“Jules mulled over that word. Free. That was what he had been wanting for so long. To be free.”
Wow!! Buckle yourselves in securely for a very wild rid“Jules mulled over that word. Free. That was what he had been wanting for so long. To be free.”
Wow!! Buckle yourselves in securely for a very wild ride with Daphne Self’s When Legends Rise. I selected this book because it was billeted as reminiscent of Star Wars and Star Trek. I also found several nods, in my opinion, to the childhood tale of Pinocchio, at least in the first part of the book.
A genetically altered assassin, whose job it is to hunt down and destroy the Christian Coalition in the Galaxy, finds himself about to be decommissioned. Fleeing his former Global Federated Territories squads, he searches for a friend who defected GFT after their last joint engagement. He pilots a cargo interplanetary ship as his cover, while transporting a few humans as he continues his search.
Much of the novel centers around the time on his ship, the Nightingale, with his coder/second-in-command Huey, his med-tech Anya, who supplies him with life-sustaining serum, and an unknown traveler, Abigail du Soleil.
I enjoyed the space details and felt the fear Abby has of being too close to outer space in many situations. The medical details were intriguing as they were revealed. In keeping with the Star Wars theme, there was a lot of space travel and fighting with advanced weaponry. You will definitely be anxious to discover if Jules can indeed break free from who he was created to be. And will he be loyal? To which side? I appreciated the inclusion of Scripture that guided the Christian Coalition and the path of salvation being clearly shown. Self also shows that life doesn’t become automatically easy once one chooses Christ, but there are still hard choices many characters must make, just as in real life.
If I had to describe the book in three words, I would say: riveting, terrifying, emotional. Grab it for yourself as this is the first of five in a sure-to-be sensational series!!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“…things are always in motion. We live for today and let tomorrow worry for itself. We are not guaranteed safety in this world.”
“…forgiveness is not earned. It’s given.”
“You are okay now. I promised you I would keep you safe, and I meant it.” Her finger reached up and traced his bottom lip. “Some promises cannot be kept.” ...more
Another great book by Sara Ella! While I was never a big fan of the nonsensense of the original Alice in Wonderland “Trust is a fickle, feeble thing.”
Another great book by Sara Ella! While I was never a big fan of the nonsensense of the original Alice in Wonderland or Through the Looking-Glass, this young adult novel caught my attention. I would recommend it to any age, if old enough to read the original. I appreciate the hope presented and, even as it mirrors Lewis Carroll’s novel, Sara Ella crafts her retelling into a beautiful allegory that, though maze-like, advances a powerful story of faith. Reality vs. illusions, truth vs. lies. Team player vs. selfish ambition. I loved the fact that one didn’t have to be born a Wonder. “None of us is worthy. Being Wonder isn’t earned, it’s a gift.”
I anxiously flipped pages, hoping for our intrepid game players to be reunited and the kingdom to be restored to its rightful rulers. At many points, my mind found similarities to the old Pilgrim's Progress, almost as if Through the Looking Glass is this generation’s version.
Go ahead. Enter the Wonderland Trials. But will you be the first to complete them? Be careful who you trust. Things are definitely not as they seem!
I cheered as I carefully perused the two maps, placed at the front. I was glad to see the glossary at the end, but wished it had been at the beginning as well.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“I sense courage. And where there is courage, there is always hope.”
“given enough fear, people will do or believe most anything. They’ll behave in ways they never would have and believe a lie because it’s easier, more convenient, than the truth.”
“I am Wonder. It’s time I start acting like one.” ...more
“Wonderland is for Wonders. Outsiders don’t belong.”
Hmmm…This is definitely a YA novel in terms of the mental processing going“Nothing is impossible.”
“Wonderland is for Wonders. Outsiders don’t belong.”
Hmmm…This is definitely a YA novel in terms of the mental processing going on, the quick changing of allegiances, and the uncertainty of knowing one’s own mind. Seems to me that Sara Ella captured the thought processes of a young adult very well in her retelling of Alice in Wonderland as she pens The Wonderland Trials.
