Enter
INTERVIEWS & REVIEWS
  • Home
    • About >
      • Mission Statement
      • FAQ'S
      • Review Us!
    • Contact
  • Interviews
    • Interview Requests
  • Reviews
    • Book Submissions
  • Team Members Only
    • Children's Books
    • Contemporary Fiction
    • Historical Fiction
    • Mystery/Suspense
    • Young Adult
    • May Nominations
  • Book of the Month
    • January Nominations
    • February Nominations
    • March Nominations
    • April Nominations
  • Our Reviewers
    • Marta Aldrighetti
    • Anna Bottoms >
      • Carolyn Bryant
    • Trinity Caver
    • Laura J. Davis >
      • Jeanette Durkin
    • Elizabeth Eckmeyer
    • Kristina Hall >
      • Joy Hannabass
      • Adriann Harris
      • Demetria Head
      • Raechel Helwig
      • Charity Henico
      • Mindy Houng
      • Monica Huyser
    • Heather L. Jones
    • Linda Klager
    • Beverly Laude >
      • Diana Lea
      • Tammy Lunsford
    • Rebecca Maney
    • Rick Norris
    • Trixi Oberembt
    • Lori Parrish >
      • Deanne Patterson
    • Kimberlee Sams >
      • Connie Porter Saunders
      • Paula Shreckhise
      • Katie Slocum
      • Amy Smelser
      • Katelyn Sponaugle
      • Emily Stephens
    • Laura Thomas >
      • Winnie Thomas
    • Billi Varela >
      • Diana Varela
      • Elisha Varela
      • Juanita Varela
    • Ewurabena Wilson >
      • Conny Withay
      • Cheryl Wood
  • 2024 Book of the Year Winner
    • 2024 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2023 Book of the Year
    • 2023 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2022 Book of the Year
    • 2022 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2021 Book of the Year
    • 2020 Book of the Year >
      • 2020 Book of the Year Finalists
    • 2021 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2019 Book of the Year
  • 2018 Book of the Year
    • 2018 Finalists
  • For Writers
  • Home
    • About >
      • Mission Statement
      • FAQ'S
      • Review Us!
    • Contact
  • Interviews
    • Interview Requests
  • Reviews
    • Book Submissions
  • Team Members Only
    • Children's Books
    • Contemporary Fiction
    • Historical Fiction
    • Mystery/Suspense
    • Young Adult
    • May Nominations
  • Book of the Month
    • January Nominations
    • February Nominations
    • March Nominations
    • April Nominations
  • Our Reviewers
    • Marta Aldrighetti
    • Anna Bottoms >
      • Carolyn Bryant
    • Trinity Caver
    • Laura J. Davis >
      • Jeanette Durkin
    • Elizabeth Eckmeyer
    • Kristina Hall >
      • Joy Hannabass
      • Adriann Harris
      • Demetria Head
      • Raechel Helwig
      • Charity Henico
      • Mindy Houng
      • Monica Huyser
    • Heather L. Jones
    • Linda Klager
    • Beverly Laude >
      • Diana Lea
      • Tammy Lunsford
    • Rebecca Maney
    • Rick Norris
    • Trixi Oberembt
    • Lori Parrish >
      • Deanne Patterson
    • Kimberlee Sams >
      • Connie Porter Saunders
      • Paula Shreckhise
      • Katie Slocum
      • Amy Smelser
      • Katelyn Sponaugle
      • Emily Stephens
    • Laura Thomas >
      • Winnie Thomas
    • Billi Varela >
      • Diana Varela
      • Elisha Varela
      • Juanita Varela
    • Ewurabena Wilson >
      • Conny Withay
      • Cheryl Wood
  • 2024 Book of the Year Winner
    • 2024 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2023 Book of the Year
    • 2023 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2022 Book of the Year
    • 2022 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2021 Book of the Year
    • 2020 Book of the Year >
      • 2020 Book of the Year Finalists
    • 2021 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2019 Book of the Year
  • 2018 Book of the Year
    • 2018 Finalists
  • For Writers

