Book Review: A Desperate Hope

From The Back:

Eloise Drake's prim demeanour hides the turbulent past she believes is finally behind her. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town--but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them.
My reflections:

I adore this authour. I was genuinely looking forward to this novel with keen yearning, however, this one was a disappointment. 

I found I didn't enjoy most aspects of both characters. I absolutely despise numbers and Eloise is in her utter happy place when confronted with spreadsheets, tallying and figures of all kinds... Alex Duval set me off right from the get-go as well. He and Eloise have a tryst as young teenagers and the moral compass of this whole affair is not resolved in any way. He is beaten and sent on his way, but the fact that they had intimate ties is never addressed as a sin. This is supposed to be clean Christian fiction, I feel It is not on that basis. I would have hoped for some kind of mention that he regretted intimacy before wedlock, but no sadly not. There is no mention of it, then as adults, there are inappropriate moments as well. OK so I am not perfect, no one is. I get that, but this is Christian fiction, is it not? Should there not be a standard set?

This alone right off the mark made me go...meh! But being the avid reader I am I tried to look past my character pickiness and delve into the fascination of the polt. It sounded so good. A small town on the brink of destruction by the mighty hand of New York, for the mere need for water storage, it seemed intriguing, and I was hopeful. I did enjoy the small town spunk and the strong emotional pull of the plot, I didn't, however, enjoy the drama of it all. It was too tense. Perhaps I am in a mood and was looking for something a little more sedate, as my life is drama city right now, but on these facts alone I just could not sink my heart into this novel as hard as I tried. 

If you are looking for a drama, love numbers can overlook Biblical truths that you may find this book to your satisfaction. I am looking forward to Camden's next novel as I truly do love this authour!

Elizabeth Camden

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is the author of twelve historical novels and two historical novellas and has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a...

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Book Review: The Warrior Maiden

Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a fresh reimagining of the classic Mulan tale.

“When it comes to happily-ever-afters, Melanie Dickerson is the undisputed queen of fairy-tale romance, and all I can say is—long live the queen!” —Julie Lessman, award-winning author

She knew a woman was expected to marry, cook, and have children, not go to war. Can she manage to stay alive, save her mother, and keep the handsome son of a duke from discovering her secret?

When Mulan decides to take her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this moment her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, she has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher.

In her disguise as a young man, Mulan meets Wolfgang, the German duke’s son who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the young soldier who seems to be one step away from disaster at all times—or showing Wolfgang up in embarrassing ways.

From rivals to reluctant friends, Mulan and Wolfgang begin to share secrets with one another. But war is an uncertain time and dreams can die as quickly as they are born. When Mulan receives word of danger back home, she must make the ultimate choice. Could she be the son her bitter father never had? Or would she become the strong young woman she has been created to be?

This fresh reimagining of the classic tale takes us to fifteenth-century Lithuania where both love and war challenge the strongest of hearts.

My Reflections:

This authour always hits the perfect blend of fairytale and fictional delight for me. I absolutely adore sharing these books with you and with my teenaged daughter. Honestly, I could go on forever, but I will stifle my accolades and get down to the review.

The premise of this book was of course loosely based on Mulan, but so cleverly done it captivates from page one. Dickerson nestles her character in the midst of a well defined Medieval series, and does so seamlessly!
Though it is supposed to resemble the favourite story of Mulan, it takes on its own blend of uniqueness and multidimensionality. 
Desperate to escape a disappointing and mundane future Mulan radically decides to cloke herself in men's clothes and stand with the rest of the army in the place of her dead father. To be honest she is partly doing it to save her "mother" from a life of hardship. However, the pull of adventure and the escape from a marriage to an old smelly guy helps seal her decision as well. 

Wolfgang was another fantastic character, determined to do the right thing and try and protect his rebel brother. He is definitely a knight in shining armour in more ways than one!
I loved his interactions with Mulan, his confusion to his feelings, the reveal that he is actually a she. Wow, it was perfect!

I can't wait for the next installment of this series. The intermeshing of the stories is what makes this authour so special. Though these are rated YA fiction, I think anyone would enjoy this author's work! 
So don't stop at this one, go out and check out all the titles penned by Melanie Dickerson!

Book Review: Switch On Your Brain Every Day

From The Back:

A happier, healthier, more enjoyable life--starting today! What we think about affects us both physically and emotionally. According to researchers, the vast majority of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of a toxic thought life.

In her bestselling book Switch On Your Brain, Dr. Caroline Leaf offered a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns. Now she shows you how to instill the practices for living a healthy, happy life into your daily routine. These readings offer encouragement and strategies to reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life--every day!

