Purgatory Reign

PURGATORY REIGN by LM Preston is a must-read for young adult fans.  I really enjoy LM's books. The characters are three-dimensional, each with a unique personality. You feel as if you know them in real life. The dialogue is realistic, the adventures breathtaking. This book doesn't fail to live up to its expectations and go beyond. The story blew me away and I couldn't wait to see what happened in the next chapter. The ebook is out now and the print copy comes out May 18th.

Heaven's Lessons

I received a copy of HEAVEN’S LESSONS: TEN THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT GOD WHEN I DIED by Steve Sjogren from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze.  I found it fascinating from cover to cover.  It’s a short book of only one-hundred-sixty pages, but there is a lot packed into there.  The book opens with Steve Sjogren explaining about his near death experience.  Near death experiences have always snared my attention, as they probably do for many people.  Steve Sjogren mentioned that people might just not talk about them; therefore, they are more common than the populace believes. 

Steve Sjogren died during surgery.  His doctor had recommended the removal of his gallbladder.  However, when the surgeon operated to remove it, he struck vital organs instead, for Steve Sjogren was born without a gallbladder.  By the time the mistake was realized, he had bled to death.  Luckily, the professionals were able to revive him by pumping in fresh blood.  While he lay dying, Steve Sjogren looked around to realize he was surrounded by transparent people.  They had their hands linked as they prayed.  He understood them and saw only their goodness.  He believes that they were people who had passed away at the hospital, urging him to live. 

The rest of the book focuses on what Steve Sjogren learned in his new “life.”  He developed a new and more personal relationship with God.  I enjoyed reading about his inner thoughts regarding his new perspectives.  I highly recommend this book to everyone. 

Though Mountains Fall

I received a copy of THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALL by Dale Cramer from Bethany House. It is the third book in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series. Overall, I have very mixed feelings about the novel. I haven’t read any other books by Dale Cramer, and I’m not sure I’ll seek them out, although if one does fall into my hands, I’ll give it a try.

There were aspects of THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALL that I loved. For one thing, Dale Cramer based the series on his own ancestors. That is a huge plus for me. For another thing, it involves an Amish community in Mexico, something I’d never heard about before – definitely another plus. For those of you who follow my reading habits, you know Amish fiction is a favorite (there are many Amish families in my town, so I enjoy understanding their perspectives). I recommend this series to anyone else who enjoys learning about the Amish just because it takes place in Mexico, setting it apart from other Amish series.

There were some things I didn’t like: mainly, the writing style. Everyone has a different preference, and I just couldn’t get into the story. The characters were interesting, but there were too many adverbs and not enough descriptions to hold my interest. The characters also seemed to bled together as I read. No one had a distinct personality, at least in my opinion. I know other people will feel differently about those aspects, so nonetheless, I recommend this book. I will continue to read Amish books and this one will remain on my list of novels to discuss with other fans of Amish fiction.

WattPad

Hello, my friends and fellow writers.  I’ve always found tips for the literary world to be beyond helpful, whether they be a better way to Show not Tell or a new website filled with prospective contacts.   The agency who represents me suggested I check out WattPad.  You are able to post a story and see how many people read it.  The readers can also “vote” on their favorites.    There is a space for comments, perfect for constructive criticism or praise.  So far, I’ve posted two short stories (Truck of Jim & Golden Man), an essay (I am Not a Boy), and two manuscripts (COGLING and VICTORIAN).   I look forward to becoming more involved in the WattPad community.  

 http://www.wattpad.com/user/JordanMierek

Goodbye to Yesterday

I received a copy of GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing via Handlebar.  It is the first novel (part one of six) in the Discovery series.  I was extra thrilled to receive this book because my mother is obsessed with the Amish lifestyle, so I will get to share this story with her.  In the past, we’ve both read others by Wanda E. Brunstetter in the Daughters of Lancaster County series.  This is another story that takes place in Lancaster County, in particular Bird-in-Hand, which is a vacation destination for my family.  We visit there every summer. 

GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY involves newlyweds Luke and Meredith.  Luke has lost his job, so the family lives off savings and what few pieces of furniture he manages to sell.  They struggle to get by, which causes tensions.  Meanwhile, Meredith hopes – and worries – that she’s pregnant.  Luke receives a phone call from his Uncle Amos in Indiana offering him to chance to learn the gravestone engraving business.  Even though Meredith doesn’t want Luke to go, he decides to journey by bus to Indiana to buy the business.  Look for book two to find out what happens next!

I recommend this to Amish fans.  The novel is fast-paced; I was able to read it in a little over an hour.  I would have preferred more descriptions, though, of the setting, characters, and Amish lifestyle.  

Legend of the Monk and the Merchant

I received a copy of THE LEGEND OF THE MONK AND THE MERCHANT: TWELVE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL LIVING by Terry Felber Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze.  Overall, I found it an enjoyable and fast-paced read.  The book starts with a foreword about material possessions by Dave Ramsey.  It reminded me of my mother’s philosophy on goods:  only have what you need and use them for the betterment of the world.  You don’t need eights cars.  Stick with one, and whenever possible, use it to help someone who isn’t able to get a ride somewhere important.  Dave Ramsey also mentions that everyone in a business helps out, even those who just answer the phones.  My job is like that – making appointments, answering the telephone, and directing students to their advisers.  I am able to calm them, give them a pleasant experience, in a world that otherwise might not be friendly to him or her.  It helped me to appreciate my job more, and to believe in the role that had once seemed insignificant. 

Now, to the actual story – it reads like a child’s book, but with complex thoughts.  I loved the fact that it was religious and historical.  The storyline occurs during the Renaissance in Rome.  The characters travel through the world meeting people, spreading wisdom, and learning how they can better themselves and humanity.  

TAINTED COIN

I received a copy of THE TAINTED COIN by Mel Starr from Monarch Books via Kregel.  It is the fifth installment of the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, series.  I recently read the book before this one, UNHALLOWED GROUND, and found it delightful.  I haven’t had a chance to read the other novels in the series, but they are on my to-read list. 

I adore history, can’t get enough of it, so most of my bookshelf revolves around historical fiction.  This series is just that, with mystery thrown in.  Somehow, danger and lies follow Hugh de Singleton.  This time the mystery involves a man so severely beaten that he dies.  Before the burial, an ancient coin is found in his mouth.  The coin on the cover of the book reminds me of props from when I volunteered at Fort Stanwix.  Old coins have always fascinated me.  Who else touched them?  What story could the coin tell?  It was a treat to be able to learn more about coins through this fast-paced read. 

Mel Starr has a great knack for introducing readers to the middle ages – 1367 to be exact.   I love the glossary in the front.  It’s so much fun learning new things.  I also enjoyed reading about the foods eaten back then.  I had to look up “capon” when I came upon that delicacy. 

I recommend this series to fans of historical mysteries.  The characters and time period vibrate to life off the pages.