Saturday, June 5, 2021

All Arranged

All Arranged (Luella Linley: License to Meddle #3) Title: All Arranged

Series: Luella Linley: License to Meddle #3

Author: Meredith Resce

Publisher: Golden Grain Publishing

Genre: Fiction/Humor

My Review:

I loved this book! While it is the third in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. You will discover a little bit about characters from previous books, but no major spoilers. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I plan to ASAP.

Friday, June 4, 2021

The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient

Title:The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient 

Author: Argyro Graphy

Publisher: BHEC Prublishing

Genre: Children's Fiction 

Synopsis:

A loud knock at the front door has Bentley startled. Who could it be? Jaxon an excited monkey with ADHD, rambles on not making any sense. Racing ahead pointing in the distance, Bentley follows this silly monkey. A large crowd has gathered making it impossible for Jaxon to see what the fuss is all about.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Bridge of Gold

Bridge of Gold (Doors to the Past)Title: Bridge of Gold

Series: Doors of the past

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Publisher: Barbour Books

Genre: Historical Fiction

My Review:

This was a very fascinating and original story. I am learning to appreciate dual-time period novels and what I can learn about the history that each novel portrays. In Bridge of Gold, the story is told around the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Discipline: The Glad Surrender

 Title: Discipline: The Glad Surrender

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Christian Living

Source: My personal library

My review:

 I put this book on my list to read for this year because my word of the year is "Surrender." I like reading books on the word that I feel the Lord has laid on my heart. I have heard a lot about Elisabeth Elliot and I was not disappointed. Mrs. Elliot has a lot of wisdom to share.

"God calls me. In a deeper sense than any other species of earthbound creature, I am called. And in a deeper sense I am free, for I can ignore the call."

Told in a conversation style of writing, Mrs. Elliot begins the book by stating that we are created, cared for, and called. She then goes on to answering God's call. In this way, she is setting the stage to talk about discipline, not just surrender, but the discipline of the body, mind, our work, feelings, and so much more. Each chapter builds on the previous chapter until the final chapter where Mrs. Elliot wraps everything up.

"Discipline is the believer's answer to God's call."

Mrs. Elliot weaves stories from her life into this narrative on surrender. She incorporates Bible verses and relevant stories from the Bible as well. Discipline is a very easy read, but do not let that fool you, this is a very deep and practical book-like the lady herself. There are so many great nuggets tucked into this small book (150 pages of text). Such a profound and straightforward book.

"When the will of man acts in accord with the will of God, that is faith. When the will of man acts in opposition to the will of God, that is unbelief."

Discipline: The Glad Surrender is an excellent book to read if you want to be challenged in your faith and grow in your walk with the Lord. If you are looking for an easy religion and easy tasks, look elsewhere. If you are not willing to grow and surrender, then this is not the book for you. While Mrs. Elliot has passed on, these words will live on, and her legacy will impact many generations to come.

 "There is always enough time to do the will of God." 

4/5 ★★★★

Synopsis

In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is hardly a popular notion. Former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for modern people.

Now repackaged for the next generation of Christians, Discipline: The Glad Surrender shows readers how to

-discipline the mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings
-overcome anxiety
-change poor habits and attitudes
-trust God in times of trial and hardship
-let Christ have control in all areas of life

Elliot masterfully and gently takes readers through Scripture, personal stories, and lovely observations of the world around her in order to help them discover the understanding that our fulfillment as human beings depends on our answer to God's call to obedience.

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

She Lost Her Muse

She Lost Her Muse (The Maypole Artists, #1)

 Title: She Lost Her Muse

Series: The Maypole Artists #1

Author: June Rollins

Publisher: KDP

Genre: Women's Fiction

My Review:

The beautiful cover is what first drew me to this book. Once I read the synopsis, I was hooked and could not wait to start. 

I like Poppy; she is real, relatable, and has common struggles that most young ladies have. She has a rocky relationship with her parents and is trying to break out of the role of "preacher's daughter" and make something of herself. 

Friday, May 28, 2021

First Line Friday: Bridge of Gold

This is my second post for First Line Fridays and I am excited to be participating again! First Line Friday is hosted by Hoarding Books

 I am sharing from Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse. Bridge of Gold is part of the Doors to the Past series. Each book is intended to be read as stand alone novels. Each book in the Doors to the Past series will feature a dual-time period romantic suspense story set against a historic American landmark.

Bridge of Gold (Doors to the Past)

The Paris Betrayal

The Paris Betrayal

Title: The Paris Betrayal

Author: James R. Hannibal

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Suspense, Christian Fiction, Thriller 

My Review:

This book would be considered outside my comfort zone and a new-to-me author. While I love mystery and suspense novels, this one is more about spies and biochemical warfare. While it was not quite what I expected I found it to be an enjoyable, quick read. I would recommend reading the author's note at the end of the book before actually reading the book. I wish I had as the story would make even more sense that way, and you get a greater appreciation for the story.

Monday, May 24, 2021

Daddy Loves You

 Title: Daddy Loves You

Author: Kyle Wilson

Publisher: Kyle Wilson

Genre: Children's Fiction

My Review:

The title of Daddy Loves You is what drew me to this book. I had just reviewed another book that featured a father/son combo. Whereas that book discussed the adventures that the father and son went on, Daddy Loves You is about the fathers that cannot be there for their children for some reason. It is rare to see books featuring fathers, but two back-to-back encourages me that people are starting to give Dads back the respect that is due them.