I am going to go out on a limb and say this is an allegorical novel, reminding me loosely of the allegory of C S Lewis’s Narnia. I loved that part. If you love chess, you will certainly want to read this novel. Also, if you love the nonsense of Alice in Wonderland (which I always struggled with), you will love this remade tale. Sara Ella does a fantastic job of incorporating many of the characters and sayings of the original work and making some of them very endearing to a nonpreferred reader of the Lewis Carroll novel like myself. I found an affinity to Chess, Alice, and Dinah that I did not expect out of this novel that contained more nonsense than I thought I could handle. It worked together enough to make a believer out of me by the end of the book! For that reason, while this read is not my chosen cup of tea, it certainly is a great antidote for the skeptic like myself, and I am accordingly giving it 5 stars! One caveat-reader beware- this book builds in intensity to a near frenzy (how fitting!), then ends in a cliff-hanger. That is something I always want to know before starting a book, and I do not consider that a spoiler!!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“We’ve let fear rule us-divide us -for so long-we’ve forgotten we’re all part of the same team.”
“Sometimes family isn’t the one you’re born with. It’s the one you find. Or the ones who find you.”...more
Wow, was I in awe of Tabitha Bouldin’s steampunk retelling of Alice in Wonderland by the time I finished! I started the novel with trepidation. I didnWow, was I in awe of Tabitha Bouldin’s steampunk retelling of Alice in Wonderland by the time I finished! I started the novel with trepidation. I didn’t remember the original making a lot of sense, and I wondered what I was in for with Bouldin’s Madness in Wonderland. Madness is a gem!!
Why do I love this book? For the first time in my life, the pieces of Alice in Wonderland fit together like a puzzle. Bouldin clearly delineates narrator/subject by rotating chapters. Alpha, Alice, and Hatter are all featured. Bouldin allows characters to retain much of the personality that Carroll gave them, but adds depth and emotion to each. It was easy to follow the great action, which is plentiful and compelling. Apropos quotes from the original Alice in Wonderland are worked in so beautifully to the new story. There are a few nods to Star Wars, the sci-fi scenery is easy to imagine, and faith plays a major, natural role. God is referred to as the Master. Each character must decide what he will do once confronted with knowledge of the Master. Themes include the existence of a Master who created their world and loves individuals. Judgment, hope, and forgiveness follow close behind. Those who love the original Alice in Wonderland, fairytale retellings, sci-fi, or Kara Swanson’s author voice will love this novel. I am excited that it is the first in its series! I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. Notable Quotables:
“Family means different things to different people.
“Everyone needs a name. Names have power. They tell us who we are, where we’ve come from. -Alice
“If the Maker can forgive one like me, He can forgive anyone.” -Cook
“Soldiers don’t have the lux’ry of a clean soul. Took a long time for me to accept my past and let Someone help with the pain.”Cook(Chess)
“You believe you don’t deserve forgiveness, so you condemn others to the same fate.” ...more
This title puzzled me from the get-go. What could Ane Mulligan mean by “In High Cotton”? I quickly discovered that this is the story of a single motheThis title puzzled me from the get-go. What could Ane Mulligan mean by “In High Cotton”? I quickly discovered that this is the story of a single mother, Maggie Parker, and her seven-year-old son who lives in the small Georgia town of Rivers End in 1929. (Points to Ane Mulligan for the town map at the front of the book.) I was relieved to see Ms. Mulligan capture my attention almost against my will since the Depression is not one of my favorite historical eras. But present it well, she did. The small town has some big-hearted people, like Sadie and Mama Faylene and Wade, and even little Barry. It also has some small-hearted people, who can’t see beyond the color of one's skin, one’s gender or their own ambition. Mulligan balances out the town’s population with enough of these that Maggie must constantly watch her back and her store. But this is a novel to be loved for so many things. Maggie’s story is one of the most unique and compelling voices I’ve read in 2020!! I loved how Maggie keeps reaching out to help people, because those needs are apparent in front of her, even as her store is struggling. As Sadie would say, “Southern women may seem as delicate as flowers, but we’ve got iron in our veins.” The metal (mettle) of these ladies is truly glorious to behold, whether it is Maggie or Sadie challenging Cal; the transformation of a surprising character; or Mama Faylene quietly standing up to the worst of the lot. Reminiscent of the movie, Steel Magnolias, you will want to have your tissues ready, but also keep an eye out for the wonderful humor, funny sayings, and colloquialisms of the time. By the time you close the book, your heart may feel like you, too, are In High Cotton! Mine did. Themes include finding true family, trusting God, and standing tall against evil, together. If only Ms. Mulligan’s map had shown how to get to River’s End. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own. I enjoyed the book and also bought my own copy....more
