The Most Misused Stories in the Bible: Review

I received a copy of THE MOST MISUSED STORIES IN THE BIBLE: SUPRISING WAYS POPULAR BIBLE STORIES ARE MISUNDERSTOOD by Eric J. Bargerhuff from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to get this in the mail.  Many of my friends quote Bible stories, especially on Facebook.  Now I could see if they were right!  I sat right down to read this, expecting to get through a chapter or two, but I flew through it in a night.  The writing flows and the content is captivating. 

This is unlike other “Bible” books I’ve read.  Usually they are analyzing the stories, trying to fit them into your life and your life into them.  This one explains the stories in a non-controversial way.  Eric Bagerhuff analyzes the stories for what they are.  He doesn’t read into them.  In my personal opinion, this book is appropriate for any denomination.  It will help clear up many misunderstandings you might encounter. 

I’d like to point out that the way he writes is enjoyable.  This book isn’t dry at all.

 

This is a great addition to libraries both at home and in Christian classes.  This is an excellent gift for those in your life who love learning more about the Bible.

Cover reveal - Marked Beauty

MARKED BEAUTY by S.A. Larsen, Digital Cover Reveal Information

Title: Marked Beauty

Author: S.A. Larsen

Publisher: Ellysian Press

Release Date: October 2017

Uncovering hidden secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.

Anastasia Tate has a secret. She can feel the emotions of others through their life energy auras. Not a welcome gift for a teenager. Especially when a sinister presence begins stalking her.

Viktor Castle also has a secret. He’s tasked with protecting humanity yet cursed by an ancient evil to destroy it.

After Viktor saves Ana’s life, her abilities grow stronger. Drawn together, she senses Viktor has answers to lifelong questions. Only he shuns her at every turn, knowing he has saved her only to put her in more danger.

As Ana struggles with her attraction to Viktor, he tries everything to bury his unexpected feelings for her. But they must find a middle ground. For only together can they combat the dark forces threatening both their lives . . . and their souls.

ADD to GOODREADS

About the Author

S.A. LARSEN is the author of the award-winning novel Motley Education, the first book in a fantasy-adventure series for middle grade readers. Her work has appeared in numerous local publications and young adult anthologies Gears of Brass and Under A Brass Moon by Curiosity Quills Press. Marked Beauty is her debut young adult novel. Find her in the land of snowy winters and the occasional Eh’ya with her husband of over twenty-five years, four children, a playful pooch, and three kittens. Visit her cyber home anytime at www.salarsenbooks.com.

Connect with her on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blog | Goodreads

Giveaway

This is a #hashtag giveaway, where two lucky winners will receive a FREE eBook of Marked Beauty upon its release.

To participate:

• Share one of the premade images via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or write up a blog post using one of the images.
• Include #MarkedBeauty in your description.
• Optional for extra entry: include Add to Goodreads (with link) in your description.

***Posts MUST contain the hashtag #MarkedBeauty for entry into the giveaway or we won’t be able to find you.

Pre-made tweets (you add the image)

"A lust 4 life energy. An ancient curse. One soul's journey thru death 2 find the cure." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0

"Uncovering some secrets can kill you, or worse ... steal your soul." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit

An ancient race. A timid girl. And a journey to the in-between. #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit

The giveaway begins May 17^th and will be open until May 23^rd. Winners will be announced May 24^th via social media.

Wings of the Wind

I received a copy of WINGS OF THE WIND by Connilyn Cossette in exchange for an honest review.  The book was given to me by Bethany House, so I knew to expect topnotch fiction.  Once again I was not disappointed.

 

This is the third installment in the “Out from Egypt” series.  I had previously read book two and looked forward to diving back into Christian historical fiction.  In this book, the Israelites are about to enter “The Promised Land.”

 

Connilyn Cossette brings her characters to life, and with them, the Bible.  Most of the historical fiction I read deals with the 1800’s, so it was refreshing to read something set much farther back in time.  This book looks at a time not often written about. 

 

My favorite part is how well the author explored Alanah.  You understood what she went through, where she was coming from.  You really got to know Alanah as a person and not just ink on a page.

 

I not only recommend this book, but the series as a whole.  You will be entertained and enlightened, transported back in time.  This is a great book for reading circles.  There is much fodder for literary discussion.  5 stars.

