Blue Moon Promise Under Texas Stars series By Colleen Coble

 

Book Description:

Tell me, Miss Marsh, are you a Christian?”

“Why, yes sir, I am.”

“I thought as much. God has led me here for a purpose…

I have a proposition for you.”

Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, where the man she came to marry seems surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to provide for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate realizes he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance and suspense…immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.


My Review:

This is the second book that I read from this author. I love Lucy this character very much. She's strong, determine and protective to her two siblings despite they are not sharing the same mother. She was thrown into a desperate situation to accept the proxy marriage proposed by Nate's father. When she met with Nate finally, despite strong protest from Nate at the beginning from this marriage, but Lucy did not turn away and run. And I like how Nate treated Lucy. And the development of their relationship had been so natural. Even though Nate's father had his own agenda to match-make Nate with Lucy, but nonetheless he found a good wife for his son.

I enjoy reading this book very much. The suspense elements that found in this book made me hard to put it down. Not to mention the interactions between Nate and Lucy. I'm looking forward for future works by this author.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Baker's Wife By Erin Healy

Book Description

If what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, why is Audrey growing weaker by the day?

When her husband Geoff, a pastor, lost his job after a scandal rocked their congregation, Audrey's never lost faith.

They decide to resurrect a failing bakery as a way to heal family wounds and restore their place in the community.

Running late to the bakery one foggy morning, Audrey strikes a vehicle. Emerging from her car into the fog, she discovers she hit a motor scooter. But there’s no rider in sight. Just blood.

The absence of the driver is a mystery, especially to Sergeant Jack Mansfield, the detective and church member responsible for firing Geoff from his pulpit. The scooter belongs to Jack’s wife, Julie, a teacher at the local high school, who has vanished…like morning fog.

Though there is no evidence to support Jack’s growing suspicion that Audrey and Geoff were involved in Julie’s disappearance, the detective is convinced of their guilt. When he takes the tiny bakery and its patron’s hostage, Audrey must unravel the secret of Julie’s disappearance and her own mysterious suffering before Jack hits his breaking point.


My Review: 

This is a very interesting story. Again, I'm amazed by the way the author tells a story. The pace is not fast, but not too slow that will make you lost interest. The author has her unique way on slowly revealing more and more on the characters throughout the whole book. I like Geoff, Audrey and Ed. They did not give up and still trust the God despite what had happened to them. On the other hand, Jack was blaming others on what had happened thinking he's right. Just because he's an detective, did not do any things that's against the law does not mean he's always right and deserved only good things.

This book is a Christian fiction. It's a book about hope, having faith, healing and forgiveness. I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Waking Hours By Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson

Book Description

Welcome to East Salem: A deceptively sleepy town where ancient supernatural forces are being awakened.

A high-school girl is found murdered in a park in Westchester County, New York. The shocking manner of her death confounds the town and intrigues forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris, who is determined to unravel the mystery. All the suspects are teenagers who were at a party with the girl—yet no one remembers what happened. Could one of them be a vicious killer? Or is something more sinister afoot—something tied to an ancient evil?

But it's not just Dani’s waking hours that challenge her. Each night, her eyes open at 2:13 due to troubling dreams—dreams filled with blood, water, and destruction. Is it a clue—or a sign?

Across town, former NFL linebacker Tommy Gunderson finds his security system has been breached by an elderly woman who attacks him with preternatural strength. Before he can process the attack, someone close to him is implicated in the high-school girl's murder. He agrees to help—and finds himself working with Dani, the only girl who could resist his charms when they were in high school.

It will take astute analysis and forensic skills to solve the crime. But Dani and Tommy suspect there's more to the mystery than murder, more to their growing friendship than chance . . . and more to the evil they're facing than a mere human killer.


My Review

This is book 1 of the East Salem Trilogy. It was fast pace at the beginning, but slightly slow down towards the middle. The suspense intrigued me right from the beginning. I kept on wondering actually who's the killer. I like the interaction between Dani and Tommy. Their relationship was slowly developed and naturally. The plot of the story is very good. The authors have done a very good job on weaving in the story of mystery and suspense with the supernatural element. And on top of it, adding the romance element into it. Just when I thought the mystery is solved, the ending made me feels a little confused, which means that I can't wait for the next book!

I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.


Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Realms Thereunder By Ross Lawhead

Book Description

Uncover a land that has been hidden for over a thousand years.

