horrific life of slavery?

My Review:

This is a great adventure series for middle school boys and up. As well for any girls who enjoy action and adventure and don’t mind if there are less than five female characters. Plus it helps that Will is very likable fellow. I enjoyed watching Will and his friends grow in their various chosen fields of study and to learn some of the work and dedication it takes to survive battleschool or being a ranger’s apprentice.

On the website for the series there is an interview with the author. To the question, “What are the biggest challenges of writing a series?” John Flanagan replies, “Finding a good spot to break between two books, without having people howl at me, ‘That’s a terrible cliffhanger!’ There has to be a sense of completion, but at the same time a sense that the story will continue.” Judging from the first three book he has mastered finding good breaks. Each book has its own battle or dangerous journey that drives the story but it also sets up the plot for the next book.

There are no romantic scenes, the fighting is not gorily described, and there is a little bit of swearing (mainly the d word) and I noticed especially in book three that God’s name is used in vain. 

Overall I believe this is (at least thus far) a great adventure series for middle school boys who love the stealth of Robin Hood but also the action, battle strength and chivalry of a Sir Richard of the Lee.

Go read it! Book #1: Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon ; Book #2: Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Book #3: Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon'

Disclosure: I borrowed this from the library. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Waiting on Wednesday #23: Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander Donley

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander Donley

Tyndale House Publishers - January 2013

About
Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

Why I want to read it

I read an art mystery a while ago and enjoyed it, so this caught my eye. Especially since it mixes in World War ii and the Dutch Underground.

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Giveaway Hop Winner

Congratulations to Georgia B!

The winner of Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

I've sent you an email, please let me know by next week (22nd) if you'd like an ebook or physical copy and what your address its.

Thank you to all who participated! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Eagerly Awaited 2013 Releases

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

There are lots of neat books coming out this year (have to get used to calling 2013 this year). But I only wanted to list those that I really, really can't wait for (well, in some cases it's only one 'really'). This is almost exactly like November 27th list though this prompt includes the word 'debut'. Not entirely sure what that means specifically in this context, so I just stuck with the books I'm most looking forward to.

Top Ten 2013 Debuts I'm Looking Forward To

1. Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Sequel to Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower

2. Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings

Sequel to Sixty Acres and a Bride

3. Though My Heart is Torn by Joanne Bischof

Sequel to Be Still My Soul

4. Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

This already came out at the beginning of the month but I’m still looking forward to reading it.
Her other books are The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter


5. Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

Again, this is also out already, but it’s a 2013 book I want to read.


6. Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer

This is the sequel to The Orphan King.


7. Get Lost: Your Guide to Finding True Love by Dannah Gresh

Dannah writes great (non fiction) books for teenage girls and moms!

What books can you hardly wait for?

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Part 2 of Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

 Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. Bethany House, 2012. 347p. (9780764210266)

Have you ever started a book, gotten to a good stopping point, put it down and then not wanted to finish it because it’s such a great book and you want to delay the sorrow of finishing it? That’s what Starflower did to me. There are three parts to this book and I wrote a review after I finished part one and then didn’t want to pick the book back up because I knew book five won’t be available until next summer. Silly I know, but I didn’t want the story to end! (Update: Here's the link to part 1 of the review.)

Anyway, my curiosity did finally get the better of me and I loved the rest of the book. Part two and three is Starflower telling her life story to Hri Sora and also what happens to Eanrin and Glomar while she is imprisoned and then the adventure Starflower and Eanrin have afterwards.

Wish I could tell you more but that’ll spoil the story and plot twists. I am continually amazed at how Anne Elisabeth had woven the stories together! In book three Lionheart sees a phantom in the Woods who pressed a cord with two beads into his hands. In this book we find out who that phantom once was and who the beads belonged to.

I remembered the beads and the encounter in the Wood and immediately got out my copy of Moonblood to find out what the author had done with them in that story. I had completely forgotten that Lionheart had returned them to the original owner and figured out her identity.

By reading these books as they come out I forget “little” details like that and then have the pleasure of being surprised in the next book. I didn’t get a chance to reread Veiled Rose and Moonblood over Christmas but I will read them again soon.

The overarching theme of this book is love. Not the romantic sort of love that is so often the focus of novels, not the loyal sort of love that one has for comrades that is often present in adventure stories, but the deep, accepting sort of love that can only come from outside of oneself.

It’s hard writing a review about the second part of a book without giving parts of the story away, so I shall just conclude with what I ended my part one review:

This book is fabulous. This series is fabulous – each book is better than the last. So what are you waiting for? Go read them!

And there are still two days left to enter a giveaway for this book! Check out my Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop!

Go read it! Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from B&N; Buy it from ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author. (Thank you Anne Elisabeth!) I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Waiting on Wednesday #22: Secretly Smitten by Coble, Hunter, Billerbeck & Hunt

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt

Thomas Nelson - January 2013

About
Summer, fall, winter, spring--Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!

There's a secret in Grandma Rose's attic--a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose's three granddaughters--Tess, Clare, and Zoe--and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?

Join popular romance novelists--and real-life BFFs--Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

Why I want to read it

Book one, Smitten got good reviews and I want to read that before finding a copy of this one. I've read a few of Colleen Coble's and Denise Hunter's books and have enjoyed them. Plus the cover looks cozy.

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I will Read in 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I was traveling last week and with Christmas and all the season's business I didn't prepare anything ahead of time. So this week I'm going back to last week's topic.

Top Ten Books I Resolve to Read in 2013

1. Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. John Adams by David McCullough

3. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

4. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

5. Crazy Love by Francis Chan

6. Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Flanagen
Several kids at my school really like this series, and the covers looks intriguing.

