Reviewing TRIED & TRUE by Mary Connealy

Reviewing TRIED & TRUE by Mary Connealy
   This is Book One of a new series which is called Wild at Heart... and it lives up to the author's humor in previous novels.  It is hard to put down as you follow the three 'sisters' as they attempt to 'pass as men' in the 1860's... What the author says in the beginning sounded very much like someone I know... she is afraid of heights, gets out of work by "not knowing how" or being too slow, and no good at crafts. Hmmm ... but as you follow the characters through the story, you will catch yourself smiling often.  The set-up is good for books to follow in the series, and you'll look forward to them as well.
   I received this book free for review from Bethany-Baker Publishing without any restrictions as to my opinion.  I would highly recommend this book for all ages.

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BevK
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Reviewing LIFE ANIMATED by Ron Suskind

Reviewing LIFE ANIMATED by Ron Suskind

    This touching story of a family's struggle to understand what is happening with their young son, Owen, who suddenly stops talking or communicating any way with his brother who is 3 years older than him, and his parents.  Suddenly, nothing.  When the lad was 'normal' in every way.
    This book will hit deeply at your heart.  I was struck by the tremendous struggles, hopelessness of the 'opinions' the parents were receiving, and the cost of them.  But, they didn't quit.  When they have their first break-through with Owen and realize how he was trying to communicate with them, things finally begin to move, but still, I felt people were not encouraging.
   This helped 'me' in trying to relate to people who may appear 'different', when 'inside' we are all alike.  It is refreshing to read how the family used the Disney characters in such a beneficial way, and now their son is a functioning adult.
   We saw an interview with the author on the news and were amazed at what the Lord used to help the parents 'reach' their son.  I highly recommend everyone reading this book; whether you are working with autism or not, you will have your horizons expanded.  You will shed tears too.

BevK
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Reviewing ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS by Ronald H. Balson

Reviewing ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS by Ronald H. Balson.
This is the 2013 edition of the book, and it was the title that caught my eye.  Just think of it. "ONCE" ... I just had to read the book, and it so touched my heart and life.  You will be on an emotional journey throughout the book.  Well written, and descriptive. 
     A Jewish family in Poland take in a German boy and raise him as they were raising their own son.  Then Hitler rises up and families are split apart.  Jews are either killed or put in concentration camps, and during all of this, the Jewish lad falls in love, and that theme is carried throughout all the turmoil. The suffering and loss of everything is well described; trust is betrayed, and seemingly, all is lost.
     You will not be disappointed in the end, as things are 'put right' ... I believe you will never forget 'ONCE' ... and you'll agree with the author's outcome.  Oh, and, 'enjoy the dance' as you wipe away the tears.
   I highly recommend this book; the author makes every effort to keep it historically accurate.  Discussion questions are included at the end.  So much of 'history' is left out or changed today, as if it didn't happen; though this is a novel, it is a great book to enlighten people on 'our' history.

BevK
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Reviewing WOMAN OF COURAGE by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Reviewing WOMAN OF COURAGE by Wanda E. Brunstetter
   First of all, the cover and print of the book is beautifully done and easy to read. I was glad to see a book about the Quakers!  The author does a good job of inserting 'modern' comments throughout the book, including describing the people as "Bible-thumpers" when this story takes place in the mid 1800's.
    The story of the 'heroine' goes from bad to worse, and the suspense builds as you think of all the dangers surrounding her.  The author does a good job of explaining the custom of selling women by trade or bargaining or cash.  The comments people make blaming God for their troubles are realistic and readers may find themselves in the same attitude in their own lives today.  She weaves in death and rituals of the times and some other detailed descriptions into her stories, and I felt sometimes to the extreme.  She makes use of healing herbs and description of birthing which add interest to the time the story is taking place.
   I particularly liked the hawk in the story, and his trainer; I wished there was more of that included and they fast became my favorite characters.
   I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it.
   I received this book free from Bethany Publishers Barbour Pub. Shiloh Press for review without any restrictions as to my opinion.

BevK  IBELIEVE2

Reviewing THE PURSUIT OF TAMSEN LITTLEJOHN by Lori Benton

Reviewing THE PURSUIT OF TAMSEN LITTLEJOHN by Lori Benton
    This is a book that IS hard to put down!  Loved the story and the way she wove scriptures throughout not only conversations, but descriptions of where the story was taking place. You could almost feel you were there in the time period, which was 1787.  She described the clothing beautifully and you could almost see the situations the characters found themselves in.  It is a sweet, tender, humorous book.  Or, in my opinion at least, like, "say something full of brains and dazzle like, "huh?""
    She covers all the subjects "in good taste" but you still get the "point"; i.e. when Tamsen is rescued in the early stages of the book and to travel together appropriately they 'marry' but situations that follow lead you to know what a struggle 'keeping your word' means, and yet the author handles every situation so that you are really pleased with her characters.  Even though written in the 1700's, the morality is the same, or should be the same, today.
    Some of her interesting 'descriptions' that greatly broadened my knowledge of verse and often brought a smile are:  it was a blink and a sneeze 'till autumn; he hobbled that thought; he stopped, chary of barging in; the scalp-creeping feeling; stick to him like stink on a skunk; be back in a shake; and last but not least, soundless as a landed fish.
   Another thing that I was not familiar with, and my husband who is a 'history buff' did not recall it either, was the reference the author makes to the "State of Franklin".  It was very interesting to learn something the history books/teachers had not taught, or certainly that we did not remember them teaching.  The book is not 'political' but it was a very interesting point that held the trials and troubles of the people captive in those days.
   I highly recommend all ages to read this book.  I received it free to review, from Blogging for Books, Multnomah.  