Beneath the land of Britain, a great army is sleeping. On a visit to an old church, Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds awaken two ancient knights from a centuries-old slumber. They are kidnapped and taken to an underground city that stands in peril, besieged in all directions by a vicious warhost. Nidergeard is the only thing protecting the upper world's blissful ignorance of mythical forces that have been held at bay since the creation of the world. In order to return home, Daniel and Freya must strike at the heart of the opposer's power.

Fast forward eight years. Daniel, now homeless, still wages what he believes to be a righteous war against those he judges to be evil. Freya has tried to put the past behind her and concentrate on getting an education, a job, and a life. When they reconnect in Oxford, unseen forces begin to ally against them. Daniel is pulled through a portal and into another world. Freya is abducted by someone—some thing—posing as her professor and drugged to keep her in a delusional state. After they finally break free, neither can deny the truth . . . they must return to Nidergeard and resume the battle.

With a thrilling narrative that draws heavily upon British mythology, The Realms Thereunder will quickly establish Ross Lawhead as a major new voice in fantasy.


My Review:

I found the story very fascinating, with lots of old British mythology. It captivates my interest from beginning till the end. The story moves between past and present, but I don't have much problem following the storyline. The plot is good. It is full of adventures, with some twists and turns, just made it hard for me to put down the book. I admire Daniel and Freya who have the courage to fight the evil. The ending is good, made me can't wait for the next book in the series.

I enjoy reading it very much. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Note: Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond

Book Description:

When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father's veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse's ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.


My review:

I like this story very much. To me, Susannah is strong and with courage. When they lost the crops, Jesse left home to try to get a job at other places. Susannah could not stop Jesse from leaving, but yet she did not give up her hope that Jesse would come home. And she did very well in taking care of herself, and their home during this period when Jesse was gone. Despite other people thought Jesse would have died since it's been months since he had left, Susannah believed he would come home and she trusted him would not leave her alone. I always believe things happen for a reason. Without Jesse around, Susannah learn to become independent, and gained back her faith to God.

I enjoy reading this book very much. I love the ending. Very touching story.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Phantom Evil by Heather Graham

Title: Phantom Evil
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: MIRA Books
Pub Date: 03/29/2011
ISBN: 9780778329534
Author: Heather Graham


Back of the Book: -
A secret government unit is formed under the oversight of Adam Harrison, famed paranormal investigator. The six members he's gathered know a little of the otherworldly—each has honed a psychic talent of their own.

Jackson Crow, part English, part Cheyenne, heads the group. Haunted by his experience with an ancestral ghost who saved his life as a child, and the recent murders of two previous teammates, Jackson can't tell if Adam's demoted him or given him an extraordinary opportunity. Despite his link to the realm of spirits, he's well aware that the living commit the most heinous crimes, with spiritualist charlatans existing merely to fool and seduce the unwary.

To counterbalance Jackson's careful skepticism, Adam Harrison has paired him with Angela Hawkins, a young woman who learned the painful lesson of loss at an early age. A police officer utilizing her paranormal intuition in Virginia, she already has her hands full. But Adam's call to New Orleans is strong.

The case: In a historic mansion in New Orleans' French Quarter, a senator's wife falls to her death from a balcony. Most think she jumped, distraught over the loss of her young son. Some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits that inhabit the house—once the site of a serial killer's grisly work.

Whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion, greed and desire will cast the pair into danger of losing their lives…and their immortal souls.




The first 1/3 of the book is very slow, for the six members of the team to get together. It picks up after that, and made me can't stop flipping through the pages; anxiously want to know actually what had happened to Senator's wife. There are some part that made me feel creepy - not from the ghost, but from the evil spirit inside the mansion. The story is well plotted. The romance between Jackson and Angela is well blended into the story. The investigation actually revealed more than just about the death of senator's wife. It was not the ghost but the human were the evil one here. I like the ending.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

Title: A Long, Long Sleep

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Pub Date: 8th September 2011

ISBN: 9780763652609

Author: Anna Sheehan

Book Description: -

Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss. Locked away in the chemically-induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten sub-basement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now, her parents and her first love are long dead, and Rose—hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire—is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat. Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes—or be left without any future at all.