7. A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall

8. Animal Farm by George Orwell

9. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

10. Any book by G.A. Henty

What books have you resolved to read this year?

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop

It's been almost a year since I last participated in a giveaway hop and since there is a new Goldstone Wood book out and this hop is a Faerie and Fantasy giveaway now is a perfect time!

I want to introduce you to one of my favorite fantasy series. Each book has been better than the last and I am continually amazed at how the author has created this world and woven the tales together. Simply fabulous stories.

The Tales of Goldstone Wood

by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

1. Heartless

2. Veiled Rose

3. Moonblood

4. Starflower

5. Dragonwitch (releases summer 2013)

For this giveaway I'm giving away one copy of Starflower. Or if you already own it, I'll substitute a different book from the series. Open internationally.

Here is the summary:

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hop over to the rest of blogs participating in the YA Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop

Bartered Bride Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, et al

Bartered Bride Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, JoAnne A. Grote, Amy Rognlie, Janelle Burnham Schneider, Lynette Sowell, & Pamela kaye Tracy. Barbour, 2012. 448p. (print: 9781620291559; ebook - .epub: 9781620295649; ebook - .prc 978620295632)

This was a fun collection of short stories with the common theme of arranged marriages. Some I had read before in another collection and enjoyed them then and enjoyed the reread. The romances are sweet and discreetly written and through them all the characters learn that God has a plan and it is always for the best no matter how difficult a situation seems to be.

The stories are:

Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell (© 2006)

            In the bayou of Louisiana in 1819, Papa LeBlanc decides it’s time that Josée, an adopted (sorta) and well loved daughter, got married. Josée isn’t completely pleased with his choice but resolves to make the best of it.

Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake (© 2001)

            A cute story that takes place during a wagon train trek across America. I had heard of button collections and button strings before but never knew of the practice that young women would collect 1000 before they got married and that the very last one would be from the groom-to-be. Need to look that up.

The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake (© 2002)

            In 1860 Bethany marries her room mates brother after a letter courtship and a few holiday visits. He is a doctor and their plan is to head west with a wagon train. Starting out marriage while packing for and traveling by wagon has its challenges.

From Halter to Altar by Cathy Marie Hake (© 2003)

From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham (© 2003)

From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote (© 2003)

From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy (© 2003)

These four were originally part of Bride for a Bit and are about four sisters, Matilda, Corrine, Bess and Bertie Craig whose brother-in-law ships them off to be mail order brides. Problem is he misread the notice which asked for bridles – part of a horse harness, and not brides or bridals.

The sisters resolve to make the best of the situation and are helped out by the man who placed the harness order and his brothers. And of course that’s where some of the romance begins.

A Vow Unbroken Amy Rognlie (© 2000)

            Abby’s aunt plays a mean trick when she sends Abby to Denver in her stead to work for Mr. Parrish even though Abby is pregnant and due in six weeks. Problem is her aunt didn’t tell her the full story – that Mr. Parrish is expecting a bride. Problem is Abby has vowed never to love anyone again.

Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake (© 2007)

            Tabitha elopes with another man on the eve of her wedding and due to family finances Pa forces Elizabeth, Libby, to take her sister’s place. Libby has secretly loved Captain Royce for a long time but he is still in love with her sister.

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer

The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer. WaterBrook Multnomah, 2012. 224p. (9781400071548) Series: Merlin’s Immortals #1

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and I wasn't sure I’d like this book. But I was pleasantly surprised and am looking forward to book two and finding out more about Thomas, the knight, Katherine and the mysterious cloaked man.

Goodreads Summary:

The future of the Immortals is in the hands of an orphan

My greatest fear was that they would find us and make of us a sacrifice beneath a full moon. Now you, Thomas, must help us destroy the circle of evil.

The last words of a dying woman would change the life of young Thomas. Raised behind monastery walls, he knows nothing of his mysterious past or imminent destiny. But now, in the heart of medieval England, a darkness threatens to strangle truth. An ancient order tightens their ghostly grip on power, creating fear and exiling those who would oppose them. Thomas is determined fulfill his calling and bring light into the mysterious world of the Druids and leaves the monastery on an important quest.

Thomas quickly finds himself in unfamiliar territory, as he must put his faith in unusual companions—a cryptic knight, a child thief, and the beautiful, silent woman whom may not be all she seems.  From the solitary life of an orphan, Thomas now finds himself tangled in the roots of both comradery and suspicion.

Can he trust those who would join his battle…or will his fears force him to go on alone?

My Review:

This was a fun read and intriguing. I’m still not entirely sure what’s going on in the land and with Magnus but that’s ok because it adds to the suspense and certainly makes me want to keep reading the series.

(photo credit: Owen65 on Wikimedia Commons)
A solar eclipse plays an important part early on!

The characters were slowly revealed to the reader and in some cases we still don’t exactly know who a person is completely or how they are connected but that just makes you want to keep reading. They have distinct personalities and their own quirks, also they fit the time period of the early 1300s in Arthurian England.

Sometimes characters seem "modern" even though the story is set in the past, I didn't get that impression with this tale. The knight was chivalrous but also gruff, the kids and teens were properly immature and mischievous, and the girls weren't overly independent in a 'I-don't-need-men' sort of way.

I read this as an ebook and at one point had to put it down and when I got back I discovered I only had a chapter left. There is so much more to this story! I do wish it had been a bit longer but I also understand that the author is prepared to write a series and is setting the stage and only gave us the first stage of Thomas’ adventures.

Great book for adventure loving teens.

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from ChristianBooks.com; Buy it from Amazon

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

~~~

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.