"Who knew finding relatives could be so dangerous?” Yikes. A dear older friend suddenly confides she has cancer and enters a hospice facility, but the "Who knew finding relatives could be so dangerous?” Yikes. A dear older friend suddenly confides she has cancer and enters a hospice facility, but the patients at said facility are dying at an alarming rate. In the meantime, several friends risk their lives looking for a missing man. I would recommend Julie Cosgrove and her Relatively Seeking Mysteries to other readers looking for a good mystery filled with lots of twists and surprises, plus faith and suspense. Leaf Me Alone is the first book I’ve read by Julie Cosgrove, but I am certainly won’t be the last. I enjoyed the romance included between Shannon Johnson and her husband, Jayden. So many times married people are not portrayed as still able to romance or appreciate each other. I liked the small, close-knit circle of friends Shannon has with her two sleuthing and Bible study pals, Bailey and Jess, with an 82 year-old mentor,Grace Perkins. The ladies enjoy, support and encourage each other. Mrs. Perkins wants Shannon and Jayden, with help from Shannon’s friends, to find her missing, wanted nephew before she dies. I got a few cases of whiplash as the possible culprit changes many times. I was very disappointed in Bob’s character, whose actions just don't jive with the rest of his what we see. Is that because we all stumble? Or did it just make for a better story? I felt like he had to be consistent across the board to be effective in his position that affected Manny, the long-lost nephew. Now for the fun stuff I noticed. ”...her phone barked.” Oh, yes, Shannon runs a pet and plant care business. I loved how God used many coincidences, such as Shannon having to ride the bus to get to Florida, to bring about providential help. Someone has said, "There are no coincidences. Only God-incidences.” And this quote. I love it. (I am forever talking about losing a file in my brain.) ”He pictured a minuscule elf inside her head flipping through files but unable to locate the right one.” This second quote covers much of the book: "To tell only half the truth is to give life to a new lie.” One more quote that I love, because so many times we are praying for uncertain people doing uncertain things. How do we pray? "Pray for the truth to be revealed and for God to take care of all concerned.” I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This does not affect my opinions, which are solely my own....more
“To Suspect your Own Mortality is to Know the Beginning of Terror; To Learn Irrefutably that you are mortal is to Know the End of Terror.” (Frank Herb“To Suspect your Own Mortality is to Know the Beginning of Terror; To Learn Irrefutably that you are mortal is to Know the End of Terror.” (Frank Herbert) Unfortunately, a small group of Amanda Steven’s speculative fiction characters have discovered they are not mortal, and are beginning to understand that for a curse. They outlive spouses and children by a century. The few longevites, as they call themselves, cannot die, and life has become burdensome. From Sky to Sky is the story of Zac Wilson, acrobat, stuntman and people person who finds that facades are impossible to keep up. He also has been running from God for a long, long time. He needs help. And he has the strong need to help others. Betrayed in book one (No Less Days) by the person whom he was closest to, can Zac get close again to others? While Stevens gives enough backstory a reader could start with this book, it would be best to read book one first. It sets the tone for this story, plus the reader can understand David and Tiana, whose story was the lion’s share of that novel. I was slow to identify with these characters, but maybe when Zac’s worst weakness shows up, I was hooked. I needed to see if the new characters would be accepted into the original one. Would Zac find God again? David and Tiana exhibit so much patient faith in prayer. I love the way David and Tiana pray so comfortably, succinctly for Zac. When the longevites discover their new friends may have an enemy, by extension, they do, too. How do all these threads fit together? Fortunately, Stevens uses imagery and levity well and in just the right places. I enjoyed listening to the waves lap against the shores of Lake Michigan and feeling the sand beneath my feet with Zac and Simon, Rachel and Cady. By the time the story was ended, I felt like I was a part of the longevite family. There was so much growth in Zac, it was incredible. I can’t wait for the next story to see whose life we get to participate in. Marking this a sleeper favorite. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own....more