It took me quite a while to finish reading it, as the starting of the story was in quite a slow pace. It get excited and more interesting after Rose was being attacked and then later she learn that her first love actually still alive. Besides telling what was happening after she woke up, there were also many flash back memories of her past, especially those moments with Xavier, her first love, and also her only friend at that time. Rose was an obedient child to her parents. She loved them very much. However after she learn how her parents had tried to control her, and routinely used stasis as a punishment, she finally speak up and learn to control her own life. The whole story is beautifully written with good ending. 

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. 

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Candlewick Press via Net Gallery. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

A Bug Collection DVD Box Set

This is the 2nd DVD that I requested from BookSneeze and I'm so looking forward to it. However to my dismay, I still have not received it after 2 months. So I just borrow from a friend who has it so I can submit the review while waiting for my copy to arrive..

There are 3 DVDs in this A Bug Collection DVD Box Set by Max Lucado. Each DVD has 1 episode on them which last 30 minutes. They are: -

1. Milo the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray
2. Buzby and the Grumble Bees
3. Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight

"Milo, the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray" is about prayer and asking help from God. "Buzby and the Grumble Bees" is about misbehaving and how it affects the people around us. "Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight" is about getting along and make up after fight.

The stories are fun and good moral for the kids. The animation is captivating and lively. The duration of 30 minutes for each DVD is just right to keep the attention of the kids. We enjoy it very much. I hope to receive my own copy soon.

I rate this 3 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receiced this DVD free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz

Title: The Inheritance of Beauty
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pub Date: 02/08/2011
ISBN:  9781595545046
Author:  Nicole Seitz

At the age of 92 and 90, George and Maggie Jacobs are spending the rest of their days at Harmony House nursing home in South Caroline. Since the last time Maggie attacked by the stroke, she hardly talk to anyone. George and Maggie have known each other from birth and have been growing up together, with Maggie's brother, Ash, in Levy. George has been fall in love with Maggie since he was very young and at the age of 92, he still loves his wife very much.

One day, a mysterious package arrives, followed by a new resident at the nursing home forcing George to remember a past that he does not want to remember - 80 years ago, something had happen and it has changed all their life.

The story of The Inheritance of Beauty is not straightforward. It is narrated mostly by George and Maggie, jumping between present and flash back of their memory. And later part through the letters written by Ash. Despite this is not the first time I'm reading story written in this style, but at the beginning I have some difficulty following the storyline. Until reaching about half of the book, I begin able to grab the essence and started to enjoy reading the story.  

The Inheritance of Beauty is full of mystery and suspense, enough to hold my interest until the end where the truth is revealed. It is also a story about love, friendship and truth. The power of love, the power of the friendship, made George able to face the past and speak the truth. It is a beautiful story.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson via Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Title: These Things Hidden
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: MIRA
Pub Date: 03/01/2011
ISBN:  9780778328797


Synopsis:

When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn—shy, quiet Brynn—who carries the burden of what really happened that night. All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her.

But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister.

Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.


The Things Hidden is a story about family love, siblings love. It started with Allison being released from the jail. Despite it happened 5 years ago but the town of Linden Falls never forget the heinous crime Allison committed in the darkness of that one night. The story covers many thoughts and emotion from Allison, Brynn and other characters that add to the mystery. The narration jumps between characters and intertwines their lives. Despite there are many sub-plots and twists that made the whole thing looks complicated, it is not difficult to understand. The author did a good job keeping the suspense at a high level throughout and it wasn't until the very last chapter the entire mystery is laid out for you. I enjoy reading it very much.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Galley.

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

Title: My One and Only

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint:         HQN Books

Pub Date: 03/29/2011

ISBN: 9780373775576     

Harper James is a divorce attorney back in her hometown. She has a fire-fighter boy friend Dennis. She is going to be 34 years old and she wants to settle down. Thus she has proposed to Dennis. At the same time, Harper received a call from her stepsister Willa, that she's getting married to Christopher, who is Harper's ex-husband, Nick's half brother. 

Harper has not been staying in touch with Nick for the past 12 years after they have divorced. Harper always thought they were too young during that time. Dennis is the man that she is considering settle down with after Nick. However Dennis is not ready to settle down yet. As they could not get the same flight, Dennis took the earlier flight back to home after attending Willa's wedding. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Harper is stuck and in order to go to the nearest airport to fly back home, she is forced to make a cross-country road trip with Nick. 

During the trip, Harper can't help thinking back all the memories with Nick. Despite they have been separated for 12 years, Nick still loves Harper. In Nick's eyes, Harper is always been the one. Another person that Harper can't let go, is her mother who left her when she was 13 years old. They were very close, like sisters. Harper can't understand why her mom suddenly left the home, and throughout all the years she has just sent 4 postcards. And no news from her ever since. 

