book reviews | A Simply Enchanted Life

Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer| A powerful tale of redemption

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Amish/Mennonite Fiction, Christian Fiction

First off, I want to say that this book cover is gorgeous! I love it so much! The colors are inviting and it just pulled me right in and made me want to read the book. I’m SO glad that this cover caught my attention because it’s one of the best books that I’ve read in a long while! I was happily reading along when all of a sudden I was thrown for a complete loop. I thought I had the whole thing figured out and then was blindsided when things turned out differently than I thought. I’m very rarely surprised by books so this was very pleasant for me. I cannot wait to read the next installment!

Note: I let my thirteen year old read this but not all parents will feel comfortable with topics involving teen pregnancy/unwed mother. Teen pregnancy is not glorified in any way, in fact, you see the shame that this young girl felt and the embarrassment. As always, I suggest that you use your own discretion in regards to this matter.

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To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling

Sunday, January 18, 2015

To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

I really tried to love this book. I did. This book just wasn’t for me. I felt that it dragged on and on and I just couldn’t connect with the characters. I have tried to read this for the last twelve weeks and I’ve just decided that I’m not going to make it through. I felt like the book jumped right into a story without introducing me to the characters. I was completely lost. This says it is the first in a series but I didn’t know anyone. I had no connection to anyone and there also wasn’t a glossary of terms so I had no idea what a Tas was. It wasn’t the only word used but it’s the only one I can recall at this point. I just know I had zero clue of what it was. I’m assuming it’s a family relation but I was—lost.

I’ve loved other books by this author so after I research this series out to figure out if there’s a better starting point—I’ll probably come back to this at some point. The cover is gorgeous enough to make me want to revisit when I’ve worked out my confusion.

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Review of Sheerluck Holmes and the Case of the Missing Friend by Karen Poth

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Sheerluck Holmes and the Case of the Missing Friend by Karen Poth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:4-8 Genre:Children's Fiction

This was a very cute little book with a great moral. My four, seven and nine year old all enjoyed reading this book. As usual, the Veggie Tales stories always make a great effort to teach the children a lesson a valuable lesson. The colorful illustrations kept the attention of my four year old. She especially loved the “moustache.”

I would happily review any Veggie Tale book from Zondervan in the future. Per personal preferences, I would rather see King James references given, even in children’s books. Thus, I feel it is important to note this for other parents. Otherwise, this was a great read for the little ones!

View all my reviews

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The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

Friday, December 12, 2014

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:12+ Genre:Christmas, Christian Fiction

I LOVED this book so so much. Now, I’m not what someone could accuse of being a crazy cat lady. I do own some cats but I’m far from being the lady who buys cat sweaters and cat jewelry and cat plates. Having said that—this book nearly made me feel like one of those types.

I laughed so hard while reading and I fell in love with Harry from the very start. I don’t see how anyone could dislike this book. Melody Carlson does a great job with writing light comedic romance. She’s quickly becoming a favorite author for those types of contemporary novels because her characters come off so vibrant and real.

If you’re looking for a cute story to read during the holidays (or any other day) this is a really good one.

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Review of Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Monday, November 24, 2014

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm: An Amish Love Story by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:12+ Genre:Christmas Fiction, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction

This is definitely one of the best Christmas books that I’ve read. T Suzanne Woods Fisher really knows her Bible and is one of the most spiritually minded authors that I’ve found in this genre. I was very touched that she researched her angel character to be as accurate as she could and that she provided scriptures and insight into that research at the end of the book. This is a book that I would suggest to anyone. I was very touched. If you're looking for more holiday suggestions, be sure to check out our Suggested Holiday Reading List.

Note: I have deemed this book as appropriate for teens but in full disclosure of the ARC edition (which may be different in the published edition) there is an instance of the bishops and the mother talking to the young lady who is to be married about the things to expect after she is married. It is non-descriptive and would be a non-issue for me in regards to my teen. As always, I suggest that parents to use their own discretion.

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A warm Christmas tale of God's steadfast love:Review of Quilted by Christmas by JODIE BAILEY

Monday, November 10, 2014

Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series by Jodie Bailey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Christmas Fiction, Christian Fiction

Goodness, these Quilts of Love books are hit or miss for me. This one fell somewhere in the middle for me. Now, I do have to say that I really loved Jemma. She was spunky and hilarious but I just didn’t connect with the other characters. You know, I also just didn’t like that the main character hid something so big from her significant other and he was able to just get over it. I just thought it was a very rotten thing. I understand why she made such a decision but it doesn’t mean that I think it was okay.

Overall, the book was okay but Taryn’s deception for me just killed it. I know everyone makes mistakes but I felt that she committed one of the ultimate betrayals. The book is a quick read that I feel a lot of other folks would enjoy. I personally could not connect with Taryn. I chose to still give the book a three because of Jemma. She was truly the redeeming character of this book. While she also was guilty of her own deception, it was just really hard not to enjoy her spunk.

