Book Review: The Destiny of One by Sarah Holman

The Destiny of One by Sarah Holman

Christian Sci-fi

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Destiny – it’s a word that plagues Maria Morris. What does God want her to do with her life? Should she go to college or does God have other plans for her? When her parents go missing during a business trip, Maria embarks on a quest that will change her life forever. Trying to fight against an overbearing Milky Way Government, Maria travels to earth in search of a lost prince and some crown jewels. Her faith is tested, however, when a new law is passed. Will Maria be able to find her parents and the crown jewels before it’s too late? Is she strong enough to stand up for her faith even if it means never seeing her family again? Most of all, will Maria discover her true Destiny?

 

My Thoughts:

I’ve had this series waiting on my Kindle for a while, and now that I’ve read the first one, I don’t know what took me so long to start it! Generally I don’t read a lot of sci-fi type books, but this was excellent! Maria was a great and very real character, and it was all written extremely well. And goodness did I love the message of waiting and trusting God for His plan in our lives – that was just fantastic. So often we’re told we need to have our lives figured out by 18 years old, which in my opinion is so not old enough to know what we want to do, but in “The Destiny of One” Maria doesn’t know where God wants her, and the best thing? Her whole family supports her in waiting on God to show her. That was a breath of fresh air to me. It doesn’t matter how long the wait may be, it’ll be worth it to follow God’s chosen path for us!

Each character was really well-constructed, and I’m really looking forward to continuing the series. And seeing more of Quint…turned out being quite fond of him. Not right of the bat, but pretty soon after. ^.^

If you feel that you’re being pressured to choose your life’s path, read this book and be encouraged. While it may be fiction, it has a great message!

 

 

Book Review: “Befriending the Beast” by Amanda Tero

Befriending the Beast by Amanda Tero

Book One in the Tales of Faith Series

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the book:

Belle has returned unannounced to the castle to restore her relationship with the king, her father. Her hopes are dashed with the devastating message: “The king refuses to see you.” Convinced that God has led her home, she is unwilling to return to Lord and Lady Kiralyn.

Time is running out for the decision that will change her life. When tragedy strikes, will she and her father be pulled further apart or knit together? Could she stay at the castle even if she will never see her father again?

 

My Thoughts:

This was a very good retelling of the familiar tale, Beauty and the Beast. And like other reviews have said, it was very unique in the fact that the Beast character was portrayed in this story as Belle’s father, instead of a romantic interest. I thought that was very clever, and very well-done! I loved the medieval feel to it – it was rich in that. And the decorative formatting of each chapter was just lovely! I thought that was beautiful. Well-written, and captivating. My favourite of Miss Tero’s books that I’ve read so far. :) **Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary ecopy. All thoughts in this review are my own

Book Review: “Admirable” by Sarah Holman

Admirable by Sarah Holman

A Tales of Taelis Short Story

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 

About the book:

William returns home to find his family threatened with attack from a neighboring Earl. Will he be able to protect his sister and the rest of his family from this threat? Will he be able to trust God no matter what?
A prequel story for Adventures and Adversities.

 

My Thoughts:

Very good short story that gives us a glimpse of William’s backstory from “Adventures and Adversities”! It was very short making it easy to read in one sitting, but still very well-written and I enjoyed getting to read more about William’s past. The message was very sweet and profitable too – trusting God with our loved ones isn’t always the easiest, but it is very important!

Great story. :)

BookLook Review: “The Noble Servant” by Melanie Dickerson

“The Noble Servant” by Melanie Dickerson

Part of the Medieval FairyTale Series

Review copy from BookLook

My Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

She lost everything to the scheme of an evil servant.

But she might just gain what she’s always wanted . . . if she makes it in time.

The impossible was happening. She, Magdalen of Mallin, was to marry the Duke of Wolfberg. Magdalen had dreamed about receiving a proposal ever since she met the duke two years ago. Such a marriage was the only way she could save her people from starvation. But why would a handsome, wealthy duke want to marry her, a poor baron’s daughter? It seemed too good to be true.