Are you ready to experience maximum happiness and health? Then switch on your brain!

My Reflections:
January to March are usually the months where people start to think about changing their lives whether it be more exercise or a total revamp on one's life patterns. I reviewed this book "Switch On Your Brain Every Day" because one, I absolutely love this authour, and two, I'm in the stage of life where I need to revamp and switch to a few healthier habits.

Before delving deeply into this book I read the introduction, titled "How To Get The Most Out Of These Readings" This was extremely helpful material, and I would highly recommend you start here as well. If you haven't read Switch On Your Brain, I would go out and get that book first, as that teaching is the fundamental structure of this book. It is not absolutely necessary, however, it is one of my all time favourites and I highly recommend it! This introduction will give you insight into the daily readings making your journey that much more impactful!

Each daily reading opens with a scripture verse that correlates with the daily topic of discussion. This is followed by a daily brainy tip. following these is a thought-provoking message, guiding readers to think deeply and grow in your daily walk. You are encouraged to journal and really walk out the teachings. I really enjoyed the many scriptures and God's message to us all about how he created our mind, body and spirit to work in unison.

I highly recommend this book along with "Switch On Your Brain" Life is a never-ending journey filled with growth and ups and downs, focusing on scripture and God's design for our lives is one of the best ways to maneuver through the maze and hills we call our lives.
I absolutely loved learning about the many deep and complex subject matters. I was especially interested in learning about neuroplasticity, neurophysics, toxic thought patterns and the connections between mental/ physical health faith and healing. 

Seriously go get this book, it is a game changer!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist whose passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain and find their purpose in life. She is the author of Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat...

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Book Review: The Curse of Misty Wayfair

From the Back:

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to turn-of-the-century Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. When the clues she finds lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a postmortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death. 

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman haunting the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, they must overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined 

My Reflections

Jamie Jo Wright has done it once again, her newest book exceeds all expectations form the first page until the last. This author shines in a way that blinds. Her work is masterfully crafted in a subtle yet powerful way. 
I was moved to tears many times through this novel. The subject matter is quite near to my heart, making it feel like a very personal and special read.
Special needs, mental illness and anxiety disorders are brought to light in the plot. I applaud the way Jo Wright tenderly portrayed these very serious matters. You are left with a feeling of light overcoming any kind of darkness. 

The feel of the book is tangible, it is a very real and living thing. It is hard to review a book that makes you actually breathe the essence of the story. 
There are creepy parts that made me break out in goosebumps, but it's not overdone or over the top in any way. I really enjoyed how this author is able to keep her readers in utter suspense throughout the entirety of the story. This is a true gift for an avid reader, such a deliciously decadent feeling to not be able to guess what comes next!

This is an outstanding story I cannot recommend it enough. If you are looking for a romantic suspense that makes all the rules this is your bet. It has everything a decerning reader could want, suspense, intrigue, a little romance and a whole lot of charged emotion.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright is the Christy Award-Winning author of The House on Foster Hill. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she lives with her...

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Book Review: Everything She Didn't Say

From The Back:

There is more than one way to tell a story . . . 
In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir sharing some of the most exciting events of twenty-five years of shaping the American West with her husband, railroad promoter and writer Robert Strahorn. Nearly ten years later, she's finally ready to reveal the secrets she hadn't told anyone--even herself.

Certain that her writings will be found only after her death, Carrie confronts the pain and disappointment of the pioneering life with startling honesty. She explores the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man. She reaches for the courage to accept her own worth. Most of all she wonders, Can she ever feel truly at home in this rootless life?

My Reflections: 
This book is extremely well researched and written in an engagingly unique manner. Each chapter commences with a short journal entry penned by Carrie Strahorn and then moves onto her news and thoughts ending the chapters with her memoir posts. This was a very different style of crafting a story.
I enjoyed the way Jane Kirkpatrick took the subject of marriage and didn't make it storybook perfect. There were trials and learning curves that had to take place for the characters to settle in and meld into the roles that God placed them in, Isn't this true to life? We find that after the wedded bliss chips away a tiny bit that we are left to explore what true lasting relationships need. Work and dedication on both individuals are required for the union to succeed. I loved how this author pulls apart and seamlessly mends the storyline perfectly together in an imperfect manner. But I digress...