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Reviewing UNINTIMIDATED by Scott Walker

Reviewing UNINTIMIDATED by Scott Walker

I am not writing this review for political reasons, but as an American Patriot. This is a deeply personal, American, touching, book which every American should read and take to heart and action in their lives. I cannot even begin to imagine what America would be like, if each of our 50 wonderful states had a Governor like Scott Walker. Every family should read this book and take it to heart in the teaching and training and raising of their family, and husband/wife and family relationships, work ethics and just plain 'life' in this blessed land we live in. Actually, I can imagine it... America would be like our forefathers intended, and the immigrants who come here, expect it to be. We 'guessed' at the mess that must have been made in the state capitol, Madison, but had no idea just how horrific it actually was. "More damage in 2 weeks than in 5 years" is pitiful. The photos in the book show some of the damage. I truly wish there was a way to send the clean-up bill and restoration to each of the people who demonstrated and did this damage. I loved the way Scott Walker responded to insults and other abuses... he responded like Jesus instructs us to... with love, understanding, wisdom and compassion, but he did not compromise his standards. It is beautiful to see faith lived out. We all need to take to heart what our actions are teaching those who will follow; our family members, friends, people who are brought through our lives. It is touching to hear how he was raised, and what was instilled in his life from his Grandmother and parents etc. We all, of every age, need to take this to heart and get our own lives lined up where they should be. Power and money is not the goal in America; love, compassion, wisdom and a real life that we must answer for, is. If along the way money and/or power occur, we must be responsible for it, but it is not the goal. I challenge you to read this book with an open heart, and allow your heart/life to be touched and moved and changed where needed; and then pray... America needs this man and his mission not only as Governor, but in the Presidency as well. Above all, pray. IBELIEVE

Reviewing UNSTOPPABLE by Nick Vujicic

Reviewing UNSTOPPABLE by Nick Vujicic This is the second book I have read by this young man, and it is heart-stirring and remarkable as was the first one. There is a set of photos in it, ending with a beautiful pix of he and his wife. One of the insightful messages he gives is about humility. He tells that when he was younger he did not like to ask anyone for help, and then relates how he was able to overcome this, letting the reader know it is something we all can struggle with. He says he once heard a father tell his son, a recent college graduate how to approach his new job: "Don't try to show them what you know, instead, show them how much you want to learn." That is advice for us all. I am sure many will pick this book up who are struggling with the issues of 'life' and 'love'. Nick has great advice on that as well. One of the many things he says is that God didn't want him to discover his true love until he was mature enough to appreciate and nurture it. Just think, if everyone did that, how much heartache and disappointment would be avoided! The book is full of helps for those being bullied or who are bullies. I liked his statement that he is 'armless, not harmless' ... and I was appalled how some of the youth bullied him. Parents, counselors, teachers, monitors all need to be more aware of what is going on with our youth. Where has morality, kindness, courtesy and respect gone? We need to all step up and be aware and do something. There is also a lot of mention of suicide with tips on spotting those in danger of committing it, as well as helps for those who are cutting or leaning in that direction. Nick has a great sense of humor, and he will keep you smiling as you wipe away the tears. His comments about marriage and commitment will do that; he says that when you commit to a loving relationship with someone, you surrender many things... selfishness, self-centered behavior... and the remote for the TV. Here are some clips for the book: Excerpt: Chapter 3-How Nick met his wife Life Without Limbs Website Trailer Facebook Twitter More Info Read Chapter One Author Bio I received this book from Blogging for Books for review, and highly recommend this book to everyone. IBELIEVE2 BEVK

Reviewing A PROMISE KEPT by Robin Lee Hatcher

Reviewing A PROMISE KEPT by Robin Lee Hatcher The writing style of the book is without chapters, but in keeping with the story, more like a diary of two lives; subjects covered include alcoholism, divorce, abuse, tough love, infidelity, with a cover that is right on target with the story. Beautiful. I would recommend this book to people whose marriages are experiencing any of the above because of the issues dealt with. Some of the good statements contained in the book include "A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted:" Times change but 'people' don't; God hates divorce. He doesn't hate the divorced; Easier is not necessarily better; Why does time fly by when you are happy and creep along when in sorrow? How can I pray 'thy will be done' if I know it includes going through the fire and I don't want to? If you stop moving forward, you move backward...like facing the wrong way on a conveyor belt. The television tells us we are worthy of whatever will make us beautiful or rich, smart, happy, and we want it, but..." Freedom in Christ is the only kind worth anything. The author covers these difficult subjects scripturally and interestingly. She brings up situations that make you think, what would you do, or how would you react, ie, if your younger sister were the 'beautiful and popular' one and people flocked to her or used you to get to her; the question is asked, Can you be a Christian and a drunk at the same time; should you force the issue and find out if there is infidelity; we are who we are because of and in spite of... The author weaves appropriate scriptures throughout the story to support or define things that are happening. In many instances she compares teachings many grew up with that often are no longer taught, ie, courtesy, respect, dress, homemaking vs career. She tells us that Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him as we walk through the fire of life together. The book has a Reading Group Guide in the back so it can be used for discussion in group settings. I would recommend this book. I received this book free from HarperCollins Christian Publishing CTB Thomas Nelson for review without any restrictions as to my comments. ibelieve2