BROTHERHOOD CONSPIRACY

I received a copy of THE BROTHERHOOD CONSPIRACY by Terry Brennan from Kregel Publications.   This book blew me away.  I want to say it did it literally, with me flailing my arms and flopping on the floor, but alas, I stayed curled up on the couch with my cup of tea and a blanket over my knees.  The book did, however, keep me riveted to the pages, and many times breathless as I read on to see what happened next. 

Current events mingle with history.  I am, as always, a sucker for history.  I eat it up like chocolate.  This bit of history mainly involves Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.  I wasn’t that familiar with the references in the Bible, so I read back through them to refresh my memory.  I should note that along with history, the author added archeologists, danger, and conspiracy. 

Even my dad, who rarely reads, enjoyed THE BROTHERHOOD CONSPIRACY.  He has a thing for current event intrigue.  There is a lot in this book to appeal to a wide audience.  I recommend it for anyone looking for a good read.  If you’re like me, you’ll be running to Google and history friends to look into more about the facts mentioned within the chapters.

POISON

I received a copy of POISON by Jordyn Redwood from Kregel.  I was excited to read it since my name is Jordan and everyone spells it as “Jordyn.”  My dream is to be an author, so I saw a fellow Jorda/yn authoress.  Anyway, on to the book – it is the second book in the Bloodline Trilogy.  I hadn’t read book one, but after reading this one, it will be on my list to look for at the bookstore. 

POISON is a novel of suspense fiction, which is not normally a genre I read.  At first I was confused by aspects that had been discussed in the first book, PERIL, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment.  Chapter one onward, I was riveted to my seat and could not stop.  The characters are believable.  Not once did I question how someone could have done something.  Each page flowed into the next.

Keelyn has a stepfather who can easily be called delusional.  Five years prior to POISON, he killed most of her family.  In this installment, he kidnaps Keelyn’s niece.  Even though I was new to Keelyn’s world, I was nonetheless riveted.  I’m glad to have come across this series and look forward to reading PERIL and the third book, PROOF.  

Dragonwitch

I received a copy of DRAGONWITCH by Anne Elisabeth Stengl from Bethany House.  It is the fifth book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series.    Anne Elisabeth Stengl is the “Acclaimed Winner of the 2012 Christy Award for Visionary Fiction,” as proclaimed by the front cover of the book.  I have read the other books in the Tales of Goldstone Wood and enjoyed this one just as much.  (I was thrilled to see this one available just because of how much I loved the others)  Think romance and fantasy mingling for a page-turning adventure.  The danger kept me seeking the next chapter to find out what happened next.  I especially enjoyed being able to return to Stengl’s world.  It was like visiting a beloved vacation spot. 

Fantasy novels are my passion.  Most of the book cases in my cellar are taken up by that genre.  Most of the time, I seek fantasy as an escape from reality, and DRAGONWITCH is perfect.  Some fantasies become crass or overly violent – DRAGONWITCH is light-hearted while still being exciting.  Although it is for adults, I wouldn’t fear allowing a young adult to read it.  Normally, the books I read that are published by Bethany House involve historical fiction or Christian fiction.  It is refreshing to read one about fantasy.  

BIBLE STORIES PAINTING BOOK 2

I received a copy of BIBLE STORIES PAINTING BOOK 2 from Kregel.  The text is by Juliet David and the illustrations are by Simon Abbott.  This was actually the first book of its kind that I’ve seen – see, on the stiff front and back covers, there is a paint palette.  Keeping a cup of water handy, you dip your brush in the water and then swipe it over the color you want.  The paint appears on your brush!  Sure, you have to wait for the “paints” to dry before you close the book, but you can use the palette over and over again. 

Now, for the story itself…each page tells a different tale from the Bible.  They are the perfect way to introduce young children to the Bible – after the one-page tidbit, they’ll definitely want to know more about what happened.  Older children can enjoy revisiting popular and favorite Bible stories.  I’m passing this on to a friend, whose younger brother loves these types of interactive books.  The shape and style of the play make it perfect for on-the-go fun. 

My parents and I love to visit the Millennium Theater in Pennsylvania every summer.  The wrap-around stage brings Bible stories to life.  I loved locating the stories we’ve seen in this painting book. 

Chasing Francis

I received a copy of CHASING FRANCIS: A PILGRIM’S TALE by Ian Morgan Cron from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze.  The back cover warns that the book reads more like a memoir than fiction, and it does, which is perfect.  It gets to ring closer to home and may mean more to readers.  It felt as though I sat across from the main character, Pastor Chase Falson, while he told me his tale. 

The story involves his loss of faith and how he revived it by visiting his uncle in Italy.  He learns through the teachings of Francis of Assisi.  I especially liked that part since I read a biography about him a short while ago.  The end of the book includes a pilgrim’s guide to help you on your journey to follow in their footsteps. 

I found even the cover of the book to be very relaxing.  I have been going through difficult times at work, with a severe emotional drain, and this book offered the perfect, intelligent escape.  I could reflect on many of the inner-struggle thoughts.  This is definitely a book I will recommend to others, and will pass this one on at work to others who are need of enlightenment.