Things happen during the road trip. Harper finally realizes she still loves Nick. But she can't just leave her life back in Massachussetts and stay with Nick who is based in New York. Again, she has to leave Nick. Just when she is trying to step back, figuring the next step, something unexpected happen when she reaches home and thing become messy. 

It is a touching love story. It reveals many thoughts and emotions of Harper, on Nick, and on her mother. She misses her mother very much. The relationship between Willa and Christopher, her father and her stepmother, and also relationship of Nick with his family members made her think a lot. The storyline of Harper at presents, her thoughts and frequent flash back of her memory with Nick and her mother, is seamless and well written. The pace is good and enough suspense to make me keep reading, to wonder what actually has happened between Nick and Harper, and if they will eventually get together again. It is a good read. I enjoy reading it very much.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. 

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from Harlequin via Net Gallery. 

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Saving Grace is a home for 13 homeless girls, who age 18 and above. They cannot go to shelter because they are considered as adult at age of 18, but they are not capable to live by themselves yet. They still need to attend school before they can get a job, and become financially independent to live by themselves. Saving Grace is Lucy Wiltshire's everything.

However, Saving Grace's main contributor Sinclair Hotels has decided to cut off the donation. This has caused big financial problem to Saving Grace. Lucy is in desperate need of donations.

Alex Sinclair used to be a famous playboy football superstar. However due to injury he quits the game and decided to run for the First Congressional District of South Carolina. Although he has changed, but people still think he's a playboy and that does not make him looking good for the congress. To change his image in order to secure his vote, Alex has asked Lucy to be his fake fiancé. In return, she will get paid a lump sum of money after the election is over.

Lucy does not like Alex. But she needs the money desperately to keep Saving Grace. That made her very little choice but to agree with Alex to become his fake fiancé.

Save the Date is a heart warming and touching story. Lucy sacrifices her happiness to marry the man that she thought she loves, to the fake relationship with Alex for the money. She feels guilty lying to the people around her. At the same time, she found out who is her real dad. And she struggles to forgive her grandmother of what the old lady has done to her mom and her. Alex also has his own problems that he could not share. He does not run for the congress for himself. To win the congress, he deserted himself from his family members. Even though he does not like Lucy, but he does not hesitate to help Lucy whenever she needs a helping hand on the issues with the girls in Saving Grace.

There are quite a number of spiritual content in the book. And again, it always made me ponder a lot and reflect myself.

I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Silken Thread

Title:         A Silken Thread Publisher:     Harlequin Imprint:     Kimani Press Pub Date:     02/22/2011 ISBN:         9780373534265 Erica Sanders and Brian Lawson are getting married soon. They are deeply in love with each other. However Erica's mother, Karen, prefers her daughter marry another man, Griffin. Erica's father, Wilson on the other hand, welcomes Brian into their family. Erica and Griffin are very good friend. Since long time ago, they already know that they do not love each other, but just very good friend. Griffin has fallen in love with April, Erica's best friend. Karen hires a private investigator to investigate Brian, hoping to find something to call off the wedding. But the truth he uncovers is something out of her expectation. Nonetheless, it is good enough to rip both families apart. At the very least, she manages to use it to manipulate Erica. The more I read, the more I hate this Karen. She thinks the children are selfish because Erica refuses to follow her advice to marry Griffin. But I think getting a private investigator, and go to the extend of making all sorts of lies and things to break the couple apart, this is just too much. Karen does not only break up Erica and Brian, she also tries to break up Griffin and April too. So that Erica and Griffin these two heart broken hearts can get together. I cannot imagine such selfish mother who would like to sacrifice her daughter's happiness for herself. On the other hand, Brian's mom, Rita is the opposite. Brian's father passed away when Brian was 15 years old. So Rita and Brian have very close relationship. After Brian has finished studying, Rita thinks now Brian has grown up, has his own life, and thus she moves on to do things that she would like to do - get a master degree and go back to working life. To me, this should be the way.  This is a story about the powerful of love and friendship. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Harlequin through Net Gallery

.