On the journey to Wolfberg Castle, Magdalen’s servant forces her to trade places and become her servant, threatening not only Magdalen’s life, but the lives of those she holds dear. Stripped of her identity and title in Wolfberg, where no one knows her, Magdalen is sentenced to tend geese while she watches her former handmaiden gain all Magdalen had ever dreamed of.

When a handsome shepherd befriends her, Magdalen begins to suspect he carries secrets of his own. Together, Magdalen and the shepherd uncover a sinister plot against Wolfberg and the duke. But with no resources, will they be able to find the answers, the hiding places, and the forces they need in time to save both Mallin and Wolfberg?

 

My Thoughts:

A continuation to Melanie Dickerson’s Medieval FairyTale Series, “The Noble Servant” tells us the tale of Lady Magdalen whom we met in “The Beautiful Pretender”. While reading TBP, I was looking forward to reading Lady Magdalen’s tale, and so as soon as this came available for review, I grabbed a copy. :)

I found the middle and end of the book the most engaging, though perhaps a little predictable. Still, I enjoyed the book and am sure fans of Melanie Dickerson will enjoy it as well.

I did have some…concerns with this one, but for the most part I enjoyed it. It could be a little slow/long at times, but Lady Magdalen was a sweet character, and Stephen was a good one too.

The author does a good job with the setting and making you feel like you’re in the time period, and I do really like that.

There was a bit of violent description in this one, a case right in the first chapter that I didn’t care for and wouldn’t advise my 14 year sister to read. I’m not one for scenes of violence described so…thoroughly. I understand the circumstances and necessity of the scene, just don’t think it needs to be so gruesomely described in YA books.

Also, there is a strong Catholic theme throughout the book, which I know some love and some don’t, so I want to make sure that I mention that.  It isn’t just a “Christian” world view that every religion or belief system can relate to, it is strongly Catholic with penance and working for salvation.

Book Review: Saguaro Sunset by Debra Marvin

“Saguaro Sunsent” by Debra E. Marvin

I won a copy from the author

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

No ice cream sandwich is as sweet as a long-delayed sunset kiss.

Friday night’s first phone call was the answer to Teresa Scott’s career dreams. Before she can celebrate, a second call informs her of her sister’s accident and puts Teresa in ‘the driver’s seat’ of Frosty Fingers Food Truck during the Tucson Festival of Books. Determined to keep her sister’s business out of the red, Teresa hides the painful disappointment of giving up her dream.

Fellow accountant Alan Davis sticks his do-gooder nose in, hanging around to help Teresa, the woman he’s adored since forever, not knowing the coveted board position he’s just accepted is the one she had to give up.

Nice Guy Alan isn’t really Teresa’s type, but she’s won over by his humor, adorable smile, and ice cream scooping skills. As his presence become irreplaceable, she sheds the hardened layers of her heart. Just when it’s clear she needs him in her life, Alan has to face his biggest regret and honor an old promise. Will losing this chivalrous knight in a snowman costume break Teresa’s vulnerable heart?

My Thoughts:

I can count on finding a good novella when it’s written by Debra Marvin. I’ve read three of hers so far, and have enjoyed each one. Usually, I’m a novel kind of gal, but I enjoy novella’s for a break – and Debra writes some good ones. :)
This was her first contemporary, and she handled it fantastically in my opinion!
The setting was unique – I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the character runs (or in this case, helps run) an ice cream food truck! I found that a great setting – one to stand out. And the characters were each well-constructed and you got to know them even in a ‘short’ amount of time of a novella.
I enjoyed the splash of faith too.
There was one scene towards the end that was a bit more…passionate (just kissing) than I usually read, but otherwise, I didn’t skim any of the book – it was a good, sweet read, one I enjoyed. :)

April Recap

Happy May!