Book Reviews​

9/30/2016

0 Comments

Tears to Dancing

 
Picture
Author: Laura Thomas
Genre: Young Adult Fiction


After a magical night at The Nutcracker Ballet, Bethany’s picture-perfect life is changed forever. At the tender age of fourteen, everything this young ballerina treasures is tragically torn from her, and she is forced to live with a broken heart and shattered dreams. Only One is able to turn her tears to joy, and transform her life of mourning into one of dancing again….
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Reviewer: Michelle Dennis Evans

This is a sweet story about 14-year-old Bethany who is in a terrible car accident killing both her parents. With a severely broken leg, Bethany is unable to dance. At times the characters seemed older than 14 and some of the conversations didn’t ring true to a teenager – this could be because they were rich ballerinas and possibly more mature than the average teen. Great book for teens to see through Bethany’s eyes, what it might be like to lose everything valuable to you. Her grief journey shows the wide range of highs and lows that are very real when someone close to you dies.


Read More
0 Comments

9/28/2016

0 Comments

Once Again

 
Picture
Author: Deborah Heal
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Fantasy


Professor Merrideth Randall has a tool that other historians can only dream of—computer software that virtually rewinds time! 

It comes in handy for historical research and for her sideline genealogy business. When her colleague physics professor Brett Garrison asks for help with his family tree she can’t resist, even though he’s far too attractive for her peace of mind. And amazingly, he seems to be
pursuing her, despite the fact that everyone knows dating a co-worker is career suicide.

Using her software, Merrideth gets a first-hand look at Brett’s ancestors, the courageous pioneers of the Illinois Country who withstood Indian attacks, hardship, and loneliness to settle there in the 1780s. One of the settlers is James Garretson, who risked his life to take the Gospel to the very tribe that wreaked havoc on his family. Merrideth is amazed that he could forgive a crime so huge.

She would love to tell Brett that he is descended from heroes, and that he inherited his black hair and green eyes from James Garretson. But she is determined to safeguard her program, and discretion is not Brett’s strong suit. She also has secrets about herself that she’d just as soon he didn’t find out either.

One virtue Brett does have is patience, and he’s quite willing to wait for Merrideth to figure things out.
Picture
Picture
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

9/26/2016

0 Comments

C Through Marriage

 
Picture
Author: Jim Hughes
Genre: Christian Living


Joyless? Lifeless? In a rut? Sometimes married life can get that away. If you want something more out of your marriage, then author and pastor Jim Hughes' C Through Marriage is for you. Explore the many issues that every married couple must face on a regular basis if their marriage is going to be what God intended.

Life has become a vicious cycle of busy activity for most of us. We scarcely have time to say hello to each other, let alone have the time to nurture and grow our love. The busier we get, the farther we drift apart, and the farther we drift apart, the more we are tempted to wander. We don't want it to happen, but isn't that just the way of life these days? Adultery, divorce, loveless marriages-what can we do? Hughes' advice covers everything from Cash and Chemistry to Children and Cuddling. But the most important focus of any marriage is the Covenant that it is and the oneness it creates.

Picture
Picture

Picture
Reviewer: Valerie Jackson

This book is focused on the many problems that could beset a marriage (all starting with the letter "C") and could be considered a series of short essays on each problem. Considering the number of C's, the author wisely kept most of them to the point. The number of topics is comprehensive, but his treatment of them isn't, which makes for an easier read. As such, it should probably be considered a resource, with the reader turning to and bookmarking the areas they'd like information on, rather than reading the book straight through.

The author frequently speaks man to man, as well as to couples, which is a nice change from many similar books. He covers everything from practical issues like Cleanliness and Consummation, to spiritual issues like Christ-likeness. There are also some really nice turns of phrase here and there. "Chivalry is the knack of putting your spouse on a pedestal and defending his or her right to be there before the world," is a favorite.

It would be nice if had more scripture citations, even if only into footnotes. I recognized when he was quoting scripture instead of simply giving his opinion, but not everyone will. Plus, sometimes I like to look them up if I'm not familiar with them.

Overall, this is a good resource to help those who can't quite pinpoint what might be going on with the marriage. And who'd like to know what they're getting right.