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Queen

SubTitle: Book III in the Iron Fey series

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin TEEN

Pub Date: 01/25/2011

ISBN: 9780373210183 

The story continues from The Iron Daughter. Meghan, Ash and Puck all are being banished from going back to Nevernever now. Meghan thought it was over, that she thought she can finally go home, back to school, back to her human life. But an army of Iron fey is approaching the faery world, with the intention to destroy both Summer and Winter Court. Someone claims he's the new Iron King.  

The Summer and Winter Court has united to defend the iron fey army but nothing much can be done. They realise that Only Meghan, the half faery princess and half human can save them. Meghan, Ash and PUck are being summoned back to Nevernever. Once again, Meghan, Robbie, Ash and Grimalkin get together and begin their journey to the iron realm.  

At the same time, the false Iron King is hunting Meghan Chase too; which make her in a much more dangerous position. To save the faery world, Meghan must win the battle against the false Iron King. 

I enjoy reading the whole Iron fey series and so far this book is my favorite. Meghan Chase is smart, brave and has strong leadership quality. And she always put others before her. I like the part about her and her human father. I also like Ash - mature, and always good at handling things. It's a good ending but some how I feel very bitter. There are always things that out of our control, and we always have to choose the right thing to do and what we would like to do. It's like you have a choice, but you have no choice. I can't wait for the next book - The Iron Knight. Wonder when it will be available. 

Note: I receive the ARC of the ebook from the publisher Harlequin Teen through Net Gallery 

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

Time to Embrace is the sequel for Time to Dance from the Timeless Love Series by Karen Kingsbury.

John Reynolds is a dedicated football coach. He has been with Marion High since 25 years ago. He is not only a coach, he's also act like a friend, and a father to the students too.

After nearly divorcing, John and Abby Reynolds have renewed their vows and are feeling like newlyweds. They rebuild their trust, appreciating each other, experiencing a season of joy and restoration.

However, ever since this year Marion High football team does not perform so well in the matches, the parents started to make complains. Parents seem to be only concern about winning, and whether their son is getting more playing time or not. They overlook if their son is having the right attitude. There are even some players involve in illegal street racing, drinking and some even bullying other students. Parents write a letter to the Sports Director and requested Coach John to be fired.

Abby is a very supportive wife to John. Especially after overcoming the crisis in their marriage, they treasure each other more and make time to enjoy life.

One night after finishing up work in the office, John met with a car accident, that change his life totally after that.

A Time to Embrace is a realistic fiction story. Many of the issues told in the book could happen to any family. It is also a story of love and forgiveness. There are many different emotions are shared throughout the story. The Reynolds family learns to cope with John's condition after the accident, forgive the student who hit him. The accident also made the students and the parents realize what they have done wrong.  

There are a lot of spiritual content in this book. And the faith to God is keep on being tested. I enjoy reading this book very much. It made me think - what I can enjoy today, do not mean I may have the chance to enjoy it tomorrow. So treasure what we have now. Another thing that made me ponder a lot is - forgiveness. Forgive a person may not be an easy task. Especially if you have done it once, and now you are doing it second time. It is something that I still have a lot to learn.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 star.


Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Favorite Wife by Tony Parsens

My Favorite Wife is the story of a lawyer, Bill Horden who brings his young family from London to Shanghai, China. He will be made partner in a couple of years so that he and his family can have better life.

However not everything in Shanghai are what they have expected. There are farmers have their land ripped away from them, babies being thrown into trashcans, and there are women selling their bodies to earn a living.

Their lifestyle also has changed a lot. Bill always leave the home early for work and come back after his wife Becca and his daughter Holly have gone to bed. He spent very little time with his family and most of his time at work, entertaining the clients after working hours.

After Holly's sudden asthma attack, Becca shock at finding a baby in the trash, and at the same time worrying on her sick father back home, Becca demands to go back to London. Leave Bill alone in Shanghai.

In Paradise Mansions, the place where Bill and his family are staying has a group of young women being kept as mistresses by rich married men – some local, some foreigners. After Becca and Holly went back to London, Bill gets lonely and strikes up much more than a friendship with the beautiful JinJin Li, one of the ladies from that group of young women. And you probably can guess what happen next.

The second half of the book mainly talks about Bill being alone in Shanghai and his interactions with JinJin Li. I dislike the fact that he knew he should not do it, he knew it is wrong and yet the next minute he has forgotten about it and go all out with her.