(And Happy Birthday to my dearest Ken! <3)

I hope everyone had a good April. Ours was busy, but good. One highlight was getting to go up north to see my grandparents for a couple of days. And also enjoying the lake they live by, and stop at one of my favourite places up there.  It was so nice to see my grandparents, because it’d been several months since my Mum, sister, and I had seen them.

April brought a lot of rain, as usual, and warmer weather. But we did get a light dusting of snow about a week ago and then a bit of a snow fall yesterday (it melted as soon as it reached the ground though)…that’s Minnesota!

April was a pretty busy month for me book-wise – getting and reading. :D I discovered a group online that sells and swaps Christian fiction – I joined to sell my books (and have done so with a few!), but did end up getting some too – because, good books are hard to resist! It was nice because I was able to make a couple swaps too. So, here’s my book month in review:

Received:

 

On the left are the books that came from the book selling/swapping group. The Susan May Warren books and the Russian Verbs book (along with a book called “The Legend of the Firefish” which I forgot to add in the picture…) I purchased (very affordably!!) from a gal, and then the top three were swaps. :)

On the left are books I’ve acquired elsewhere. The bottom three came from a very sweet friend up north who also gave me a book on The Monkees that’s not pictured! <3

“The Noble Servant” is a review book, “The Illusionist’s Apprentice” and “When Tides Turn” I won in giveaways (hurrah!), and the top three came from thrift stores, and the very top one, “All for a Sister” I got from Tyndale Rewards.

Read:  7 books this month (not counting finishing “Missing” or books of the Bible)!

Finished “Missing” by Lisa Harris

Read “Pursued” by Lisa Harris (reviewed here on the blog)

“Treasured Grace” by Tracie Peterson (reviewed here on the blog)

“Written in Love” by Kathleen Fuller (reviewed here on the blog)

“Saguaro Sunset” (novella) by Debra E. Marvin (review to come)

“Priceless” by Joel and Luke Smallbone (With Nancy Rue)

“Befriending the Beast” by Amanda Tero (review to come)

“The Secret Slipper” by Amanda Tero (review to come)

 

So that was pretty exciting for me, to read as many as I did – even though three were novella’s. :)

Did you read or acquire any good books this past month? Where do you usually sell or pass along your older books to?

I hope you have a great May!

 

 

 

 

 

“Christ Arose” By Faith Blum – Blog Tour

Faith Blum has a new book! She wrote, edited, and published a short story in just three short days and you can now get it for free! Read on to learn more about it.

About the Book

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

No longer could I say I was lonely. But oh, how I wish I could! Who could have done such a thing to the Creator of the world? Who had so much hatred for Him?

Available for free on all eBook vendor: http://books2read.com/christ-arose

About the Author

Faith Blum is a 20-something author of multiple books in various genres. She loves to write, read, play piano, knit, crochet, sew, watch movies, and play games with her family. She lives in Wisconsin with her family on a small family farm where they raise goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and have 2 dogs and a varying number of cats.

Faith’s goal in her writing is to encourage Christians in their walk with Christ. If you enjoyed this book, go to her website to sign up for her Monthly Newsletter so you can get an email with fun facts, giveaways, and so much more every month. You will also find links to her other Social Media sites on her website. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her.

Giveaway

Faith is offering a really neat giveaway for this tour. The ParLaGrace etsy seller has an April special right now for a really beautifully made block that says He Lives. Isn’t it pretty? You can enter the giveaway here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt

Tour Schedule

April 22
Bookish Orchestrations-Intro Post
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima-Book Spotlight
Written Rest-Book Spotlight and Review

April 24
Leila Tualla-Book Spotlight
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae-Book Spotlight

April 25
With a Joyful Noise-Book Spotlight and Review
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Book Spotlight

April 26
Frances Hoelsma-Book Spotlight
Perpetual Indie Perspective-Book Spotlight and Review

April 27
Bookish Orchestrations-Giveaway Winner