The Englisch Daughter may be an Amish novel, but I was amazed at how much wisdom a married or single person could glean from it. Cindy Woodsmall and EThe Englisch Daughter may be an Amish novel, but I was amazed at how much wisdom a married or single person could glean from it. Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall have teamed up to write a volume of prose that explores the attitude pits, so easy to fall into, but so hard to escape. Between the two relationships the Woodsmalls examine, one the marriage of Jemima and Roy, the other the blossoming attraction between Abigail and Chris, we see lies, deceit, cover-ups, and barriers. What will it take for each couple to come to honesty and forgiveness? Can the relationships continue, or will the wrongs done be too great to overcome? ”When the honeymoon was over...marriage seemed to be a constant war between gratefulness and resentment, between contentment and restlessness, between what was too real and what wasn’t real enough.” Surely this is a truth that a lot of marriages run up against. They will either continue the dance between the two attitudes or choose to let the less needful attitude go. I also loved another quote that any person who has been married for many years will tell you, in some form. “...In every long-standing relationship, when life turned emotions on their heads and the only thing one felt was the opposite of what he or she used to feel, love became a decision and it stood the test of time.” One person I know says, “Every morning I get up and I choose to stay married today.” Surprisingly, it isn’t just Chris and Roy who need to make changes. Jemima and Abigail discover they also harbor attitudes that need to be forgiven, barriers that need to be lowered, and they both need to be vulnerable. In case this sounds like a book full of only ruminations, don’t be fooled for a minute. There are boxing fights, fights with baseball bats, a horse farm disease, a tiny baby whose existence is threatened, then a lot of suspense about the baby’s living arrangements. No time for boring here. Plus you will relate to the tenseness of several situations the characters find themselves in, and you may just sigh with relief when life seems to right itself again. There are study questions (that would make this an excellent book club pick)and also a glossary in the back of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah. This in no way affects my opinions, for which I am solely responsible....more
With a decidedly different twist on Wizard of Oz, No Space Like Home by Dell Tunnicliff becomes a futuristic space travel novel. Billed for young adulWith a decidedly different twist on Wizard of Oz, No Space Like Home by Dell Tunnicliff becomes a futuristic space travel novel. Billed for young adults, the subject matter is one that would quickly appeal to that age group. While the vocabulary wasn't difficult, I wondered how easy it would be for that age. This book is a stricter retelling of the story than some other, looser retellings that I have read. While some characters have changed, there is a leading paragraph from The Wizard of Oz at the beginning of each chapter. The reader than can easily see how closely the space chronicle resembles the Frank L. Baum original as the book progresses. Actually, quite a neat way of sorting out similarities and differences. While there were some references to God, I was not impressed that the overall tone was spiritual. While not a personal favorite, definitely a book for those young or young at heart who like either science fiction or The Wizard of Oz. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own for which I am solely responsible....more
“My mother told me that when the boys came home from the war, people thought the world would go back to the way it was before. But it didn’t. The war “My mother told me that when the boys came home from the war, people thought the world would go back to the way it was before. But it didn’t. The war lived on in souls for years after, and people were just never really the same again.” This quote by Jaime Jo Wright in Echoes Among the Stones so aptly captures the mood of Mill Creek, Wisconsin in July of 1946. Wright recreates the ominous heaviness that the war brings to America's hearts. Some people, like the young men who survive, come home brooding or unable to find their way out of the horror now relegated to memory. Others are affected by the loss of family members or the great personality change in a family member who returns. Still others like Imogene and Hazel are also affected second-hand by the war brought to America. Jaime Jo Wright has penned yet another mystery novel with spooky, ominous undertones that beckon the tentative reader in. Echoes Among the Stones is a time-slip novel, marrying two distinctly different and at first seemingly unrelated plots, no pun originally intended. In the present day, Aggie loses her real estate job and returns to her selfish, demanding grandmother’s home, while working a cemetery job. Collin, the archaeologist who works with Aggie, frustrates her, intrigues her, and challenges her by turns. There was enough eerie mystery, romance, and humor (“You have all the sense of an addlepated muskrat, ”) plus faith scattered throughout the book that this book is a big winner for me. Also, I loved the way the solution took me by surprise. Look for this book among my favorites in 2019. Quotes: "Sometimes...you must step outside of your own strength and realize there’s a greater Strength waiting to hold you.”