Note: I have deemed this book as appropriate for teens but in full disclosure, there is an instance of an unwed mother. While I feel that it is not written inappropriately, I do know that some of my reader-friends would not want their teens to read about such a circumstance. I will leave that to reader discretion but I found it to be of a non-issue. The pregnancy was not praised in any way and it was written appropriately.

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Shakespeare meets Amish! Review of Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Becoming Bea is probably my favorite out of the Courtshipsof Lancaster County series. I think this author has really found her voice. Don’t get me wrong…all of the books have been really good but I just think each book has been better than the last! This series of books are all Amish renditions of Shakespeare—very loosely based. They are written in first person perspective which I usually don’t enjoy as much but this author does it really well!

Note: I have deemed that this book is appropriate for teens. While there’s a minor altercation between Bea and another character becomes a bit violent with her, it is hardly described and the scene is cut short. As always, I urge parental discretion but in my humble opinion, this book is suitable for teen girls ages thirteen and up.

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A Love Undone: An Amish Novel of Shattered Dreams and God's Unfailing Grace

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

A Love Undone: An Amish Novel of Shattered Dreams and God's Unfailing Grace by Cindy Woodsmall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+
Genre: Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction

Oh goodness! Next to the Sisters of the Quilt series, this is now my new favorite by Cindy Woodsmall! These characters are the kind that could so easily rip your heart out of your chest and stomp on it a few times. They’re really THAT real. Not saying that happens in this book—just that they have that ability if they wanted. I got so caught up into this story. I just can’t gush about it enough!

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Review of The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Friday, October 31, 2014

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:15+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

WOW! I really think this might be the best book of the year! I don’t often find an author who incorporates quite so much of a Christian view as this one and I rather enjoyed that! So many Christian romance novels don’t delve into the importance of Christ’s teachings on being unequally yoked. This one placed great emphasis on that matter.

Another thing, if you’re a fan of recent shows such as Call the Midwife, you may be interested in knowing that this story is set in the London East End in the early part of the 1900s. Since I’m a fan of that show, I enjoyed seeing a look into an earlier time in that area.

I did not realize this was book two in a series when I requested it but I was able to follow along without any issue. Since I finished, I’ve ordered book one in the series and I cannot wait until it arrives! I think I’ve found a new favorite, for sure!

Note: I have deemed this book as appropriate for teens but in full disclosure, there is an instance of an unwed mother. While I feel that it is not inappropriate, I do know that some of my reader-friends would not want their teens to read about such a circumstance. I will leave that to reader discretion but I found it to be of a non-issue. The pregnancy was not praised in any way and it was written appropriately.

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A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E Ladd|Review&Giveaway

Saturday, October 18, 2014

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Holy moly! This series just keeps getting better! I literally sat up until 4:30 a.m. just to see how this concluded and then I walked around like a zombie all day—it was well worth it! This author has a way with words that just pulls me into the story. I just can’t get enough of these characters!

There’s a bit of edge to these stories but of course, so tastefully done that no one could complain. In full disclosure, there’s mention of an affair that resulted in a child as well as a one of the ladies lamenting that she had given herself to someone before marriage. It is not explicit and thus, it is of my opinion that this is safe for teens. As a lot of parents follow my blogs to find appropriate literature for their teens—I felt the need to have a full disclosure there.

All in all, I love this book. I love this genre and I absolutely love this author’s writing. I really hope there is another installment in this series.

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Review of Yuletide Ice Cube Fair by Zondervan Publishing

Friday, October 17, 2014

Yuletide Ice Cube Fair by Zondervan Publishing

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:all ages Genre:Christmas, Children's Fiction

This is a super cute children’s story with colorful illustrations that will spark the interest of children and press the true meaning of Christmas.

Mayor Bob is holding an ice carving contest and all the veggies are competing. Each veggie is asked to carve what Christmas means to them. Some of them choose to carve elaborate Christmas dinners, elves, trees or gifts but Junior carves the smallest but most meaningful ice sculpture of them all.

This book will remind children that Christ is the reason we celebrate and that He is the most important part of our Holiday season.

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Amazon|CBD|Barnes&Noble

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers 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’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of Where Treetops Glisten a colletion of Christmas Novellas

Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II by Tricia Goyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, WWII Fiction

Oh goodness! This book was fantastic! It sure put me in the Christmas mood and it’s only October! Shhhh, don’t tell anyone but I found a Christmas station on Pandora that is getting a lot of use!

All three of these stories are fantastic and filled with a strong Christian message and I can’t really pick a favorite out of the three. There were so seamlessly written and enjoyable.

I was also able to share this book with my thirteen year old daughter and she enjoyed the story very much.

There were a lot of serious moments but there was also love and humor in this book. I suppose, being in the WWII genre, it would be nearly impossible for there to not be a more serious overtone but amidst the loss, the fear and even war—love still exists.

If you’re looking for an easy read that will put you into the upcoming holiday spirit—I strongly suggest this book!

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Review of "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:17+ Genre:Memoirs, Non-Fiction

This story a heart wrenching look into the depravity of the hearts of men and the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. 'Neither prison nor torture can frighten the Christians of the Underground Church.'