0 Comments

9/24/2016

1 Comment

As the Leaves Kiss the Stream

 
Picture
Picture
Author: Terry Barnes
Genre: Inspirational Fiction


A father takes his troubled seventeen-year-old daughter on an autumn fly fishing trip to the Ozarks with the hope of restoring her back to the family. Yet that hope appeared impossible amid their deep conflict and strife.

But as they camped and fished, the Ozarks began to speak to their hearts, and on one cool October morning as they fly fished beside the cold waters of the pure stream, everything forever changed.

"For the tears of a father … are as the tears of God … that fall silently and caress the one beloved, much as the autumn leaves that gently fall and kiss the stream."
Picture

Picture
Reviewer: Mary Hemlow

Anyone who has ever been responsible for a teen will appreciate the scenario in this novella. A missionary father who has been forced to return from the field in Kenya because of his errant daughter, makes an attempt to reconnect with her through their mutual enjoyment of fly fishing. It's difficult not to admire the father's patience and tenacity in the face of his daughter's disrespect. The comparison between his thoughts about what he wants to say to his daughter and what he actually does say adds a richness to his character. A smoothly depicted account, it was difficult to put down due to my curiosity as to whether the relationship would be restored. A well told story of sacrificial love, would recommend to readers in relationship with teens or to anyone who has felt unloved.

1 Comment

9/23/2016

0 Comments

Pearls for the Bride

 
Picture
Picture
Author: Laura Thomas
Genre: Christian Living/Marriage


In this unique "letter" to the bride from her mother, this book offers anecdotes, humour, practical tips and biblical insights to marriage. Author Laura Thomas uses her 25 years of marriage to help brides and newlyweds understand marriage and gives advice on everything from money management, understanding men, and keeping marriage alive by never forgetting to continue being on your honeymoon. Taking cues from the Proverbs 31 woman, Mrs. Thomas has made this letter to her daughter a gift to every woman considering marriage, or who is already married. A great gift for brides and brides-to-be.
Picture

Picture
Reviewer: Mary Hemlow

Pearls for the Bride by Laura Thomas is a book that is important for today because marriage is under attack in our culture, but is foundational for Christian family values. The cover immediately draws you in and the bridal theme is obvious. While this book is well-researched, I struggled with quotes from popular Hollywood personalities, Doris Day, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and others. I would have preferred the authority for Thomas' assertions to have been the bible or recognized Christian authorities on topics like conflict resolution, acceptance of our circumstances, family values etc.  It was well researched and citations were given, I just didn't approve of the sources. However, it was well done and while I would have liked more biblical principles illuminated I would still recommend this to a bride-to-be.

0 Comments

9/21/2016

0 Comments

The Candle Maker

 
Picture
Picture
Author: Laura Thomas
Genre: Children/Historical Fiction


Every village has a mysterious character—someone to tell tales about, someone to fear. Meet The Candle Maker. One Christmas Eve in Victorian England, ten-year-old Benjamin Walker is forced to face the fabled old candle maker and see for himself if the ghastly rumors are true. Challenged by neighborhood bullies, lessons and lies, and an English bulldog along the way, Benjamin confronts his fears on a quest to discover the truth. But will this ragamuffin lad find the courage he needs in time to save a life?
Picture

Picture
Reviewer: Margaret Welwood

My ten-year-old granddaughter and I found this story very engaging; her interest peaked when Butch needed help.
 
The action and suspense drew me in from the beginning. Ten-year-old Benjamin is both likeable and believable, and we can readily empathize with his wants, fears and compassion. The setting, too, is vivid; cold and poverty play a major role in building our empathy with both boy and dog.
 
The adults in the story are quick to point out the lesson—“what the Good Book says about taming the tongue”—but there is so much more here. Perseverance in the face of discomfort and danger, compassion when it’s easier to look the other way, generosity, secret wishes that are best unfulfilled, courage and unexpected friendship, as well as a delightful Christmas surprise all play a part in this beautiful story. Best of all, the Light of the World shines in the streets and alleys of Old England through the prayer, faith and kindness of one little boy and his family.