"All I can say right now is that we sell God short when we look at the pain. Instead, we should focus on what He’s provided us to help us heal.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinions, which are solely my own....more
This is a delightful collection of five retold, re-imagined fairy tales, especially for the holiday season. I was familiar with one author, but am nowThis is a delightful collection of five retold, re-imagined fairy tales, especially for the holiday season. I was familiar with one author, but am now also on the lookout for the other authors’ works. Here are my quick thoughts on each:
Upon a Dream by Andrea Boyd This anchor story for the collection sets Sleeping Beauty in a theater with a unique twist for modern day. I enjoyed the unfolding of this retold fairy tale, with its updates for today’s world.
Claim My Heart by Mikal Dawn Would you believe I have never watched Mulan? As a result, I had no “original” with which to compare this. This was my least favorite, but it was because of the character’s integrity.
A Snow White by Toni Shiloh I liked the way Marcus asked God for wisdom even about the relationship. The “seven uncles” was a neat idea, especially the way that the relationships occurred.
Christmas Ella by Angela Ruth Strong Strong always surprises me with her ingenuity, creativity, and humor in unexpected places. I have never met a story of Strong’s I haven’t loved.
A Splash of Love by Jaycee Weaver As full of deceit and treachery as the original tale, this one was more painful. You’ll have to read it to see why I say that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors. This in no way affected my opinions, which are solely my own.
I discovered an unknown gem yesterday. The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith by Carol Raj is a hoot!! I laughed out loud, startling others around meI discovered an unknown gem yesterday. The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith by Carol Raj is a hoot!! I laughed out loud, startling others around me many times. Poor Muriel thinks God is not hearing or answering her prayers. WRONG!! God is a big part of this book and works in mysterious, yet somehow believable ways to create the new life Muriel needs after becoming a widow. For a book with such humor, the characters are very well-rounded and I loved both Muriel AND the car-jacker. It is amazing how God uses two very different people to help each other. If you’ve read the Agnes Sparrow books or Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus, you might love this one! The style and humor are similar. I am very happy to enthusiastically recommend this book!...more
So, I wanted to see what the hype was about The Painter Place novels by Pamela Poole. Hugo, the novel I read, is the second in the Painter Place Saga.So, I wanted to see what the hype was about The Painter Place novels by Pamela Poole. Hugo, the novel I read, is the second in the Painter Place Saga. I was excited to see a map at the front. Kudos! The forward, which many readers skip, was fascinating. The novel is set in September of 1989, a year I well remember. “Saga” is a good word for this series, as it obviously involves quite a few people and their extended families. No two-dimensional characters here. Although, I rather wish there had been. There are so many people the story whips around and in between, I had trouble keeping them straight. By fleshing out so many characters so well, it was hard to focus on who the main characters really were. This is a very turbulent narrative of a family in tumultuous times. At times I could identify with the characters, but many times their solutions made me feel like the average person would have not had those options, and would have been required to slog through those times without getting away. Would the characters still have come out as stronger survivors? Poole packs a boat-load of truth into her book. I think I might have preferred only a few problems to be solved than several that meant there was an abundance of philosophizing and Bible explanation throughout the tale. Trying to balance story and truth, that is a hard feat to accomplish. Quotable: “That’s always the bottom line, isn’t it? No matter what a person accomplished, it has to end, and it turns out that the most important thing wasn’t what they left behind. It was where they’d spend eternity.” As I finished the book, I wondered if it might appeal most to twenty-something readers. Or I may be one of a few who is not a huge fan. Try Hugo for yourself and let me know your thoughts. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required and all opinions are solely my own. ...more