Though this book does not progress in a speedy fashion, it does wander slowly and there are places to stop and drink in a great truth bit by bit. I can't say "Everything She Didn't Say", was my favourite by this author, but I did enjoy the unique plot and historical background. I think Carrie had a lot of courage to follow her husband faithfully into many dangerous situations as they travelled from one town to another. I'm not so sure I would be so forthcoming, but it was a different time, women didn't have many options back then. I think readers who are truly interested in historical fiction will love the glimpses into the past, there are lots to offer in this new novel. However, I think some readers may not easily acclimatize to the style it is written in. 

So if you are looking for something unique, that takes a life and situations and shines them in a whole different point of view, this may be just your book. A side note: this novel is written around the actual memoir named: "Fifteen thousand miles by stage" so if you want to take a look at it before you read this one that may give some insight into the character and her life and experiences.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books, including All She Left Behind, A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver,This Road We Traveled,...

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Book Review: Coffee Shop Devos

From the Back:

Daily Pick-Me-Ups for Teen GirlsThere's something special about spending time at a coffee shop with a friend--engaging in a meaningful conversation, then leaving refueled and ready to tackle the rest of the day. What if your quiet times with God energized you the same way?

Coffee Shop Devos offers a warm atmosphere that will inspire you to discover your God-given purpose and live to your greatest potential. Choose your devo flavor in the Menu of Contents based on your current need. Then lean into deeper intimacy with Christ through reflection and prayer. Along the way, you'll pick up tips and recipes for making your own coffee-shop beverage--regular or decaf--to enjoy while you read. And don't forget to share your journey with your friends!

#CoffeeShopDevos

Every challenging and motivational devotional will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated--like you've just shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.

For ages 12-18!

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational, authentic books for teens to show others they're not alone--and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print publications, including Devozine, MoreToBe.com, and Guide magazine, she published her first novel while still in her teens. She's the founder and editor-in-chief of PursueMagazine.net and enjoys mentoring other young writers. Connect with her online through social media (@tessaemilyhall) and her website at www.tessaemilyhall.com.

My Reflections:

Loved this hip devotional, it was a great gift to my 16-year-old daughter.
The layout is easy to navigate and has very relevant content for the younger generation.
I enjoyed how Tessa Emily Hall the authour infuses her own personal stories throughout this devotional. Her narratives are both deep and encouraging, helping guide youth through tough times and also the carefree days. She encourages girl's to include God in it all, through a personal and deep relationship fostered through Bible reading and sharing your life with our creator.

Some of the themes include:
Mocha- inspiration for the soul
Latte- Comfort in Trials
Coffee- Motivation for the journey
Frappe- Encouragement to be yourself
Macchiato- Healing for heartbreak
Cappuccino- All about relationships
Americano- Everyday Issues
Decaf- Finding rest
Flat white- Strength to carry on

Isn't that neat that they used a coffee theme, now my girl is so not into coffee but lots are and I thought this was a fun way to intro a subject!
If you are looking for a devotional that is steeped (haha couldn't help it, I'm a tea girl myself) in depth this is a fantastic devotional. It is not meant to be read front to back but by the leading of the reader. This would be a perfect devotional for any teen in your life. Much to be gleaned from this one!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

 

1. Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational, authentic books for teens to show others they're not alone--and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print...

   Continue reading about Tessa Emily Hall

A Journey Through Autism: Is Your Child Silently Hurting?

Hi, my name is ****** 

Without knowing your child/s could be hurting.

I was embarrassed and still am, but I finally got the strength to tell my mom.

It was really hard for me to say just 10 words, I told my mom that I didn't like when other people said the word "Autism" I don't exactly know why but it makes me feel different...

In a bad way. 

In some situations, I feel like it's OK. because I want to share my experiences with others and try to make it normal, something people are used to. What I really really really don't like it when others talk about me like I'm not there. Doctors, teachers, parents, family members, just talk about me if you must when I'm not there. Nobody likes people talking about them. 

Another thing that really bothers me is styrofoam  (styrofoam=horrible) because rubbing styrofoam is just bad!!!

 If you can imagine nails on a chalkboard you will know what I am feeling. 

Lots of people like me are sensitive to things around them. I suggest fidgets to help with this. I also know that for me headphones work well for me when it is too loud. When things are loud I get a headache and everything is too loud. I can't concentrate, I start to get frustrated. My mind loses focus and I need a break. When I come back I feel better and calmer. 

Reading is what helps me with everything. For when I read all my troubles, the loud, busy fall away and the longer I read the more relaxed I feel. Some kids might not like reading though. Everybody has their favourite thing to do.

                                                       I hope this has helped you!