0 Comments

9/19/2016

0 Comments

Jesus Loves Me When I Dance

 
Picture
Picture
Author: Glynis M. Belec
Genre: Children


The sweetness and innocence of childhood echoes throughout the precious photo illustrations and the gentle rhythm of JESUS LOVES ME WHEN I DANCE. Turn each page and celebrate Jesus through the eyes of a child. Whether in stripy socks, boots or shoes with ‘Jesus love’ we’ll never lose!
Picture

Picture
Reviewer: Cierra Loften

This less than 15 page children's book was a very quick read, though delightful, nonetheless. It covers the basic principles of living a life for God in a way that is very clear, fun, and easy to understand for children. Even though I am in my twenties, I couldn't help but be uplifted by this lovely book. While there is nothing particular that stands out about 'Jesus Loves Me When I Dance,' if you're looking for a sweet, to the point book to read to your children about the love God has for them, pick this one up! Overall, I would give this book a 4 Star rating. The cover is cute and inviting, the main character centers around the author's granddaughter (so cute!) and the style is very quick to follow and devour in no time. This is a Christ-centered novel that can easily be read over and over again! 


Picture
Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

When I saw the cover of this book I thought, "What a cutie!" When I saw the title however, I was overjoyed because I have three little "great-nieces" who are dancers and would probably love this book. I contacted the author, Glynis Belec and asked her who the little cutie on the front cover was and she informed me it was her granddaughter who did an impromptu photo-shoot with her mom on the way home from ballet class one day. When the author saw them, she immediately knew she had to write a story around them and this book is the result.

This delightful little rhyming book reinforces in its young readers that Jesus loves them in all stages of their development. He loves them when they are dancing and when they are playing and enforces the truth that Jesus is the best friend they will ever have.

If you have young dancers in your home and want to encourage them in their faith (and their dance) grab a copy. You'll be glad you did!


Picture
Reviewer: Mary Hosmar

This delightful children’s picture book is filled with truths. The poetry and charming photos will keep the very young enthralled. Older children will enjoy reading it for themselves.

The photos compliment and illustrate the text and the child’s facial expressions will evoke a response from even the youngest readers. Glynis Belec has taken Amanda Belec Newton’s photography and added the poetry and together they have created a picture book which reassures children about Jesus’ love for them.

0 Comments

9/15/2016

0 Comments

Twitter Decoded

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Author: Ruth L. Snyder
Genre: Marketing/Business


Use Twitter to easily and effectively reach your readers!
 
Successful writers take responsibility for marketing their own work. Social media, including Twitter, can be amazing tools. But how do you get started and use Twitter productively without wasting valuable writing time?
 
Ruth L. Snyder explains the benefits of Twitter for writers and leads you step by step through the process of setting up an effective account. Using this manual, you’ll learn the lingo, find your way around the Twitter dashboard, and start building relationships with your worldwide audience. You’ll also discover many tips and tricks to engage your audiences and build a solid marketing platform in minutes a day. Finally, you’ll learn how to write great tweets, use hashtags, link shorteners, and Twitter tools, schedule your tweets, use tweet templates, and continue building relationships with your worldwide audience.

Reviewer: Laura Thomas

This book is perfect for authors and writers who are just embarking on the realms of social media, specifically Twitter—but it also has enough information for a seasoned pro to gain some extra knowledge on the subject. It starts out with step-by-step instructions for the absolute beginner, making it very non-threatening and user-friendly. As the book progresses, Snyder delves deeper into the world of Twitter with tips on scheduling, frequency, how to create great tweets, and pretty much anything you could imagine needing to know on the subject. At the end of each chapter, the reader is encouraged to take specific action, and on finishing the book there is no excuse for not being able to fully utilize Twitter effectively! Packed with links for further reading, resources, and recommended books, I came away knowing a lot more about Twitter than I did before, and feel confident in carrying out several of Snyder’s suggestions for authors. I thoroughly recommend this book for any writer (or any non-writer even!) who is interested in uncovering the mystery that is Twitter.
0 Comments

9/10/2016

0 Comments

A Matter of Conscience

 
Picture
Picture
Author: Mary Hosmar
Genre: Young Adult/Historical Fiction


Fifteen-year-old Jamie MacPherson is confused. Everyone seems to want change but can’t agree as to how that change should come about. William Lyon Mackenzie is calling the people of Upper Canada to arm themselves and break free of British rule, and Jamie’s friends and neighbours are all for joining Mackenzie and his army. His father is dead set against violence of any sort and has tried to pass that along to his son.