“...secrets did not make for strong alliances.” And yet, in The Pages of Her Life, by James Rubart, we see a family thrown into a Twilight Zone settin“...secrets did not make for strong alliances.” And yet, in The Pages of Her Life, by James Rubart, we see a family thrown into a Twilight Zone setting by the death of the father and husband who kept unwelcome secrets. Allison, and her estranged brother, Parker, have difficulty in their lives as they try to escape the legacy of inadequacy their father bestowed upon them. An old journal and a stranger are about to shake up their lives forever. This novel was a great reminder for me that not everything that seems to be of God really is. Certainly, some people claimed to love God in the book, but their actions proved just the opposite. They were their own gods. I wanted to cry with Allison as she begins to figure this out. It is easy to relate with her and her brother, as all the outer trimmings are stripped away and each is forced to look at his most basic needs. Of course, there is the mysterious working of God. The journal was unpredictable. “God isn’t working on my time frame, I’m working on his.” As I finish the novel, I have to say I feel like it is imaginative, yet there is that piece of me that says, “all things are possible with God.” In a few places, there were large portions of Scripture written out. That seemed to detract from the smoothness of the story. I felt that in at least one instance, the Scripture story could have been shared shortly and easily without being long and drawn-out, given that it is a familiar story. My other little issue is a theological one. I can’t share it without a spoiler, but I will say that many Christians, including me, may be surprised when we get to heaven and find out that things we held tightly to as Biblical absolutes are not. Also, the novel couldn’t happen without this theological difference, and that’s ok. One quote I will adopt as my own for fun: “She really needed to get in the habit of waking up before she decided to think.” Most memorable quote? “Choose to believe the kingdom is in your midst and is here to set you free.” The Jews missed this when Jesus came the first time. Allison and Parker have their turns to choose freedom or bondage. Now it is our turn; which will we choose? “Got it” quote? “Compared to the ocean, she felt small. Insignificant. And that was a good thing. A reminder that He was God, she was not, and that all along He’d had a plan to rescue her.” What a great tome to cause the mind’s cogs to start turning! And turning mine are. Pass me another Rubart, please. References by other readers have been made to a previous book, Rooms. I have not read that and understood The Pages of Her Life well. I feel it stands alone on its own merit. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own....more
Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano is a great Christian fiction historical mystery. Like Cinderella, Raina rises from rags to riches. RoFinding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano is a great Christian fiction historical mystery. Like Cinderella, Raina rises from rags to riches. Rothbourne Abbey would be a reporter’s paradise, as the questions «Why? Who? Where? When? » and « How? » would, when answered, bring either a great treasure or a terrible calamity. Once the action started, I was swept away to another time and another land. Were events glorious or were they tragic? Through it all, Raina ponders who she was, who she is, and who she will be in the future. I found it interesting and true to life that Raina couldn’t read her Bible and pray while involved in deception. Great twists and turns throughout until the climax is reached. Also, some great Biblical answers for Raina (which makes the book so much richer). Unfortunately, once the denouement is reached, the wrap-up seems a little weak compared to the incredible action that precedes it. Great secondary characters. If this were a movie, some would have won an Oscar for best supporting character. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
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