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Review of "The River" by Beverly Lewis

Monday, October 13, 2014

The River by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction
Note: There is one delicately written reference to rape. However it is so tastefully written that I didn't feel that my daughter couldn't handle reading this book.

I really enjoyed aspects of this book however I did dislike one of the main characters—throughout the entire book. I’ll get to that in just a bit but first, isn’t the cover amazingly gorgeous? Beverly Lewis consistently has the best book covers in her genre. Overall, I gave this book a good solid four. I just didn’t connect with one of the characters, Tilly.

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Review of Revolutionary by Krista Mcgee

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Revolutionary by Krista McGee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:12+ Genre: Dystopian, Christian Fiction

This series is really good and I think this book is the best out of the series. I admit that I was a little disappointed in book two because of how similar it was to The Hunger Games but now that it’s all over with—I’m pleased with how things turned out. If you’re a fan of dystopian but you’re looking for something that is a bit less—dark, then this would be a great series for you. Christian themes are woven into this book seamlessly. It's a very good alternative for younger Folks who have been wanting to read The Hunger Games and the parents are worried about the content.

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Review of The Magnificent Tales Bible Story Collection by Kelly Pulley

Saturday, October 4, 2014

The Magnificent Tales Bible Story Collection by Kelly Pulley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:4+ Genre: Children's Bible Storybook

This book is really cute and I’m so glad that I’ve had the privilege of reviewing it for Litfuse. I have six girls, ranging in age from thirteen, down to the baby at age one.

All of my girls have really enjoyed this book. My oldest daughter has been reading to her siblings and the littlest girls enjoy looking at the pictures as well as reading.

When I first took this book, I was thinking it would be more appropriate for my four year old but in fact, it’s a thick book with beautiful artwork and fantastically written rhythmical stories.

The thing I loved about this book is that each story was prefaced with where to find each story in the Bible and I think that is so important. I can read them the story from the Bible and then back it up with the children’s story book to make it a little easier for them to understand.

I would definitely love to see more Bible story books from this publisher and author.

View all my reviews

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Review of "Secrets of Erhynvale: Children of the Eclipse" by Amara Starling

Secrets of Erhynvale: Children of the Eclipse by Amara Starling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:17+ Genre:Fantasy, Sci-Fi

I really want to sound all professional and give this book an awesome review that it really deserves. However,the best books pull out the very unprofessional, raw and candid reviewer in me. It resonates with me as a person and not just as a reader. Thus, I apologize for any grammar mistakes, rambling, excited abuse of punctuation or of internet acronyms.

As a general rule of thumb, I will not review books that are self-published. In the day of e-publishing, everyone is an author and there’s a lot of content out there that just stinks. This book is not one of them. Amara is one of those people that have a way with words. Her imagery will seep into your soul and makes you want to be a part of her story. If you're like me and you fear the self-published, this author will change your mind. She is good at what she does and honestly, I've read best-sellers from well known and well liked authors that didn't do as good of a job.

Amara is the real deal and as a debut author, I see this as a stepping stone to a long career with many stories to be told. I look forward to the rest of this series and any new stories that she may decide to tell!

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Review of "Storm Siren" by Mary Weber

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Storm Siren by Mary Weber

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:18+ Genre:Fantasy

I've sat on writing this review because of how I felt. I kept thinking that maybe I would change my mind but I haven't. If this book had been published by a secular publishing company and had it not been labeled as YA. I honestly wouldn't have rated as a one star. I'd probably have given it a three and that's largely because the author had this annoying issue with "counting." I counted, one, two, three, a gazillion times that she felt the need to count in the manner in which I just did. I felt like I'd fallen in the mad hatter's hat, transported myself into Wonderland and suddenly, I'm five years old and learning to count.

I'm trying really hard to keep the snark and disdain for this book out of my review but given how far from "Christian" this book is...I'm having a hard time of it. If it looks like mud, it's mud. This looks nothing like Christianity. To be a Christian means to have a Christ like character. This book is a very poor example and has absolutely no business being classified as a Christian genre, nor in being published under a Christian banner. I'm not just a prude, I have read many books with content that is less than squeaky clean; Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series comes to mind. However, this book is not what it claims and that is what bothers me.

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Review of "The Healing Quilt" by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Friday, September 12, 2014

The Healing Quilt (The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, #3)

The Healing Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Suggested Age: 13+
Genre:Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction

This is the first book that I've read in this series but it doesn't really seem necessary to have read the others. I'm usually a fan of Brunstetter but holy moly...this book switches point of view so often that I had a hard time following it. There were thirteen, in fact. Yes, you read that right...thirteen different perspectives! The minute that I started connecting with a character, it would switch to another person's point of view. It was a cute idea but I am not very fond of the delivery.

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Review of The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Thursday, September 11, 2014

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age: 18+
Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

This is a new author to me—as you all know, that is something I always fear. However, my fears were unfounded. This story is so beautifully written and gripping. I brushed away tears at times because I know that the fears and the horrors of Auschwitz were real. Those horrors had to be worse than can be conveyed in a fictional account.

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