Will Jamie follow his father’s wishes and stay home or will he go along with popular opinion and join the rebels?

Join Jamie as he struggles with the political issues surrounding the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837.
Picture

Reviewer: Janis Cox

A fascinating story using the historical references of  William Lyon Mackenzie and the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. Mary has made that time in history come alive by creating real characters and having them work through their emotions regarding their decisions of whether to join in the rebellion or not. Well written. Fast-paced. A great read.
0 Comments

9/10/2016

0 Comments

Unlocking the Truth of Daniel

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Author: Laura J. Davis
Genre: Bible Study/Prophecy


Do you long to immerse yourself in God's Word and discover its truths for yourself? The new and exciting Digging Deeper Series was created just for you! Embark on a fulfilling journey through God's Word using a foundation of Scripture as well as history.


Will there really be a seven-year peace treaty with a man known as the Antichrist? Who are the Kings of the North and South and what role do they play in the end-times? Have the prophecies of Daniel already been fulfilled? Using Scripture and history as our guide, this study will seek to reveal the truth. Discover God's plan for the Jewish people and for the world. See how events played out historically, and where we can expect to be taken next. Undertake a journey through the Book of Daniel and discover God's plan for your life.

Reviewer: Stephanie Thomason

In Unlocking the Truth of Daniel, Laura J. Davis methodically and thoroughly analyzes the dreams, visions, and complex prophecies of the Old Testament’s Book of Daniel. She traces its relationship to history through her comprehensive year-long studies of a variety of non-Biblical sources. Davis explores each verse from the KJV (literal) and NIV (meaning-based) translations of the Bible. When the literal and meaning-based translations differ, she draws upon the meaning of the original Hebrew/Aramaic word, so readers can determine the appropriate way to derive meaning in the passage.
 
The book starts with the story of Nebuchadnezzar, whose frustration in interpreting his dream of a statue leads him to the prophet Daniel. Daniel interprets the dream as it portends the fall of Nebuchadnezzar’s powerful Babylonian Empire, to be followed by the fall of the Medo-Persian Empire, the Greek Empire, and the Roman Empire. Davis draws parallels between the books of Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Psalms and past history and recent times to offer theories on the Antichrist and what to expect during the end times and when such times may occur.  
 
To anyone who wants to learn more about the complex prophecies and life of Daniel, Davis’ devotional is a must-read. To anyone curious about the way that current institutions and societies may have been foretold thousands of years ago, this devotional is a must-read. To anyone desiring historical support of the prophecies in the Bible, look no further than Davis’ Unlocking the Truth of Daniel. I highly recommend you invest your time in this well-developed and articulated devotional. It can be read individually or within groups in inductive Bible studies.
0 Comments
Previous

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Action/Adventure
    Amish Fiction
    Anthology
    Bible Study
    Biblical Fiction
    Children
    Christian Living
    Christmas
    Church History
    Contemporary Fiction
    Contemporary Holiday Romance
    Contemporary Romance
    Cookbook
    Devotionals
    Dual Time
    Dual-Time
    Dual-time Romance
    Fantasy
    Fiction
    Gothic Historical Romance
    Historical Fiction
    Historical Holiday Romance
    Historical Mystery
    Historical Romance
    Historical WWII Fiction
    Inspirational Fiction
    Marketing
    Marriage
    Memoir
    Missions
    Mystery/Suspense
    Poetry
    Prophecy
    Regency Romance
    Romantic Suspense
    Science Fiction
    Self Help
    Self-Help
    Social Issues
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Warfare
    Theology
    Thriller/Suspense
    Time Travel Romance
    Women's Issues
    Young Adult

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016

Services

Interviews
Reviews
Our Reviewers
For Writers
Book Submissions

Support

Contact


© COPYRIGHT 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Disclaimer
FTC DISCLAIMER: All the books reviewed on this site are given to us for the express purpose of review. They are provided by publishers, publicists, authors and agents. None of our reviewers were required to write positive reviews and none of them were paid monetarily. All opinions are those of each individual reviewer. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”