True Light by Terri Blackstock

Continuing in the Restoration Series we continue in the blackout and the lives of the Brannings. A new murder takes place and Mark Green is the most likely suspect. Dani is determined to prove Mark's innocence. A good book with Mark showing great character even when he is being persecuted. I enjoyed.

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

A historical romance that takes place in the late 1800's in New York City among the elite of the city. Clara is about to debut for the season and she needs to "catch" the most eligible batchelor for the sake of her Father and Aunt. I enjoyed the details of what these girls went through to debut in society. I didn't realize how dangerous those corset's were. I thought this was a really good book.

Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson

This is the first book in a series called Yukon Quest. The story is about a girl who father arranges for her to marry a man who she is afraid to marry. She ends up running away to Alaska to escape this marriage. I thought this was a great first book to a series as it leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. I definitely want to read the next book as the adventure is certainly not over yet. Good book.

The Departed by Kathryn Mackel

They defined this book well when they called it a "Chrstian Chiller". This was one suspensful, chilling story. If you enjoy that genre, you will really like this one. The plot involves mediums and occult practices and how a small group of Christians try to stand firm in the midst of evil. This book had my heart racing at times but it was well done as this is not an easy topic to write about (in my opinion).

Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist

A story of Essie, the girl becoming the town spinster and her quest for a man. It was a good read that kept me engaged. It would have been tough to have her personality in the time period she grew up in.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Another book that I read because it shows on the most frequently banned book list. When I first started reading it I couldn't possibly understand why this book would end up on that list but towards the end I guess I could understand...maybe. This is a great story about imagination and friendship. Jess and Leslie become best friends but Leslie ends up dying. Jess is now left without his best friend and he must figure out how to go on in life. I don't agree with the theology in this book but it's the parents job to teach your children. I think when the book does bring up God and what happens when you die it offers an opportunity to continue to teach your children about Jesus and salvation. I loved how the book ended with Jess bringing his sister into Terabithia to continue what Leslie started. There is cursing in the book in a few places but I would let my kids read this.

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

This book had a couple great mysteries going on at the same time.  The author did a pretty good job developing the characters.  However, I thought the actual writing was choppy at times with sudden changes or lack of description in certain situations that made me reread a page to try to understand what happened.

Overall, as a mystery and intrigue book, it was good.



note: i received this book free in exchange for a review which did not need to be good.

A Bride in the Bargain by Deanne Gist

I thought this was great. I appreciate the fact that the author based the book around facts. She thoroughly researched the era and I loved that this story was based on an event that actually happened. A sweet romance novel that I would recommend.

Pujols by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

Review by Scott K.

This book shares the life of Albert Pujols starting with his birthplace in the Dominican Republic, through his high school years in Kansas City, and on to his achievements in major league baseball.  It also tells of his kindness and thoughtfulness outside of baseball with his foundation and many mission trips to the DR.  He and his wife and foundation are strong supporters of Down's Syndrome as one of their children has it.  Pujols strong faith and religious beliefs show how God is behind all his accomplishments.

"In today's times, it is so nice to read a book about a truly nice person.  He has done well in baseball but continues to give back to people."

(Note:  Required by law to reveal that this book was received free from booksneeze.com in exchange for a review.  Review is not required to be positive.)

Night Light by Terri Blackstock

The second in the Restoration series, the blackout continues and as the world figures out how to survive the Brannings are trying to make their lives easier in their neighborhood. Crime is rampant and they get involved in a murder case. I really enjoy this series and I am intrigued by the setting of being in a world-wide blackout.

Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin

This is the first in a series called Refiners Fire. I really liked this book. It takes place in Richmond, VA right before the beginning of the Civil War. The main character, Caroline has a great relationship with her slaves and loves them dearly. When she has to go live in Philadelphia for two years she sees a whole new way of living and gets involved with an abolitionist movement. When it seems the war is going to begin, Caroline goes back to her beloved home in Richmond. The war unfolds and we go through all the hard decisions Caroline has to make to endure this war. I thought this was a really great story and I highly recommend it. I am anxious to read the next in the series.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I don't like science fiction but I'm trying to read the Reading Olympics books so I plowed on!  I still don't like science fiction but this book is well-written, suspenseful, personal, and will keep you reading.  Enjoy!