Too Deep for Words

I received a copy of TOO DEEP FOR WORDS by Andrea Boeshaar from Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  I absolutely loved Book 1, so I was thrilled to read this one.  It had all the history of the Civil War that I adored.  I am a huge history buff.  Reading books like this is such a trip back in time.  It made me want to go to Gettysburg all over again.

However, I’m rating this at four stars instead of five.  I loved all of the characters.  I loved the end.  I loved the middle.  I just wasn’t a fan of the beginning.  It seemed to slow until we actually got to the action.  I get that we need build up, but I actually put the book down several times before picking it back up just because I was becoming bored. 

Once the dreaded occurs (read it to find out what I mean!) the book picked up speed and I just flew through it!  I can’t wait to read book 3.

My favorite part of book 2 is the makeshift orphanage.  Now that I have a baby, I can appreciate kids more. 

Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction that display the strong values of Christianity and “being a good person,” while still showing the gritty reality of war.

Hello Stars

I received a copy of HELLO STARS by Alena Pitts with Wynter Pitts from ZonderKids in exchange for an honest review.  This is book 1 in the series “Lena in the Spotlights.”

 

This is an adorable book, and the best part – it is “clean.”  It is wholesome. 

 

HELLO STARS is geared toward twelve-year-old girls.  I remember when I was that age, a lot of the books I read weren’t all that wholesome.  There was one in particular about a pioneer family that was so bad, my mom took it away to read “in a few years.” 

This book helps to teach girls good morals while entertaining them.  There are many ways they will be able to relate to Lena, while still enjoying the adventure and escapism.

My favorite part of the book is how close-knit Lena’s family is.  It is refreshing to read such a book after having endured many young adult novels that show clueless, distant, childish parents. 

This book will be enjoyed by parents and middle grade readers.  I highly recommend it!

Trusting Grace

I received a copy of TRUSTING GRACE by Maggie Brendan from Revell in exchange for an honest review.  It is the third installment in the “Virtues and Vices of the Old West” series.  This is my first endeavor into this saga.  You don’t need to have read books 1 and 2 to enjoy this one (at least I didn’t).

 

I have read other books by Ms. Brendan, however.  Like those, I found the setting beautiful and the romance sweet.  The characters make you love them.

 

I love the Old West, so I was excited to read that aspect.  Unfortunately, this book didn’t feel all that original.  While the descriptions of the setting are great, it didn’t give me the “Old West” feel.

If you enjoy historic fiction with clean romance and Christian themes, you will like this book.

Under a Desert Sky

I received a copy of UNDER THE DESERT SKY: REDEFINING HOPE, BEAUTY, AND FAITH IN THE HARDEST PLACES by Lynne Hartke from Revell in exchange for an honest review.  Oftentimes we think that things in life are too hard.  We want to give up.  I remember a time back in college when my class decided to donate winter coats to an inner-city school.  I was broke.  I couldn’t donate 5 winter coats like everyone else.  My mom took me aside and asked me if I had two arms.  I said yes.  She asked if I had two legs.  I said yes.  She told me that there are people out there who wished they could be me, but I was complaining about not affording winter coats? 

 

This book reminded me of that conversation.  The author, Lynne Hartke, puts life in perspective using thoughtful insight.  Her struggle with cancer is real.  She writes in such a way that you understand exactly what she’s going through.  Her reflections will keep you up late pondering life.

Never Give Up

I received a copy of NEVER GIVE UP: YOU’RE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK by John Mason from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

 

I didn’t expect to read it as fast as I did.  The book flies by and feels as if the author is having a personal conversation with you.

 

Parts of this really resonated with me.  Ever since having my baby, at times I feel overwhelmed by everything I want to do, need to do, and just being exhausted in general.  Many parts spoke to me, such as about procrastination.  I’ve found myself procrastinating more now than ever before.  I blame the exhaustion – but I can’t let exhaustion stop me.  Sometimes things are obvious, like that saying, but we need someone else to say them to us to really make them click.

 

Other sections in this book are perfect for me to use for other people.  There are many people in my life who struggle to get things done.  This book provided tools for my tool belt so I can assist them and know just what to say.

Agrokinetic

Another excellent read from Grace M. DeLeesie.  The writing flows and you can tell she cares about her characters.  She cares about her setting and her creations.  She loves all of it.  If you’re looking for an easy read about magic and romance, check this book out.

My only complaint is the title. It certainly is unique, but hard to say, even in my mind.  I started just thinking of the book as “Ag.”