The story of the book made me in low mood for quite a while as it brought back some bad memories. I feel dissatisfied about the ending of the book. Not that I don't like the ending but I feel it is a bit rush. The author jumps to the ending without talking much about the interactions between Bill and Becca on this issue. In fact this book mainly focuses on Bill. There is no much mention about Becca after knowing her husband has betrayed her. There is no much details about her feelings and how she can forgive her husband on this matter.

I won't say this book is not a good read. In fact it is a very interesting book because it’s a Westerner’s point of view of Asian life. But it's not a book to make you feel comfortable, not for me.   

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Then Sings My Soul Special Edition By Robert Morgan

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan is a compilation of 150 Christian hymns and the stories behind them, of the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful seasonal hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs. The book includes the music and lyrics for each hymn, along with a brief synopsis of the lyricist and/or composer. Hymns range from Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Patriotic, and other well loved hymns. The music and lyrics and the stories are printed side by side so it is very easy to read and make reference to each other. If you enjoy history, you will find this book to be an enjoyable and enlightening read. This book will also make a great gift for anyone who loves the religious hymns of the seasons. 

I rate this book 3 out of 5 star. 

Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Adventures in Booga Booga Land - Volume 1 (DVD)

Adventures in Booga Booga Land - Volume 1 consists of three stories, all based on the parables of Jesus. The three parables are Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16, Wise and the Foolish Builders from Luke 06:47-49, and Lamp Under the Bowl from Matthew 5:14-16. Each story is about 15 minutes long.

The stories are presented in a fun and humorous way. The two main characters are Marty the monkey and Gerard the giraffe. Marty is a monkey who acts without thinking much while Gerard is the smarter one between the two. My 4yo enjoyed watching it very much and asked for more while the 2yo did not seem to show much interest on it. Nevertheless he stayed with us to finish watching the whole DVD.

In summary the stories are fun. It would be better if they could have more emphasis on the Bible story and how it relates to us.

I rate this DVD 3 out of 5.

Note: I received this DVD free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Love and Respect for a Lifetime

Women Absolutely Need Love. Men Absolutely Need Respect. Its as Simple and as Complicated as That...

This is a very beautiful and good quality gift book. Hard cover, 155 pages. It is not very wordly. So you can read through all pages very fast. Main points are being highlighted. Good for those people who don't have much time to read. Based on over three decades of counseling, and scientific and biblical research, the author of this book Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, shows couples how to have a happier and more fulfilling marriage. It stresses a lots on respect and love. You can see it keep on popping up very often, to keep on reminding the important of love and respect to women and men. However I think, more examples on how a man shows his love to his wife, and how a woman shows her respect to her husband would be better. As we all know, man and woman does not see things and feel it the same way, the wife may think she's respecting the husband but the husband may not feel the same and vice versa. Thus more examples will be great.

Here I would like to share some of the quotes available in the book: -

1. Women look at the world through pink glasses, while men look at that same world through the blue glasses. They do not necessarily see the same thing.

2. It is crucial for husband and wife to see that neither one is wrong but that both of them are very different - in boldy function, outlook and perspective.

3. When a husband asks his wife to forgive him, he is giving her a gift of love.

4. When a women asks "Do you love me?" She is not trying to put her husband on the spot. She is simply looking reassurance.

5. Marital researches agree that a huge percentage of communication problems between husband and wife are due not to what is said but to how it is said - the attitude and tone of voice.

I will rate this book 3 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The King's Christmas List by Eldon Johnson

The King’s Christmas list by Eldon Johnson is a beautifully illustrated children book. It all began for Emma and her dog, Shu Shu, when they were decorating the playhouse for Christmas. Emma received an invitation from the King, to the King's birthday party, from the mailbox of the playhouse. And at the same time, Emma found that she can actually understood what Shu Shu said! And Shu Shu could understand her too! Emma couldn’t wait to go to the King’s birthday party, but what should she bring? They decided to bring the Christmas cake they made with Mom and put on their Sunday best, together with her beloved Cherry-Bear as they dash to the King’s carriage. On the way, they have encounters that lead them to bestow their cake, winter-cape, and even Cherry-Bear, on others that need them. Now Emma and Shu Shu had given all they have and left nothing for the King. What will the King think?

The King’s Christmas List is a good book that reminded us the true meaning of Christmas. Gifts, may not be must be in the form of things. And the children learn about giving, instead of getting Christmas gifts all the time. This book is easy to understand and suitable for children aged 4 to 8. I rate this book 4 starts out of 5 starts.   


Note: Thomas Nelson Publishers provided this as an advance reading for their Booksneeze bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.